A Review of The Waifs CD
"Up All Night"
"Up All Night"
by The Waifs
Copyright 2003
Compass Records
117 30th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
ph: (615) 320-7672
http://www.compassrecords.com
and
mailto:info@compassrecords.com
This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 2/04
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.kevindmccarthy.com/music/index.html
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One could easily understand if the title of this effort was mistaken
for some sort of a compendium related to insomnia, a nagging prostate
or heck, maybe even Levitra. But, as they say in politics, if
you're in a hole, especially of your own accord, then quit digging. So
it's time to toss aside the shovel.
Good ol' Willie Nelson sang of
the giddy pleasures of touring in "On The Road Again". The Waifs are
here to counter that preference. This three-person band out of
Australia, offers angst-filled, off-kilter souls lamenting their
absence from home or trying to find where home is, in a collection of
songs about the travel-weary and lovelorn. Being based in the far away
Land Down Under has apparently worked wonders for the building of this
trio's
repertoire.
Song snapshots such as "London Still" (probably the most recognized
track from radio play), "Lighthouse," Rescue," "Sweetness," "Three
Down" and "Since I've Been Around" are prime examples. "Lighthouse"
shines as dare we write it, a metaphor for the lost. The second verse of "Three Down"
sounds remarkably early Dylan-esque--is it "Maggie's Farm"?
This band is superb at atmospherics--the musical settings of their
songs. Utilizing mainly harmonica, guitar, a dash of dobro or mandolin,
plus the sensual voices of members Donna and Vikki Simpson,
the result is an engaging folksy blues or bluesey folk. Joshua Cunningham also takes his turn at
the mike with enjoyable, if not as provocative, results.
Although still in their twenties, these three individuals display the
talent and skill, plus an insight into the frailities of the human
condition of those usually much older. So draw the drapes, put on this
CD and pine right along for home and love.
For the record, The Waifs are Donna Simpson on vocals and acoustic
guitar; Vikki Simpson on vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar; and
Joshua Cunningham on vocals, guitar, mandolin, ukulele and dobro. They
are assisted on this release by Ben Franz on electric guitar, double
bass and dobro; David MacDonald on drums; and Bruce Haymes on wurlitzer.
Track List:
- Fisherman's Daughter - (4:43) Donna Simpson
- Nothing New - 3:33 Vikki Simpson
- London Still - 3:47 Donna Simpson
- Lighthouse - 3:21 Joshua Cunningham
- Flesh and Blood - 4:00 Joshua Cunningham
- Highway One - 5:07 Donna Simpson
- Since I've Been Around - 4:40 Joshua Cunningham
- Fourth Floor - 3:26 - Joshua Cunningham
- Rescue - 2:32 Donna Simpson
- Three Down - 3:28 Vikki Simpson
- Sweetness - 3:25 Donna Simpson
- Up All Night - 5:51 Joshua Cunningham
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