Waifs' album floats to the top

As I look at my CD collection I try to compare Sink or Swim to some of the albums I own. Not being able to compare the Waifs' most recent album to anything I have bought, since I realize I have never really listened to upbeat folksy/pop music, I try to fully grasp what possible interest I could have with it. But after listening through Sink or Swim, I ask myself why I haven't ever listened to this genre before.\nI typically listen to punkish, loud music, with easy guitar rhythms and cheesy lyrics. But the refreshing sound of the Waifs makes me want to nod my head along with the acoustic guitars and press repeat to learn all of the Simpson sisters' lyrics so the next time around I can sing with them. Vikki's harmonica in "The Waitress," along with a number of other songs adds the perfect touch, and the lyrics in many songs, especially in "Sink or Swim," bring them alive with interesting metaphors about life. "Sink or swim, sink or swim / What's it gonna be when you dive on in?" just makes me want to go out and take a huge chance just to see if I will "sink or swim."\nNow, not everything about the album is good, especially some of the slower, more depressing songs such as "The Haircut" or "Service Fee." Not that these songs are bad, it's just they are a little too slow, and they aren't the best to listen to when everything is going great in life. But as soon as my girlfriend breaks up with me, I know that will be listening to these slower songs over and over again.\nBy no means am I going to throw away all of my Goldfinger and Less than Jake CDs and start filling my shelf with folksy acoustic ballads, but when I want to just relax and have good conversation with some friends I'll probably pop in Sink or Swim for some background music.