The Afghan Whigs - 1965
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Free Music Notes for 1965
Free Music Review: Most Underrated Band of the Last Century Makes Most Underrated Album of the Last Century.
Hit: 5 Stars
Afghan Whigs may not be to some people's tastes, i.e. those who try to stay out of deep, dark places and turn a blind eye to realities, life in general, or what living to the edge can do for you in both negative, but also, positive ways. Afghan Whig's lead singer Dulli has been there, and will remind you song after song with his bandmates who, much as I like Twilight Singers and other projects, nobody can grove like Curley's slinky dark impacting basslines and the brilliance of chimes, pulloffs, and bombastically appropriate (and underrated, which is a theme to the Whigs) guitarist Rick McCollum, Dulli isn't as much just a floating part as he is the whole with the Whigs as a band (and hopefully they'll reunite and all will at once be well with the world).
Black Love was an arc of those dark recesses, hinted with the gritty cities of the Northeast, Cincinnati, or elsewhere, their music is not really appropriate for say Miami or LA, it's built from the toughness of the rustbelt mixed with despair and elation, even putting them in the Big Easy doesn't necessarily take them away from their northern lackluster economy area roots, only adds some fire to the struggle. 1965 ads just a tough more sin to what was already there, and dare I say... fun? Fun as much as the Whigs could produce, the type of fun that happens in the AM hours where a light anesthetic of drinks or other libations has brought out the inner "don't give a f***" in someone and is putting all their carnal efforts towards motivations questionable but primal and more real than that person who may sit in a cubicle or act in a way society expects them too. It's raw, it's powerful, it's everything the Afghan Whigs were, and hopefully will be again.
Because sin, sin is in, and so we begin.
Free Music Review: Out like a light
Hit: 5 Stars
Cajones.
Picture this - it's 1998, and the kind of bleak alt-rock that your band has specialized in for the past decade isn't exactly in fashion anymore. Facing sagging sales and general public distinterest, what do you do? Reinvent your sound in favor of something passionate, soulful, swaggering, confident, unique, intelligent and real.
Ten years later, I was in a record store chatting with some folks I know who work there. One of them puts on some early Afghan Whigs, which reminds me that I used to listen to this band way back when but have since lost touch. So I go home and take a look at their catalogue on amazon, and figure I'll order this one because of some of the reviews it received. Back then, just a few weeks ago, this CD was in-print (looks like for some reason it's not now - an injustice to the music-listening public for sure). A few days later it came in the mail. I put it in the player and was absolutely blown away.
This is unlike anything I have ever heard before - a perfect synthesis of raucus hard-edged alt-rock and pure, classic soul (complete with keys and female backup singers, sometimes even horns). It has a huge, wide sound as deep in breadth and scope as a U2 record. Greg Dulli struts and swaggers across the front, he's overtly lustful while recognizing the complexities of romantic liaisons. It's that duality which gives his performance character - instead of wallowing in self-pity he carries himself with the confidence of the man of the world we all know he was/is. Plus the sax solo on "John The Baptist" just kills me. I can't believe anyone could not appreciate this record - there is just so much going on.
I wish I had discovered this one when it was new, but it really doesn't matter - it's sound is timeless and will always be fresh. It's a pity that this band broke up after the release of this record, but then perhaps this was a one-time-only creation, a moment in time that can't be replicated. Whatever the case this carries my highest recommendation.
Free Music Review: So Good
Hit: 5 Stars
Man, this is a great record it moves and grooves and just suits you like a long motorcycle drive or a nice fitting glove. Just kidding I don't ride motorcycles, but this music just makes me dance crazy with a pocketful full of soul. It can't be helped how it revs the motor of your mind to jump on a motorcycle but the music is your engine, moving along the road and laughing the whole way cause the ride's fast and nothing stops it till you crash or run out of gas.Free Music Review: <><><>
Hit: 5 Stars
I hate to start this review with a negative comment but it boils my blood when people give a two star review to this
record because it's not up to par with Gentlemen or of all
albums, Up In It. This is a band evolving, moving on...which
alot of people have a problem dealing with. I don't think
afghan whigs are making a record to please the fans they had
in 93. This a genius record. Yes, Gentlemen was a turning
point, but not a final nail in the the coffin. If you want
repetition listen to ac/dc. The thing that made gentlemen
so great was the things going on in that period of this mans life. You can't stay that angry forever. People grow up.
Free Music Review: Groovy, yet utterly uninteresting
Hit: 2 Stars
This band has had some interesting moments over the years, particularly their seminal release, "Up In It", which featured alt.punk classics like, "retarded." THey made an MTV worthy breakthrough with "Gentleman" but after that their legacy just sort of trailed off...
This album yearns to be a come back album, along the lines of "Gentleman" but it comes up short in every way.
The main plus to this album is the funky, groovy drum beats and guitar hooks, but they sound dry and uninspired compared to earlier whigs efforts.
Also, the lyrics are grating and monotonous.... you'd think he'd find something else to sing about after all these years, right!?
If you are a die hard fan, then of course you'll want this album for your colleciton,
but if you're new to the whigs, start with Gentleman.