September 13, 2005
Best of 2004, #14: Lighthouse by The WAiFS
Posted by Larry Karnowski at September 13, 2005 6:15 AMBefore Merlefest 2004, I had never heard of the WAiFS, and since then, I've really not heard much more. They seem to have been a well-kept Australian secret for several years, and as soon as I heard of them, they disappear again. Ah... after reading up on their website, I see they've been busy touring and marrying and getting pregnant. Well congratulations all around! I hope to see y'all in the States again soon.
Anyway, these independent Aussies put on one helluva good show at Merlefest 2004, and I've been enjoying my one song that I have of theirs immensely. It's Lighthouse from the Fresh Faces of Merlefest 2004 collection. I remember reading that Stacy really liked their album last year. Hmmm... maybe it's time I go get a copy too, eh?
This song is up-beat, fast tempo, with a great bum-chicka-chicka sweeping groove. Rootsy, but almost bluesy. The vocals are great, instrumentation never overdone but still very interesting. They even get an exception to my strict "no harmonica in a band" rule since it's so well-done. Great song!
I put this song so high on my list -- #14, because it never fails to make me happy to listen to it. I always find myself swinging and dancing in my seat whenever it comes on. It's just so damn catchy. The words are great too, but it's those vocals and that beat that keep me coming back.
In keeping with my grand tradition of ruining your list by unknowingly jumping ahead, I'm going to say that perhaps the only Waifs song I like better than "Lighthouse" is "London Still," which manages to make it onto pretty much every mix CD I make for friends. Who knew I'd end up one day kind of relating to it??? (if you change the "London" to "Tokyo" and "taking to tube over to Camden" to "eating raw squid in Shibuya," that is.)
Posted by: Stacy at September 13, 2005 11:38 PMStacy, I've never gotten a CD from you with this song on it. Are we on the outs? The Waifs were definitely one of the highlights of Merlefest 2004, along with Old Crow Medicine show being joined by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.
Posted by: Sean at September 15, 2005 8:51 AMAw baby, you know we're cool. Don't you already have the Waifs CD with "London Still" on it?? I always figured you did. If I'm wrong, then I *have* been remiss in leaving it off your mix CDs.
Posted by: Stacy at September 18, 2005 8:55 PM
