Song of the Day: The Afghan Whigs, “Citi Soleil,” from 1965 (Columbia, 1998)

The Afghan Whigs has been a "grower" of a band for me. For the longest time I only had one album (Gentlemen), and slowly filled in the gaps over the course of a few years. Even today, one of their songs will randomly come on outside of an album's context and just blow me away. Most recently, "Citi Soleil" has been such a song.

The artful narrative of the lyrics (which I don't identify with), the uplifting nature of the chorus (which is somewhat antithetical to my normal state of mind)... it all further proves that a good song is a good song, and I'm a sucker for a huge chorus.

Ooh child, I'll meet you, child
On the sunny side, it's alright, it's alright
No lies, and no cryin'
It's alright

For whatever reason, the delivery of this surging chant hits me like a ton of bricks. Accented by atmospheric samples, soulful female vocals, acoustic guitar, organ, and steel drum; it's that hook that sucks me in. The first time it clicked, I was singing along before the song ended. Excellent.

The band's got a new album—their first since 1965—slated for release on April 15 via Sub Pop. In keeping with my interpretation of their discography to date, early samples suggest it'll be another "grower," and that's probably a good sign.