My sister had introduced me to Heather Nova's songs when she bought Siren. Little did she know that I would be playing it nonstop! I was so completely impressed by the quality of her voice, her vocal ranges and seductive yet powerful lyrics that I bought Wonderlust because I had heard that it was from her Siren promotion tour. And WOW!!! This recording completely overwhelmed me because her voice was just so much more powerful and energetic than her studio cuts. I am in complete agreement with the other reviewers; she breathes life into her songs and the band only add to it. She pours all her feelings and emotions into her songs and it shows. I don't know how but they are totally in sync with Heather - from my experience, singers usually are either overpowered by the band or they just sound really awful live.
As for the songs:Winterblue: From her Siren album, it was my least favorite but I was hooked on live version. Completely different and the bass made it so much cooler!
Walk this World: From Oyster, what can I say? Fantastic!
Island: From Oyster, she pours her heart out in this one. Her voice is so haunting and seductive and it amazes me how high her voice can reach.
Heart and Shoulder: From Siren, my favorite! Near the end, she drags out the notes so impressively: "when you're worried and confused------."
Paper Cup: From Siren, she makes it much more romantic.
London Rain: From Siren, I just wanted to keep singing along with her. The song is just so infectious. And it brings out the beauty of her voice.
Not Only Human: From Siren, again, electrifying.
Doubled up: From Oyster, another great song! You can definitely hear the cello (Nadia) in this one.
Truth and Bone: From Oyster, her voice has never sounded better.
I'm the girl: From Siren, very energized and she just wails the words out.
Heal: From Oyster, it was much more sensual than her studio cut and is now one of my favorites.
Make you Mine: From Siren, again, so different from her album.
Sugar: From Oyster, this song was already raw and swamped with emotions. I don't know how Heather did it, but the Oyster version simply pales in comparison to her live one. She completely loses herself in this song (not really a surprise since she was building up to this point throughout the gig)and the ending guitar riffs are so amazing!!!
I'm on Fire: I'm pretty sure this is Bruce Springstein's song but Heather most definitely leaves her trademark on it.
Words cannot describe her performance. Once you hear Wonderlust, you will be hooked (like me)! This cd is worth the money; it is a tad more expensive because it is an import. But I would have given almost everything to be at her concerts physically. Hopefully, she'll tour in the states soon!