Customer Reviews

Up All Night

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Up All Night is a great album. The different styles of the songwriters in this band complement each other so nicely, and they are such talented musicians. The music on this album isn't about showing off, it's a collection of thoughtful, honest tunes regular people can relate and groove to. Especially dig Vicki's harp (keep stompin). I've seen The Waifs in Santa Cruz, San Jose, and San Francisco and thoroughly enjoyed each gig -- this band's studio efforts parallel their live performance very nicely.

If you are into any of these artists, you will love "Up all Night". There are echoes of all these musical styles in this album. This covers them all.

Joshua Cunningham's vocals on 'Since I've Been Around' are reminiscent of Paul Kelly (another great Australian folk/blues singer), as are the catchy instumentals on 'Lighthouse'.

The songs on this album are composed of deceptively simple poetry, which reminded me of Jewel's songwriting. There is often a deeper meaning, as in 'Fourth Floor'. I even felt shades of Joni Mitchell in this one. And 'Three Down' is a country-bluesy song in the same vein as many Bonnie Raitt songs.

The Waifs are unique in the way they bring all these musical styles together. The great musicality, featuring the ever-present harmonica, and the harmonies of the Simpson sisters, are the connecting thread through this album. But there is enough variety for repeated listening. This is one of the best albums I have heard for some time.

Caught the Waifs on a strong rec from friends at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in April/03....as reviewed above, loved the Campbell sisters winning attitudes, great vocals, Vikki's harp, and Josh Cunningham's accented vocals and sharp acoustic guitar fills. They certainly won over the Jazz Fest crowd who vocally asked for an encore.
I went straight away to the cd tent to get the current release Up All Night. We listened to it back and forth to the fest for the remaining days....fine soulful folk/pop with lyrics that have grown with me to make me smile or put a little lump in the throat.
Fine music for a late Saturday night or a Tuesday afternoon. Enjoy.

The Waifs are from Australia and they never forget it, even as all three write and sing of distance and rootlessness. The sound features wonderful harmonies between the two Simpson sisters, excellent harmonica on almost every song, and can be country-bluesy (Flesh and Blood), 60's-like (London Still), or recall some Lucinda Williams Louisiana-style yearning (Highway One). Every five cuts or so up pops a song from Joshua Cunningham who speaks (a smoother Tom Waits and very like his countryman Paul Kelly) more than sings his lyrics and looks back to things gone, either by twenty years (Since I've Been Around) or one night (Up All Night). Three Down is standard "oh-how-hard-it-is-to-be-on-the-road" stuff, but all the other eleven songs are fresh takes on the performers's universal themes -- love, loss, home and the road. Aside from the ones I've mentioned already, I especially liked Fourth Floor and Lighthouse.

'Up All Night' is, to put it simply, one of the best albums you could ever hope to hear. With vocals that go from soulful to searing, guitar that does the same, and songwriting that puts the Fred Dursts of the world to shame, The Waifs have put together something remarkable. It's not often you hear an independent release that sounds this good, and it is to the bands credit that they are achieving more exposure than ever. Donna (will you marry me?), Vikki and Josh combine brilliantly on every song. It is just so refreshing to hear music that shows clearly how much the artists enjoy making it. The standout tracks are London Still (an anthem for all Aussie expats), Fisherman's Daughter, and Fourth Floor, each different, but each brilliant in its own right. The Waifs style is hard to classify, but this pop/folk/country trio quite obviously have the magic touch, and it is a shame more people aren't aware of them. If you have a brain you will buy this album, and support independent music. Also, if you ever get a chance to see them live, do whatever it takes to get to the show.They are always amazing. This is music to put a smile on your face.

I just saw these guys play live at WOMADELAIDE, a world music festival, and let me just say that they were amazing. the energy level from the band, espiecally Vicki Simpson (the younger sister), was simply breath taking. The whole audiance was just sitting there like "stund mullets". We were in aor of the talent that was on show. But thats enought of what the Waifs are like live, what about the cd?

Well let me just say straight up that the passion and energy level isnt quite there on the cd, which is the main reason i didnt give it 5 stars. Thats not to say that the songs are dead on "Up all Night" though, not by a long shot. Whenever i hear "Lighthouse" or "Fourth Floor" i still have to get up and start dancing, while "London Still" (there big hit over here) always makes me feel homesick, even though im still at home....

The three songs just mentioned are definitely my favs, and worthy of your hard earned cash by themselves, while "Fisherman's Daughter" and Highway One" aren't far behind. To be honest some songs still haven't jumped out and cought my attention, but then again ive only had the cd for about a week so i havent really given them all that much time. But i must say that everytime i do chuck this cd in my sterio it sounds better and better.

"Up All Night" isn't everyones cup of tea, but for anyone that is a fan of folk music i definetley recommend going out and grabbing this cd, or even better, go see them live if you've got the chance. I think there about to head off on an American tour so you'll have no excuse.

on a final note, what did ya think of my title.... i was pretty happy with that effort

although their 2nd album remains my favourite to date, this is another fantastic effort by the Aussie trio. Coming off a tour opening for Dylan, The Waifs are *this close* to becoming a name in the US. Have a listen, take a chance - you won't be disappointed!