The Afghan Whigs - 1965

For close to a decade, Cincinnati-based alt-rock combo Afghan Whigs created music that hurt so good. Rooted in an emotive hybrid of self-loathing punk and exhibitionistic soul, the band's tunes writhed and roiled, cutting to the core of dysfunctional relationships. But after their bleak, bitter 1995 release, Black Love, was met with general disinterest, the discouraged band took four years off to reevaluate its art. 1965 indicates that if the Whigs were suffering identity crisis, they've certainly found themselves. Instead of wallowing or brooding, as they did on past efforts, the band struts and staggers lustfully, coming across with the drive and vibe of the Rolling Stones' hormone-fest Some Girls. Many songs on 1965 are augmented with braying horns, gliding strings, and jaunty piano, and the hedonistic mood clearly reflects the downtown New Orleans environment the record was created in. High points include the swarthy surge of "Something Hot," the torch-lighted drama of "Crazy," and the sleazy pulse of "66," which begins with a 23-second recording of one of frontman Greg Dulli's intimate encounters. --Jon Wiederhorn Amazon.com

 Out like a light
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. March 22, 2008

 So Good
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. April 21, 2006

 <><><>
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.
March 16, 2006

 Groovy, yet utterly uninteresting
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. March 1, 2006

 GREAT BAND
REALLY I GAVE THEM A FOUR BECAUSE OF THE WHOLE CATALOG AND NOT BECAUSE OF THIS CD. THE CD BY ITSELF IS A 3 IN MY OPINION. REALLY DON'T NEED TO SAY A WHOLE LOT BECAUSE THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT WILL PROBABLY CHECK THIS ALBUM OUT ALLREADY LIKE THE WHIGS ANYWAY. THE MALLCORES AND EMO'S PROBABLY HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THESE GUYS. I THINK IT'S AMAZING HOW LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM HOW MUCH OF TODAYS RADIO PUKE HAS ELEMENTS OF THIS SOUND IN IT. MAKES YOU WONDER, WELL ATLEAST ME ANYWAY! February 11, 2006

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