Customer Reviews

Concrete Blonde

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bloodletting made me a huge Concrete Blonde fan, and it took me a long time to find this CD, but the search was worth it. As usual, Johnette sounds great and I'm really surprised by the emotion and polish the group had this early in their career. Definitely search this album out and give it a try.

This debut album by Concrete Blonde is one of my favorite albums of all time. It is solid. Every track is a slam dunk. And it has variety from the country "True" to the heavier rockers like "Your Haunted Head," "Still in Hollywood" and "Over Your Shoulder," to the beautiful cover of George Harrison's "Beware of Darkness," to the acoustical "(You're the Only One) Can Make Me Cry." Then there are the excellent lyrics of urban poet Johnette Napolitano. In the single "Still in Hollywood," we meet the middle aged "queen of L.A." with "purple-painted cheeks and glitter on her eyes" and the "troll on the corner" who smiles after receiving a quarter because "he wasn't abused, he wasn't confused, he had nothing to gain and less to lose." "It'll Chew You Up And Spit You Out" is an alternate version of "Still In Hollywood" with some kickin' drums and a Rodney Dangerfield impersonation at the end. The instrumental version of "True" is wonderful. Other favorites include "Song For Kim (She Said)" and "Little Sister" ("I'm only half a heart away"). Nothing I can write will do this album justice. If you know Concrete Blonde from their singles like "Joey" or are interested in 1980s gems that may have gone under the radar, give this 1986 release a try. It will not disappoint. My CD copy includes lyrics and a photo of the band.

The first cd by concrete blonde is amazing. It is only surpassed by seeing them at a live show. "Still in Hollywood" sets the tone for a cd that goes from one side of the spectrum to the other. Napolitano sings every chord with raw emotion. She delivers every song like poetry. It is a crying shame they have disbanded. If you like this cd... check out her new band "pretty and twisted". Also excellent stuff!

Even though "Bloodletting" is often considered to be their best album, sometimes I think this is my favorite. Some of it's almost punk, but the rest is the melodic alt-rock that they're known for. "True" is an excellent song, and great opener, and "Beware Of Darkness" and "Still In Hollywood" are sweet also. But my two favorites by far are "Make Me Cry" and "Song For Kim (she said)". Both are really moving, to me anyway. I suppose to the newcomer I'd recommend a collection, but for the older fans, "Concrete Blonde" is a must. I'll never get rid of my vinyl copy.

Concrete Blonde's debut album engages the listener with great music and lyrics which feel as though they stem from real, personal experiences and observations. The underlying cynicism is eclipsed by a youthful exuberance that seems to say "Give it to me -- I can take it!"

The CD contains two versions of "Still in Hollywood", a song featured in the soundtrack of the cult movie "The Hidden."

1986 Senoir at Sam Houston State University. Lying on the floor naked, 300watts flowing through four speakers around me this album on the turntable. Try it, you will understand my love for this band.

Great debut album by a great band! Lotsa good tracks on this one. "Over Your Shoulder","Haunted Head",and "Still in Hollywood" are fantastic. The cover of George Harrisons' "Beware of Darkness" is haunting.

As with all Concrete Blonde albums and sound tracks, this early album kicks some a**. They have a sound that blends tremendously well, a vivacious lead singer in Johnette Napolitano and the best percussion and guitar mix I've heard in a long time. I reccommend finding this album. You won't be sorry.

This is a great album. Here they have an edge and a real "down in the street" sound. Over the next few albums the production quality gets better and it takes away some of the rawness, although they put out decent albums up to "Mexican Moon." "Free" is probably my favorite album. By the way, if you want to hear the best album of any band, buy the one right before they became a commercial success. Don't believe me? Look back at your music collection. Anyway, back to the review... James Mankey's guitar sound is one my favorites anywhere. It has a lonesome sound that works well with Johnette Napolitano's voice. If you've never heard the band before, this is a great place to start.