The Waifs Albums (6)
'Live from the Union of Soul'
Release Date 3/24/2009
Tracks 14
Label Jarrah
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Australian folk-rockers the Waifs are captured in a batch of live recordings made during their Union of Soul tour of their home country in 2008. The band's sound here is acoustic-based but not exclusively or aggressively folky; in fact, the stylistic range is impressively wide on this fine album. It opens with "How Many Miles," a song that sounds something like a collaboration between the BoDeans and Los Lobos (and is marred only by a sightly intrusive harmonica). Singer Donna Simpson introduces "When I Die" as a bluegrass song, but it's really a honky tonk number, bordering on rockabilly, and a very good one. Elsewhere things settle into a jazzier, torchier, sexier mode: note in particular the sultry "Sundirtwater" (arranged mainly for voice and string bass) and the especially torchy "Stay." "Sweetest Dream" sounds like it could have been written and recorded in 1960s Memphis or Muscle Shoals, which is compliment both to the songwriting and to the performance -- this is a very solid group that nicely balances tightness with flexibility. On the softer side is the sweetly regretful "London Still," and while the program focuses primarily on original compositions, there is also a fine rendition of the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody song "From Little Things" (featuring guest artist John Butler). Fans will be especially excited to see this release, but for newcomers it also makes a fine introduction to the band. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Listening to an earlier Waifs album like 2003's Up All Night, it was easy to detect lots of talent but hard to separate it from other vocal groups that focused on tight, smooth harmony. Like a contemporary version of Peter, Paul & Mary, it was an approach that seemed more likely to attract the uninitiated to folk music than hardened fans who preferred the authenticity of rougher edges. If one gains the impression that the title, Sundirtwater, suggests a new, more basic approach to roots music, then he or she has followed the Waifs' line of thinking. Here, the band has pulled off a neat trick, both beefing up its sound (electric guitar) and keeping things looser (less tight harmony). This nice combination, topped by (mostly) Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn's lead vocals and by (mostly) Josh Cunningham songs, delivers tracks that never lose their soul from being overly polished. Listening to cuts like "Pony" and "Get Me Some," the band sounds as though it's found a natural groove, somewhere between country, folk, and soul. The Waifs, by loosening the reins, have expressed a great deal of confidence in each member's individual abilities on Sundirtwater, and ironically have become a stronger unit for it. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Up All Night by Australian folk-pop group the Waifs is a sort of overly sensitive lite-folk fare, though it is not without its charm. The music is played well enough, with nice harmonies from sisters Vikki and Donna Simpson. The acoustic guitars are mixed with a bright shine, and the same might be said for many of the lyrics, which are filled with familiar imagery and clichés. A few stand-out songs include the disc's opener, "Fisherman's Daughter," and one of the disc's several obligatory road songs, "London Still." ~ Jesse Jarnow, All Music Guide
'Sink or Swim'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 11
Label Browntone/Galvanic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
With little time to spare, the third time for this West Australian trio is the charmer. Maximizing the talents of each crafty songwriter, the Simpson sisters lead close to all of the songs within, including the aptly worded and grin-inducing "The Haircut," a song about personal interior and exterior imperfections. Abstaining from traditional folk for a more rural, quasi-country sound, the band rarely misses the mark, although "Love Serenade" is just satisfactory. There are a few brief, shining pop moments, but equally lovable are the slow country hues of "Service Fee." The greatest asset is how songs such as "A Brief History..." and "The Waitress" work due to the mini-biographies within each, complete with banjo and mandolin. The sweet harmonies between Vikki Simpson and Donna Simpson on "Taken" is another highlight. If there is one knock that could be used against them, it's the simple fact there isn't more here than could be. If the title is related to their career path, "swim" is the operative word. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Using a patchwork musical quilt of folk and acoustic pop arrangements, the Waifs sound almost complete in a large number of songs. Although Josh Cunningham produces a majority of the songwriting, songs such as "People Who Think They Can" and the lively "Shelter Me" evoke images of a feminized Crowded House thanks to the Simpson sisters, Vikki and Donna. Structured in a cozy, country-like frame of harmonies and acoustic guitars, most of the album works all too well. A few songs, including the soulful "Time to Part," seem a bit askew from the others, but aren't annoying to the senses. An album's best is sometimes saved for the last, and this is no exception, as the introspective "Spotlight" demonstrates the strengths of this trio perfectly. "Attention" and a hidden track, a live jazz version of "Billy Jones," are also high points. The pop effort seems to work slightly better than the soul or jazz efforts, but it's a case of splitting very fine hairs for a promising act from down under. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The debut album from Australia's the Waifs is a more than adequate stab at troubadour folk and acoustic pop. "Gillian," with a similar structure and tone to Texas legend Townes Van Zandt, exemplifies how basic harmonies and deft lyrics can put a smile on many faces. Donna Simpson and her lush voice on "Sunflower Man" are stellar, particularly with the addition of harmonica and mandola. In some instances, the band is guilty of what can be termed funk folk, a style all too often used with little to no benefit on a tune such as "Jealousy." A few styles are dabbled in, with positive end results. "Crazy Train" is similar to Jimmie Rodgers, while the quirky yet amusing "Billy Jones" has few flaws. There is also a rawness and moodiness, but the band obviously doesn't take themselves too seriously, if "Waif Song" is any indication. An extremely engaging and entertaining affair. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
