Customer Reviews

This Can't Be Life

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Both Wild Colonials CDs would have to be in my Desert Island Discs, but if I could pick only one it would be this one. Angela has an amazing, smokey haunting voice--strong,sad,soulful--all at the same time, without being depressing. Plus the band is great,unusual instruments,(didgeridoo, penny whistle) and unbelievable lyrics. I considered this the soundtrack for a tough, independent, brokenhearted woman, songs like "If" and "Wake Up Sad" have a distinctly feminine perspective--however, I play this CD a lot at work and all of the guys I work with love it. Do yourself a favor and buy both the CDs NOW! they have a new one I haven't heard yet, but its supposed to be good too. And, if you can, go see them live! I saw 2 shows a few years ago in a really small club in Chicago, and not only was the band amazing, but they chatted with us between shows and actually put us on the guest list. (plus Shark's really cute!)

I really like this music. My favorite song is Charm. Angela McCluskey is such a wonderful singer.

Nice change from the stuff being produced today. These Irish Americans are unique.

I've only had this CD for about 2 months, but it's already one of my favourites. These guys deserve fame and fortune, but currently they're good to have as a nice little secret. Best track? "Childhood", no doubt. I know it sounds miserable, but hey, I'm a miserable guy.

Bought this on a whim because I heard their songs in the movie: Dead Man's Curve. It's a fantastic disk. Well worth the risk. I highly recommend this CD!

I love this CD!! It's amazing. The melodies stick in your head. It's a mixture of classical and rock and folk... And her voice is like nothing I've heard. I heard them play live at the Troubadour and they were incredible! Such energy! I love the different instruments and especially her voice!

I saw W.C. as an opener for Midnight Oil in 93; they caught my attention with the first song they played - striking for an opening act. Their blending of instruments (including violin, which is above and beyond the sexiest component of their music) creates a sound rarely heard by any other band out there, excepting bands like Dave Matthews. Their CDs are both terrific but they are even better LIVE. See them now before they get too big for the small stages they are still playing!

Purchased on the strength of the single Charm (now also available on the Lilith Fair CD), this album features several other standout tracks, including If and (my favorite) Blue. The CD stays in my "rotation" constantly. The songs aren't exactly upbeat - many of the lyrics express bitterness or discontent - but they are always thoughtful, and the music is wonderful!

The Wild Colonials offer an dense aural experience on "This Can't Be Life." Building around the considerable vocal talents of Angela McCluskey, the four musicians lay down a thick gumbo of rich sounds, too rich in fact at times.

Clearly accomplished on their numerous instruments---besides the guitars and keyboards and percussion, they add violin, flute, sax, and didgeridoo to catalogue some---each has quite a bit to offer. But it is this richness that, in some manner, becomes a bit overpowering once the freshness of the experience has passed. For instance, as soon as Ms. McCluskey finishes a vocal, here comes a violin, a clarinet, an organ to fill the space, leaving listeners no time to savor what has just finished.

Hence, there is little understatement here to allow for contrast or effect. Other bands, notably the now dormant Big Fish Ensemble or the long, gone Family, have incorporated many types of instruments into their music without sounding quite so dense, and the space between instruments and vocals shimmers as a result.

Still, this is an enjoyable CD, and Ms. McCluskey possesses a dynamic range, calling to mind Annie Haslam in places. The band itself is tight and talented, and, I suspect, may sound better live than in the studio.

The cover art is great, the music is good, and the effort is solid. I look forward to hearing how this band's other recording may have evolved.

Bought this on a whim because I heard their songs in the movie: Dead Man's Curve. It's a fantastic disk. Well worth the risk. I highly recommend this CD!