Album Notes

From the liner notes:

This is an outtakes album; a rarities collection. I love outtakes albums like The Who's "Odds And Sods," Bruce Springsteen's "Tracks," and Bob Dylan's "Bootleg Series," not to mention all the bonus tracks that show up on CD reissues these days. When outtakes are released fans are allowed a better glimpse into the frame of mind of the artist at the time they were recording a particular album. With "The Thrift Store Series," I'd like to think that you can get a better glimpse into my creative process, hear some experiments, and listen to a couple of re-interpretations of my songs in a live setting.

*****

As great a songwriter as Rob Christensen is, it seems a tad presumptious for him to think anyone would be interested in this collection of outtakes and rarities dating back to 1992. Maybe there's a cadre of rabid fans I'm unaware of? On the other hand, Rob's cast-offs are better than most of what I hear, so I'll forgive him this slight indulgence. Really, is it any more indulgent than self-releasing music in the first place? Hmm, getting too deep here. If you're already into Christensen from 'The Truth Hurts', 'Smile Slightly' and 'Opera Alley' - or his column in Tape Op - then you may enjoy knowing that the bridge of "Alison Day" (1994) was later used for "Someday Soon" from the 'Opera Alley' album (2000). Newcomers, however, should spend some time with 'The Truth Hurts' before tackling this collector's edition. - Jim Santo, www.demouniverse.com.