This Can't Be Life


This Can't Be Life is the second album by American alternative band Wild Colonials, released in 1996.

Details

This Can't Be Life features a more Rock-oriented sound than their first more acoustic debut Fruit of Life. This update in sound and volume was due to the band touring extensively the previous year and playing larger venues. The band toured nationally in the U.S. as headliners as well as the opening act for Los Lobos, Chris Isaak, Midnight Oil, Cyndi Lauper and The Kinks. The band also toured as co-headliners with Young Dubliners. The band headlined the second stage as part of the ground breaking first Lilith Fair '97 tour.
The music video for the first single and Radio hit "Charm" directed by Paul Boyd, was played often on MTV that year. This was the first album to feature new member Thaddeus Corea on Drums/Percussion.

Cover artwork

The cover image is from a 1917 German postcard. The sleeve design and photos were taken by Wild Colonials' violinist Paul Cantelon's brother Lee Cantelon. Lee had borrowed the postcard from American singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones. Rickie had received the postcard from a friend in Europe and had it up on the wall of her kitchen. Lee has designed many album covers including Tracy Chapman and Rickie Lee Jones.

"Wake Up Sad" remixes

A radical reworking of the track was remixed by Frankie Blue and Jason Bentley. A rap remix “Wake Up Sad ” was done by the World Rap Maniacs from New York City.

Soundtrack appearances

All songs written by the Wild Colonials
  1. "This Misery" – 4:13
  2. "Spirit" – 4:50
  3. "Coy" – 3:44
  4. "Wake Up Sad" – 5:05
  5. "Charm" – 3:17
  6. "Want" – 5:14
  7. "If" – 4:05
  8. "Blue" – 5:36
  9. "Different" – 3:54
  10. "Childhood" – 5:49

    Singles

  1. "Charm " – 3:17

    Videos

A Video was made for "Charm" directed by Paul Boyd.

Personnel