by
World Party
The Triple Door, Seattle
June 11, 2015
From 1993 to 1995, I owned a record store called Orbit Records. This was during the grunge explosion here in the Northwest with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden being the top-selling artists of the day. But in 1994, I received a promo of a band from across the pond called World Party. The album was called ‘Bang!’ and it was a welcome relief from the Pop Rock songs with Beatle overtones.
As I explored further, I learned that Karl Wallinger was behind World Party and ‘Bang!’ was his third album. Wallinger was previously with a band called The Waterboys that had some success in the UK. Wallinger also had a hit with his song “Ship of Fools” from 1987.
So here we are, at the Triple Door in Downtown Seattle with World Party on stage playing to an adoring audience. Karl Wallinger was accompanied by David Duffy on mandolin and fiddle, and John Turbull on electric guitar. Throughout the evening, they played one great song after another. Everyone was singing and swaying to the music.
I find it amazing that this musician and his songs have not gained the recognition worthy of many of his peers. Back in 2000, just after the release of ‘Dumbing Up’, Wallinger suffered an aneurysm that halted his career and resulted in a long recovery.
Back in 2006, World Party was back in action with a performance at Neumo’s, which was memorable as Karl Wallinger was embraced with his return to the stage. I remember being at that show and everyone singing with unabashed joy. Nothing has changed since.
This evening, Wallinger pulled out one great song after another, singing with great enthusiasm from his catalog. For me the highlight was hearing him sing a tune called “Mystery Girl”. This song was featured on a compilation album called “KCRW Rare On Air Vol. 2”, and is one of my favorites!
Catching World Party in action is always a wonderful experience and one not to miss the next time they swing through,
View more photos from World Party at The Triple Door HERE
