Afghan Whigs Reimagine Poliça and Still Corners Songs with Fresh Covers

Afghan Whigs breathe new life into Poliça and Still Corners tracks, sharing heartfelt covers born from intimate soundcheck sessions.

The Unexpected New Afghan Whigs Covers Drop

If you thought the Afghan Whigs had wrapped up their latest creative chapter with 2022’s How Do You Burn?, think again. Just this December 10th, the band surprised fans by releasing two captivating covers: Poliça’s “Fake Life” and Still Corners’ “Downtown.” These tracks aren’t from their upcoming album but rather special treats that surfaced from a place close to their creative core — the soundcheck.

Frontman Greg Dulli shares, “Both of these songs were born out of soundcheck jams. Each song holds a particular resonance for me and I really felt the lyrics, so they both flowed freely and felt good to sing.” It’s fascinating how spontaneous moments like pre-show soundchecks can yield such inspired performances. The covers carry the emotional weight and rawness that only an artist deeply connected to the lyrics can deliver.

Limited Edition Vinyl for Die-Hard Collectors

While digital streams will suffice for most, Afghan Whigs fans with a penchant for vinyl have something special to look forward to. The covers will also be available as a limited-edition red vinyl single, courtesy of Cincinnati’s Shake It Records. Collectors can expect shipments either by the end of December or early January, adding a tangible piece of this sonic surprise to their collections.

Celebrating Four Decades of Sound

Looking beyond these covers, the Afghan Whigs are gearing up for a monumental milestone — their 40th anniversary in 2026. Fans are buzzing with anticipation for their new album, expected to arrive that year, signaling the band’s enduring relevance in the ever-evolving rock and indie scenes. Recently, violinist Petra Haden was spotted in the studio with the group, hinting at exciting new sounds from sessions in Joshua Tree, California, and New Orleans.

It’s worth noting that How Do You Burn? marked a poignant moment with the late Mark Lanegan’s first appearance on a Whigs album. Lanegan, who had been a frequent collaborator with Dulli over the last two decades through projects like Gutter Twins, left an indelible mark on the band’s music and legacy.

Why These Covers Matter

Cover songs often serve as homage, but these Whigs' versions feel more like heartfelt conversations between artists and their inspirations. The choice of Poliça and Still Corners is intriguing—both are beloved indie acts known for their atmospheric and emotive styles. The Whigs’ renditions bring a fresh, gritty layer to these tracks, reflecting Greg Dulli’s distinctive vocal style and the band’s dynamic instrumentation.

For fans who’ve followed the band’s journey, these covers reveal a side of the Whigs that’s playful and explorative, yet deeply respectful of the source material. It’s a testament to their ongoing creativity and willingness to experiment, even after four decades in the game.

FAQ

• What inspired Afghan Whigs to cover Poliça and Still Corners?
  The band’s covers originated from impromptu soundcheck jams where frontman Greg Dulli connected deeply with the lyrics and vibe of the songs.
• Will these covers appear on the Afghan Whigs’ next album?
  No, the covers are standalone releases and won’t be included in their forthcoming album.
• Where can I get the limited edition vinyl of these covers?
  The red vinyl single is available exclusively through Shake It Records and ships late December or early January.
• What’s next for Afghan Whigs after these covers?
  The band is preparing for their 40th anniversary in 2026, with a new album expected and fresh studio sessions underway featuring violinist Petra Haden.
• Did Mark Lanegan collaborate with Afghan Whigs?
  Yes, Lanegan appeared on How Do You Burn? marking his first feature on a Whigs album, continuing a long history of collaborations with Greg Dulli.

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