Featured Artist for September 21: World Party

This week's featured artist on Up All Night is none other than Karl Wallinger's one-man wrecking machine World Party. Karl is a musician's musician: creative, tragic, funny and above all, unflappable. His lyrics are wry, clever, insightful and accompanied by accomplished arrangements and terrific melodies. And despite incredible personal hardships, World Party remains a critically acclaimed act determined to carve out a place on the world music stage.

Karl started World Party after his departure from another great band, The Waterboys, in 1986. World Party recorded a total of 5 studio albums by the year 2000. Sadly, his mother passed away prior to the release of 1997's Egyptology, which also saw him leave his record label (Chrysalis) following their handling of his single "She's The One" which was later made a hit by Robbie Williams.

Following a 3-year hiatus, further tragedy struck shortly after the release of Dumbing Up in 2000. Karl fell victim to a paralyzing aneurism which left him unable to speak. Heroically, he worked hard at rehabilitation and has recovered such that in 2006 he was able to resume touring with the likes of Steely Dan and recorded a join project with Peter Gabriel. This fall, World Party is engaged in a limited tour of the western US and is releasing its entire back catalog via iTunes.

Join me as I celebrate the musical career of World Party and celebrate Karl Wallinger's tremendous contributions to the genre of alternative music. And if you have any WP faves you'd like to hear during the show, drop me a line or leave a comment below. Cheers and thanks for listening to Up All Night!