Description
Afghan Whigs - Up In It – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released in 1990 by Sub Pop Records, Up In It is the second studio album by The Afghan Whigs, a band that would go on to redefine alternative rock with their fusion of grunge, soul, and post-punk. While their debut album, Big Top Halloween (1988), had a raw and noisy post-punk energy, Up In It saw the band honing their sound, delivering a record that blended the aggression of grunge with the emotional weight of soul music—a combination that would become their trademark in later albums like Congregation (1992) and Gentlemen (1993).
This album cemented their association with the Seattle-based Sub Pop label, placing them alongside the emerging grunge movement, even though The Afghan Whigs originated from Cincinnati, Ohio. With Greg Dulli’s tortured vocals, John Curley’s brooding bass lines, and a raw, garage-rock energy, Up In It bridged the gap between the angsty ferocity of punk and the emotional depth of classic R&B.
Musically, Up In It is loud, abrasive, and gritty, with a sound that is heavily influenced by early grunge, punk, and garage rock. The production is rough and unpolished, a signature of early Sub Pop releases, giving the record a raw and immediate energy.
While grunge bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney focused on sludgy riffs and punk energy, The Afghan Whigs infused their music with a sense of melodrama and storytelling, something that would set them apart in the coming years.
Track Highlights
“Retarded” – The album’s explosive opener, setting the tone with grungy guitar riffs and Dulli’s unhinged vocal delivery.
“White Trash Party” – A punk-fueled anthem with sardonic, self-deprecating lyrics about reckless youth.
“Hated” – A menacing track that channels angst, anger, and self-loathing, showcasing the band’s raw power.
“Southpaw” – One of the album’s most melodic tracks, hinting at the more refined sound the band would explore later.
“Son of the South” – A hard-hitting, darkly humorous song that reflects Dulli’s love for narrative-driven lyrics.
“You, My Flower” – A brooding, slower track that offers a glimpse into the more soulful and introspective direction the band would take on Congregation.
“I Know Your Little Secret” – A dirty, swaggering rock song with brash lyrics and a driving groove.
“Sammy” – One of the heaviest tracks on the album, with pounding drums and an almost sinister atmosphere.
“In My Town” – A sneering, anthemic track that sounds like a bar fight set to music.
The entire album feels like a furious, drunken confession, with Dulli embodying both sinner and storyteller. Unlike many grunge acts that channeled their frustration inward, Dulli often projects his emotions outward, adopting the persona of a swaggering antihero, full of both bravado and self-loathing.
At the time of its release, Up In It was not a commercial success, but it did catch the attention of critics and underground rock fans, positioning The Afghan Whigs as one of the more unique acts in the Sub Pop roster.
Over time, the album has been reevaluated as an important stepping stone in the band’s evolution. It may not have the sophisticated storytelling of Gentlemen or the soulful polish of 1965, but it captures a raw, unfiltered version of The Afghan Whigs, when they were still a scrappy, hungry rock band trying to make a name for themselves.
In retrospect, Up In It remains a powerful document of The Afghan Whigs in their early years, when they were still caught between the chaotic energy of punk and the sophisticated soulfulness that would define their later work.
If you’re a fan of loud, dirty, and emotionally charged rock, Up In It is an album worth revisiting. While it may not have the finesse of their later records, it showcases the raw passion, aggression, and intensity that made The Afghan Whigs such a standout band in the alternative rock scene.
Sub Pop Records
Digital download card
Brand new, never played and still sealed
Track Listing
Retarded
White Trash Party
Hated
Southpaw
Amphetamines And Coffee
Now We Can Begin
You, My Flower
Son Of The South
I Know Your Little Secret
