A Brief History [Best of, Live]

If you are a Waifs fan, you may well be awaiting this album. For the most part, it provides most of the songs the Waifs include on their US tour play lists, taking songs nearly equally from their four previous albums. There are one or two new songs, specifically "Bridal Train" that you may have heard at their concerts. There are two versions, a studio and a live version. The band planned to take some older performances along with newer ones to show how the band's performances have changed or grown over time. If you have become a Waifs fan, you will really enjoy having this set in your collection.

From their early days busking outside supermarkets in far north Queensland, gigging in remote pubs and mines to their recent sell out shows around the country, the Waif's career encompasses music that has been forged in the fires of long days and months on the road, crappy day jobs and an honest and admirable desire to make uncompromisingly good music at the expense of an easy living. They have paid their dues and now, it would seem are reaping their just rewards. This double live album is a synopsis of their career to date and, in contrast to it's eulogical title, gives the unacquainted a splendid insight into what has gone before and more importantly what, possibly, is yet to come.

Recorded in venues as diverse as the Athenaeum in Melbourne, the Metro in Sydney, the Belvoir Amphitheatre in Perth and Tilley's in Canberra, one could expect the sound to be a little patchy over its thirty one tracks. These fears however are quickly dispelled by the sparkling clarity of the opening track, right on through the duration of the album whole. Either because of the intimacy of some of these venues or as a testament to the bands selection process these tracks sparkle with crystal clear acoustics and a bright balanced tone. All of those Waifs mainstays are here, London Still, Lighthouse, Crazy Train and the musicianship, groove and interaction they are performed with here is nothing short of sumptuous.

There are moments of musical splendor here that, for me, rise above the others, like Vikki Simpson's jaw-dropping harp solo at the start of Crazy Train (ala Sonny Terry's "Hootin' Blues"), that even after dozens of listens, still gives me goose-bumps. Josh Cunningham's bright, twangy acoustic guitar work here is tasteful, lavish and full of that major key warmth that permeates much of these tracks. I am surprised at how he has slipped under the radar for so long as he is simply, an astonishingly accomplished guitarist. This is evident on some extremely elegant solos in songs like "Lies", "Brain Damage" and a rollicking version of Dylan's "Don't think twice it's alright".

There is none of the twee `audience participation' moments one would expect from a double live album, rather there is a superb and witty dialogue, not only between the audience and band but between the band members themselves. Listen to the raucous appreciation from the female portion of the crowd, for Vicky's tongue in cheek pontificating during "Haircut" or the downright hilarious moment when Josh Cunningham's mobile phone starts buzzing the mike reception during the still intimacy of one of Donna Simpson's more somber vocal moments.

I cannot praise this album more highly, it faithfully encapsulates the mood and swinging momentum of this amazing band. It actually feels like a good night out in a buzzing venue listening to great music - which, after all, is what a live album should be all about don't you think ?

I must preface this by admitting that I have had very poor luck with live albums, in general. Something just usually gets lost in translation, whether it be poor sound quality, crowd noise, etc., and I am usually left disappointed.

This double-album is so very different, thankfully. The only reason that I chanced purchasing it is because The Waifs blew me away when I saw them in concert in May, 2003 in Tampa. Believe me when I tell you that this offering replicates the live experience beautifully!! The sound quality is terrific...very crisp and clear; very pleasing to this picky ear. While all of their songs are represented well, my favorites are "Gillian" (with great crowd interaction) and the beautiful "Bridal Train" (both live and studio versions). Every trip through this CD gives me a greater appreciation for Josh's amazing guitar playing and Vicki's harmonica talent. Truly.

Simply put, if you are one of the thousands who count themselves as musically-blessed after having been exposed to The Waifs in person, you must add "A Brief History" to your collection. If you have never seen them live OR your Waifs exposure is a limited one, THIS is the opportunity for you to get a taste of the Waifs experience and be forever thankful that you did. I know I am.

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