Search - The Afghan Whigs :: 1965

A. Horvath | 03/16/2006

(5 out of 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.

"

Out like a light

Howlinw | California, USA | 03/22/2008

(5 out of 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."

Whigs 1965

Darrin Dunsowrth | Middle America | 01/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An evalution of sound. Very soulful. Very sexy. The pissed off little man has grown up, but his swagger is bigger than ever."