Up All Night

The Waifs

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2003)
• Original Release Date: April 1, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B00008XEQQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,150 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 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)

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 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 Amazing New Sound, July 8, 2003

By	Eric McCalister - See all my reviews

I saw the Waifs in Birmingham where they opened for Bob Dylan and it left myself, like the crowd, only wanting more. Their mix of acoustics, piano, harmonica, and powerful vocals and lyrics make this one of the most interesting new sounds in this genre. I strongly recommend you pick this album up as soon as possible and for a taste of things check out "Lighthouse" or "Fisherman's Daughter" these are two of the amazing songs on this album.