Afghan Whigs tackle Frank Ocean's "LoveCrimes"

If it wasn’t so disgustingly hot and sticky outside, I’d swear it was Christmas today, thanks to another amazing free download from the newly re-formed Afghan Whigs.

This time out, they tackle Frank Ocean’s epic R&B ballad “Lovecrimes” from his mixtape “Nostalgia Ultra,” which was a standout at the band’s stunning Bowery Ballroom in May. Greg Dulli gives it an even more sinister twist than Ocean (whose new “Channel Orange” album may rank among the year’s best, BTW) does on the original, especially when his swaggering vocals grind to a sweet halt on the lines “You know I love it when the ride is smooth/If we ever get caught it’ll be a long vacation for two.”

Rick McCollum’s snarling guitar riffs not only give it an indelible Whigs stamp, but they also give the murder-murder-murderous tale a bit more heft, making it sound all the more dangerous.

And did I mention it’s a free download today?

Afghan Whigs, "Lovecrimes (Frank Ocean Cover)" by The FADER