Product Description
The Waitresses were considered a joke band, though no one ever understood exactly what the joke was. Guitarist Chris Butler–formerly of pioneering Akron art-rockers Tin Huey–was perhaps the smartest, sharpest satirist of the American new wave, an Ohio-bred Elvis Costello with an even lower opinion of humanity. His mouthpiece, the late Patty Donahue, had the most distinctive vocal style of the era, and the band, featuring Television’s Billy Ficca on drums, future B-52 Tracy Wormworth on bass, and downtown art-scene saxophonist Mars Williams, was probably the tightest in New York. Unfortunately, all most people ever heard was “I Know What Boys Like,” a terrific song whose impact was blunted outside of the conte… More >>
Comments
In an almost dead genre it is great to have a band like this for rejeuvenation. The music from this band regenerates a dying era. the tunes are upbeat and fun. The lyrics offer quick little fantasies for a generally perky and upbeat CD. This band really knows how to make you get up and dance!
Rating: 4 / 5
Have never been all that keen about this one-hit wonder,but I did think this archive performance from the new wavers was rather very well produced.Was recorded at My Father’s Place in Long Island on February 13,1982.Didn’t realize they’d only put out two ‘actual’ albums(not counting compilations).Tunes I thought were pretty decent were “Wise Up”,”I Know What Boys Like”(today,this cut could be parodied in SO many ways),”It’s My Car” and “Heat Night”.Line-up:Patty Donahue-vocals(R.I.P.),Chris Butler-guitar,Dave Hofstra-bass,Dan Klayman-organ and Billy Ficca-drums.Should appeal to fans of the B-52′s,Romeo Void,Berlin,Go Go’s and Tony Basil.
Rating: 4 / 5
Not being the biggest new wave fan, I was attracted to this band for the fine playing and clever songs, both words and music.
As a bonus, this was recorded at legendary showcase club My Father’s Place in Roslyn, NY. Give it a try.
Rating: 4 / 5
I have liked this band since they came out with the LP of “Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful?”. Great lyrics and arrangements. And I think Patty Donahue gave it all the perfect attitude. The only thing I’m not totally keen on with this particular CD is that the sound quality is a bit one-dimensional. Otherwise, its fun to hear these songs done in a live format.
Rating: 3 / 5
This is a bittersweet album: great stuff, but it showcases Patty Donahue…and she is no longer with us.
This is the only album that features some great Waitress singles: Quit, Go On, and It’s My Car.
It also reinforces the legend that the band was the tightest of the New Age groups. Twenty-five year old tapes from a bar sound great.
Funny, cynical, wise……Great stuff.
Rating: 5 / 5