AllMusic Review by Ben Tausig: 4.5 / 5
The Waitresses' 1982 debut album, Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful?, was a unique and fairly important moment in early-'80s new wave, though the band failed to gain momentum from their success and effectively broke up within two years of releasing their first record. Lead singer Patty Donahue's singing ranged from a playful sexiness on the well-known hit "I Know What Boys Like" to a half-talk, half-yell with shades of post-punk groups like Gang of Four and the Raincoats on "Pussy Strut" and "Go On." The guitar and bass were bizarre and funk-influenced in much the same way as other well-known Akron, OH, groups like Devo and the Pretenders. Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful? was, in a sense, the brainchild of Chris Butler, who wrote most of the songs and co-produced the album in addition to playing guitar. Butler's version of new wave was danceable and fun, certainly, but witty and insightful lyrics were also an essential ingredient. Ultimately, though, it was Donahue's attitude that gave the music its personality and made the album a critical and commercial success.
MUSICIANS
THE WAITRESSES
Vocals • Patty Donahue
Backing Vocals • Ariel Warner
Guitars • Chris Butler
Bass • David Hofstra
Drums • Billy Ficca
Horns [Reeds] • Mars Williams
Keyboards • Dan Klayman
SIDE ORDERS
Don Christensen Drums on « No Guilt »
Tracy Wormworth Working Girl Bass
Don Christensen & Chris Butler Tapes on « No Guilt »
Ralph Carney Sax on « Boys Like »
Ralph Carney Harmonica & Sax on « No Guilt »
Stuart Austin Drums on « Boys Like » (in spirit)
Rick Dailey Piano on « Boys Like »
Mark Kramer Tape Loops on « Jimmy Tomorrow »
SOUND
All songs by Chris Butler
Published 1981 by Future Fossil Musics (BMI)
Except « No Guilt » & « I Know what Boys Like »
1980 Merovingian Music / Cri Cri Music (BMI)
Originaly Mastered at Sterling Sound by Greg Calbi
Producer by Chris Butler & Kurt Munkacsi
Remastered By Charlus de La Salle at South Factory
Original Sound Recording Made by ZE Records © 1982
(p) & © 2010 ZE Records Mundo Ltda
DESIGN
Album Concept • Andrew Fuhrmann & Chris Butler
Art Direction • Andrew Fuhrmann
Photo • George DuBose
