Okay, a bit of hyperbole there. But only a bit. The Afghan Whigs’ “Black Love” is reissued in November. It is an absolutely titanic album, one that gets under the skin of how men think, full of guilt, remorse, vengeance, bravado, and self-loathing. The opening lines of the record are a promise that sets the scene:
Tonight, tonight I say goodbye
To everyone that loves me
Stick it to my enemies tonight
Then I disappear
From there, we’re off into an hour of noir infused drama, seedy, sleazy, cathartic and ultimately redemptive and uplifting. Rock fuses with classic R&B, furious guitars melding with electric piano and swelling organs, while the lyrics allow Greg Dulli’s louche alpha male posturing its fullest expression. His anguished soul roar narrates these crime narratives, revenge fantasies, love songs twisted back on themselves. It’s like a Scorsese movie or a hip hop record. These are bad people doing bad things and you probably shouldn’t like them. But damn, they’re cool.
I can’t express how much I love this record. So gripping and immersive, put it on your headphones as you walk down the street and you’re the ten foot tall star of your own private movie. The attached Quietus link is a great appraisal – give it a read, then sit down and listen to the whole thing. By the time the last notes of the utterly majestic “Faded” die out, you’ll thank me for it. Promise?
http://thequietus.com/articles/21187-afghan-whigs-black-love-review-anniversary
The opening track, Crime Scene Part One
Up for this thread. I bought it on your recommendation some months ago, Kid, so I’m not in the market for a reissue. However, it is, indeed, bloody marvellous!
Glad to hear it, Tig!
One thing I forgot to mention in the OP is that there is the usual second disc of demos / offcuts on the new version, including the intriguingly titled “Mick Taylor Jam” and a New Order cover. I will almost certainly buy it, in the full knowledge that I will likely only play it once. Might even spring for the vinyl if it looks especially nice.
Tempted
I want my money back ! I thought this was going to be a Be Here Now thread .
I`ve managed to get `Black Love` & `Gentlemen` for £6 inc. P&P.
Should these albums be as good as people say they are I will more than likely investigate further.
Also available in Twilight Singers and The Gutter Twins (with Mark Lanegan)
Just get everything Dulli touches. I’ve done that and I’ve never been disappointed.
I saw him with a stripped down band at the Synagogue at 6th and I; just mesmerizing. Every single song stood up and he’s a compelling front man.
I got into Dulli via Christopher Brookmyre and it’s a choice I’ve never regretted. He also does covers the way they are meant to be done – different, interesting, and good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DILhyvdK9eg
There are a number of artists I “discovered” for myself, as opposed to a recommendation from a friend or my Dad. He’s the one I’m happiest about. There is ALWAYS a Greg Dulli CD in the car in case the iPod breaks down.
@sitheref2409 I take it you are aware of All Boots Dulli? (https://www.allbootsdulli.org/home)
I’ve been listening to the Whigs shows from 26/3/96 and 23/10/99 this week. They’re European radio broadcasts, and sound great.
I was not.
And now I hate you for killing all my free time!