Up All Night

The Waifs | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B00008XEQQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,183 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #99 in Music > World Music > Australia & New Zealand

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Waifs may hail from Australia, but their canny blend of acoustic blues, country, and folk wouldn’t sound out of place in the sort of hip Texas roadhouse that has Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan on the jukebox. The trio consists of sisters Vicki and Donna Simpson, who both play guitar and harmonize beautifully, and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Cunningham. All three are fine songwriters, and although they each have distinctly different styles, their compositions fit together like a musical mosaic. Cunningham’s moving, hopeful "Lighthouse" can be heard as a response to Donna’s bittersweet song of homesickness, "London Still," which in turn echoes in Vicki’s road ballad, "Three Down." The Waifs may play the same Dobros, mandolins, and guitars that any American folk or alt-country band play, but their Australian accents and outlook give them a refreshing take on the style. --Michael Simmons

Product Description

2002 album from the Australian folk group, a tad country, with some blue downbeats and pop sensibilities. Features the hit single 'London Still' and a plethora of other story telling masterpieces. Jarrah label. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply amazing, May 6, 2003

By 

J. Kearney (FL Left Coast, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Up All Night (Audio CD)

Since being exposed to The Waifs SINK OR SWIM on the local community folk radio program some months back, I purchased it straightaway and haven't regretted it for an instant. In fact, it seems like forever that I have awaited the release of UP ALL NIGHT. I was blessed to be able to witness the terrific talent and energy of Vikki & Donna Simpson, and Josh Cunningham (The Waifs) on May 3rd at Tropical Heatwave in Tampa. And afterwards, I purchased a copy of UP ALL NIGHT. What a musical treat this CD is from the opening cut throughout it's 48 minute length. With the beautiful vocals of Vikki and Donna and Josh's terrific guitar work, that would be enough in and of itself to offer a sumptuous feast for the soul. But then add Vikki's infectious harmonica-playing which infuses so much on Fisherman's Daughter, Lighthouse, 4th Floor. etc., and you have a CD that, for me, is the best musical purchase that I have made in 2003, by far. It is so very strong lyrically and beautiful musically that I cannot help but sing its praises. And as they are on tour currently, opening for Bob Dylan (when not performing alone), make every effort to see them if you are one to appreciate someone sharing their talents and loving doing it. Mark my words. Peace.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous album, July 28, 2003

By 

R. Vosik "vosmo" (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Up All Night (Audio CD)

This is a great album. They call their music 'folky kinda music', and I guess that's as good a description as any. The music is somewhere in the alt.country sphere, over there next to folk. Great tunes, wailin' harmonica, and a laid-back lyrical sensibility add up to an unexpected formula for an Australian band.

One of the best of 2003.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, what a sound!, June 6, 2003

By 

Judy Barhorst (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Up All Night (Audio CD)

The Waifs opened for Bob Dylan at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomon's Island, MD in May 2003 - this was my first exposure to them and they are fabulous. Great harmonies, harmonica, lyrics, stage presence - If you ever get a chance to see them perform, jump at it!