Sink Or Swim

The Waifs

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ato Records
• ASIN: B00006AFKY
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,249 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Waifs--sisters Donna and Vikki Simpson and Josh Cunningham--honed their craft playing countless gigs throughout the 1990s in their native Australia. Sink or Swim is their third album, and it features 11 selections of acoustic, and occasionally electric-guitar-driven, pop-folk. The songs include Cunningham's "Brief History," a song that's half Woody Guthrie-style talking blues and half rap, which tells the story of the band; Donna's "Haircut," a song about a breakup that blends anger and fierce joy in equal measure; and Vikki's "Danger," an enigmatic song of loss. The band's vocal harmonies are tight, and the arrangements feature plenty of strummed and finger-picked guitars, with a bit of banjo here and dab of cello there to fill out the sound. The three members of the Waifs know how to compose a catchy hook and write a lyric that touches both heart and mind, and have enough instrumental chops to deliver the goods. And really, what more do need from a band? --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh-squeezed acoustic pop, August 2, 2002

By	"kelleyalison" (the third floor) - See all my reviews

I was fortunate enough to see the Waifs' dynamic set at the Newport Folk Festival in 2001, and since then, this little gem of an album is never far from my stereo. Musically, it has that jangly guitar and harmonica sound of the indigo girls first album "Strange Fire" - bright, acoustic, and harmony-driven. And I sometimes hear a hint of early Michelle Shocked in their vocal inflections, but these are comments more on style: the Waifs are in no way derivative. See them live if you can; their energetic stage presence is refreshing in the face of so many artists who seem to have forgotten why they got into the business in the first place. They're doing a lot more U.S. shows these days, and increased exposure means this great band won't be a secret here for long.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome acoustic guitar, awesome vocals, awesome lyrics!, June 21, 2003

By	shannonhills (southern california) - See all my reviews

I was introduced to this Australian band at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in May of 2003, and I was blown away. I'd heard they were opening up for Bob Dylan on his tour, and I must confess I was a little turned off, because I wanted to hear new, exciting music (Bob, please forgive me the stereotype! You were integral to my formation!), and didn't make a point to see them. But because they were performing just ahead of a band I did want to see at Jazz Fest, I ended up hearing about an hour of their set and immediately fell in love!!! I swear they have made an impression on me that will last a lifetime. Nothing like I expected. Their music is real, musically diverse and challenging, fun and upbeat as well as dark and brooding, and, in sum, everything you could expect from a group of bona-fide musicians/singer/songwriters. You must buy this CD. HOWEVER, you must also buy their "Up All Night," if for no other reason than to hear the song "Love Serenade." I listen to and see a lot of music, and I'm telling you that this song is one of my all-time favorites. I made my guitar instructor figure it out so he could teach me to play it, and even after playing it 100 times I still love it. These kids are real, they're good, and they're talented. If Bob Dylan wanted them, you should too!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable WAIFS, July 26, 2002

By	John C. Robbins (Northern, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I saw the WAIFS play last weekend at the Grass Valley Music Festival in northern California and was completely blown away by their lively stage presence, their fantastic musicianship and their great songs. I bought the SINK OR SWIM CD from them at the festival and have been listening to it all week. The CD definitely captures their sound and energy. The songs are great, the arrangements, harmonies and musicianship are almost flawless. These folks have a solid sound with folk/rock roots, a bluesy influence and modern lyrics. This is a great CD (their first in the US, their third in Australia) and a great collection of songs from a soon to be well known Australian band. Enjoy. I know I do.