Cincinnati's Afghan Whigs are a self-confessed "grunge/soul band." Black Love, their fourth album, finds singer Greg Dulli still digging around in all the darkest places. Many of the songs have a cinematic feel, which is not to say that they're insincere. In any case, the storytelling is a strength not a weakness, especially since the Whigs are best enjoyed when they're taking you for a ride. Case in point: the instantly addictive (and incendiary) "Going to Town."

Harold Check