An Aussie Triumph

'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.

another stellar 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!

Brilliant Album

I don't know how I'd managed to overlook The WAiFS but I first heard this CD recently when staying at my sister's house on the way back from the 2003 East Coast Blues & Roots Festival. I was hooked and bought the CD immediately. I haven't stopped listening to it since.

London Still and Lighthouse are my favourite tracks however the entire album is great.

Here's a tip - if you like The WAiFs then I'd recommend you have a listen to "Water and Wood" by Jodi Martin, another Australian artist who has links with this group (Dave Macdonald, drummer). It's also one of my favourite CDs. (The WAiFS website has a link to Jodi's website)...I can't wait to see The WAiFS live. Come home guys! I've just odered "Sink or Swim"...

Fantastic CD

I first heard of The Waifs through JJJ hottest 100 - where 'London Still' was number 3 and 'Highway 1' was number 80. I don't usually go for this type of music (folk/alternative??), but was memorised by these two songs.
The Aussie band is AWESOME to say the least, and as this is the only CD of theirs I have heard, I have given it 5 stars.
I work in a music store - and can appreciate good musicians when I here them, these guys are amazing.
Do yourself a favour and buy this CD.

I was Up all Night Listening to this one

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

Shades of Paul Kelly, Jewel, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell....

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.