CD of The Week

Earlier this fall, Athens, GA power trio The Whigs released their fourth studio album Enjoy The Company. Building on their rough, rocking sound, The Whigs stretch out in a few new directions this time around. The record opens with the sprawling “Staying Alive,” which builds from an “Instant Karma” vibe to include horns and eventually turns into an epic, lengthy jam. You’ve already heard the Replacements-riffic “Waiting,” the lead single off the album, on Y-Not Radio plenty in recent months. The strummy, melodic “Gospel” is the bestFoo Fighters song of 2012 and easily a highlight of Enjoy The Company. We also get some classic, swinging, Whigs-style Southern rock on “Summer Heat.”

Things get a bit mellower on the quiet “After Dark,” as well as the sweet, straightforward love song “Couple Of Kids” and stripped-down “Thank You.” Lest things get too laid back, near the end of the record they kick out the raucous “Rock And Roll Forever.” On their fourth album, The Whigs aren’t reinventing their sound too much, but continuing to further their reputation as one of the most reliable, straight-up rock and roll bands around today.

When The Whigs played the North Star Bar a few weeks ago, they also recorded an interview and stripped-down live session for Y-Not Radio. Hear it this Friday afternoon at 2pm or Saturday at 1:30pm.