Shelter Me

by The Waifs

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	04/06/2004
Label:	Compass
UPC:	0766397438023
Rank:	142412

Tracks

1. Heart Lies
2. People Who Think They Can
3. Shelter Me
4. Lest We Forget
5. Smith St.
6. Time to Part
7. Sound the Alarm
8. Stuck
9. The River
10. Spotlight
11. Attention
12. [Untitled Hidden Track]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Waifs   Primary Artist
Andrew Entsch   Double Bass,Double Bass
Jeff Algra   Drums,Drums,Percussion
Vikki Simpson   Vocals,Harmonica,Guitar
Josh Cunningham   Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Donna Simpson   Guitar,Vocals,Percussion
Chris Dickie   Percussion
Ashley Davies   Drums
Jen Anderson   Viola,Violin

Technical Credits

Adam Rhodes   Audio Engineer,Engineer
Vikki Simpson   Composer
Josh Cunningham   Composer
Donna Simpson   Composer
Chris Dickie   Mixing,Engineer
The Waifs   Design,Producer,Photography
Don Bartley   Mastering
Graham Fraser   Engineer