The third Afghan Whigs album, 1992's CONGREGATION, turns on one clear thematic axis: relationships going bad. CONGREGATION's emotional terrain covers the straits between man and heroin ("I'm Her Slave") and those between men and women. Varying the Sub Pop "grunge" formula, the Whigs stretch their wings musically, including several clean-sounding slow songs. If not for the subject matter, these could probably be called ballads.
Drummer Steven Earle hammers out solid frames for Rick McCollum's guitar showmanship, but this is really singer and lyricist Greg Dulli's hour. His emerging persona as damaged sinner is in full force here. The aggressive, snarling predator of "Conjure Me" promises to "Turn on you, before you turn on me." Elsewhere, Dulli offers the downright mean-spiritedness of "you were only mean to me" ("This is My Confession") and a sickening transformation into "Let Me Lie To You"'s soothing crooner of "I won't ever hurt you." A secret bonus track, "Miles Iz Dead," closes the album with a chilling chorus of "Don't forget the alcohol." Previewing the UPTOWN AVONDALE EP, a cover of "The Temple" (from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) demonstrates the group's knack for transforming covers into Afghan Whigs originals.
Recorded at Bear Creek, Woodinville, Washington and Buzz's Kitchen, Los Angeles, California in July and August 1991.
Personnel: Rick McCollum (vocals, guitar); Lance (vocals, piano); Shawn Smith (vocals, background vocals); Miss Ruby Belle, Greg Dulli, John Curley , Rick & Bubba (vocals); Shecky Stein (piano); Steve Earle (drums).
Recording information: Bear Creek Studio, Woodinville, WA (07/1991-08/1991); Bear Creek, Woodinville, WA (07/1991-08/1991); Buzz's Kitchen, Los Angeles, CA (07/1991-08/1991).
Photographers: Chris Cuffaro; John Curley .
Afghan Whigs: Greg Dulli, Rick McCollum (guitar, vocals); John Curley (bass, vocals); Steve Earle (drums).
Additional personnel: Ruby Belle (vocals); Lance (piano, vocals); Shecky Stein (piano); Shawn Smith (background vocals).
Option (5-6/92, p.89) - "...clear recording and dynamic performances...sheer listenability..." Melody Maker (7/13/96, p.51) - "...the finest rock LP of the decade....nothing less than rock raping pop, a ferocious deflowering of Motown's romantic ideal..."
The best SubPop album Never mind that the lyric misquoted in the notes is actually "you were all just meat to me" (which is much darker). Congregation boasts a collection of songs that range in subject from Christ-like martyrdom ("Turn on the Water") to near-Gothic rock ("Tonight"), and even throws in an ABBA reference. The last song (either "Miles iz ded" or "Rebirth of the Cool," depending upon which SubPop disc one wants to take the title from) isn't the funk-inspired version found on Uptown Avondale, but it is still worthwhile. If nothing else, this album was the cause of my learning that "Conjure Me" meant "exorcize" me. Submitted by a reviewer (Forest Park, IL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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