Afghan Whigs are classic Gentlemen

Gentlemen, the powerful recording by the Afghan Whigs, is quite simply a 90's masterpiece, a cut above most of the music released during the decade. I have always been fond of the Whig's work, but this specific CD stands out as it cuts so deep into the emotional trauma that can be caused by relationships gone awry.

While most of the CD is sung from the male perspective, Greg Dulli doesn't let himself off the hook very easily. The sheer honesty in the lyrics are often shocking, but will stay with you long after you have listened. While the lyrics are top notch, the Whig's back it up with the same level of intensity in their music.

Every track is seamless and inspired, from the opening cut of subdued guitar set against a sample of a swirling wind, to the sultry charged, female led vocal gem, My Curse, sung expertly by Marcy Mays. This song, the only one not belted out by front man Dulli, seems like a repsonse to the pain and suffering Dulli has related to us, reminding him that he's not the only one who is suffering.

The Whig's combine rock n' roll sensibility with a blues' edge. They infuse honky tonk piano, precise drumming, and guitars that occasionally whisper, but predominantly drive the musical creativity. To fully experience the Afghan Whigs, you MUST see them live. Dulli and company throw everything they've got into their live shows, leaving you and themselves exhausted after several hours of rock 'n roll.

This release is also a MUST if you are going through a breakup...get this CD, strap on our headphones, and let the healing begin. You know that Dulli can feel your pain, and you are comforted by the fact that what you are feeling is nothing new in the universe, and that you will overcome.