Customer Reviews

Free

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Concrete Blonde's second offering has a tough streetwise edge to it from the in-your-face lyrics of "God is a Bullet", to the jaded "Scene of a Perfect Crime", to the stark reality of "Happy Birthday."

Another great album by the Blonde.

Why is it always the coolest records that go out of print? Well, if you're familiar with "Concrete Blonde", then you already know you should get this if you don't have it. Being the second album, I find it most like the debut, a little bit punk, a little bit goth, but all around excellent whatever you call it. One thing I love about them, like "Jane's Addiction", is the ability to totally rock on one song, and then create the most beautiful soft ballad afterwards. The musicianship of the band is matched only by Johnette's incredible voice. If looking for your first CB disc, I would go for "Recollection". That will get you three of these tracks, plus 15 others. "Free" is only about 33 minutes long too. Whatever you do, listen to "Concrete Blonde".

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"Any promise we'd make, was as easy to break, as the plastic pieces on our wedding cake" (from Carry Me Away/last track on FREE album)
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That was the first Concrete Blonde lyric I ever heard. Immediately I was hooked. Not just the dark and wonderfully written lyrics though... I fell in love with Johnette Napolitano's voice. I was also given the pleasure of seeing them play live at the Hollywood Palladium in 1992. Johnette was no more than 10 feet from me and I was totally in a captivated state. As great as the album recordings sound? That's the way they sound live also. I always respect a band that doesn't rely on studio mastering to obtain quality. REM's lead singer named the band Concrete Blonde due to the fact their music range varies greatly, from REAL HARD rock, to the most beautiful soft ballads, Hard and Soft at the same time. Get it? YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED buying any Concrete Blonde album, That's a fact!

I agree with all of the above reviews that this is Concrete Blonde's best album, but I have to add that 'Little Conversations' is another of the stand-out tracks and blows my mind every time I listen to it (one for those quiet moments).

Yes, the CD is a bit short, but it's still great; a collection of brilliant, sweet songs. I've loved them for so many years. Highlights on this CD (for me) are God is a Bullet, Run Run Run, and especially the darkly sweet Happy Birthday and moody, longing Carry Me Away. Johnette is stunning as usual. This CD is amazing. Concrete Blonde, with all of their recordings, never fail to create such an atmosphere and mood with their songs. Pick this up.

1989's "Free", is a great rock and roll record. Johnette Napolitano and company give us the classic rocker "God is a Bullet", Thin Lizzy's great remake of "It's Only Money", "Help Me", "Carry Me Away" and "Scene Of A Perfect Crime"(love that song). The only weakness is it only has 33 minutes on the cd.

Another quality album from Concrete Blonde - once again, Johnette kicks a**. God Is A Bullet is one of my favorite Blonde songs.

It is a shame that only the first half of the album have sound bites. Since Concrete Blonde has a new CD after 8 years, I thought it fit that I give my two cents about this album as I am sure a new generation of listeners will be curious. THIS IS THE ALBUM TO OWN AND LOVE---Especially if you are a hormonal late teen, early twenty with a crush on a boy, or someone who has recently been dumped.

I am a happily married mother of two that can still relive those awkward, painful days thanks to Johnette's unique and edgy voice. This is a good thing.

Listening to Little Conversations into Carry Me Away allowed me to suffer a proper suffering and yearning for more. I can only hope that the newest CD will produce a similar effect (suffering with the laundry, cooking, and cleaning perhaps?). We'll see.

I remember this album well... I rummaged the used tape section at "Turk's", and had never heard of it. Around that time, "Bloodletting" was getting them a lot of airplay due to the single "Joey". And while THAT album isn't all that bad, this one was the best thing they ever put out.

The length of the CD is an insignificant complaint; the songs more than compensate, simply by being as good as they are. "God is a Bullet" was sublime... meant to be covered by every bar band on the planet (but rarely does). "Roses Grow" as a rap-esque musical beat poem works for me, and the lyrically superior "Scene of a Perfect Crime" is probably the best song in the Blonde's repetoire.

The Thin Lizzy cover is a throwaway, "Happy Birthday" will illicit a smile at first listen, and "Help Me" is a speedcore delight.

Although you can find similarly fine moments on various other Concrete Blonde LPs, this is the one to own. Chalk Johnette Napolitano as one of those singers that completely deserved to make it huge, and we're blessed that somebody took the time to record it.

"Free" #148 in (1989), is Concrete Blonde's 2nd studio album. Johnette Napolitano lead vocalist of the band, with drummer Harry Rushakoff, guitarist James Mankey and bassist for this album Alan Bloch. This was a more varied album than their debut in 1986. "God Is A Bullet #15 mainstream rock, starts of the album, a kick-ass little number, a favorite of mine since it first came out. "Run Run Run" is a nice overall pop-rocker. The Thin Lizzy remake of "It's Only Money", gets a real good treatment here. "Roses Grow", is a slight edge on rap. "Scene Of The Perfect Crime", is just pure pop with a dash of drama. "Happy Birthday", is a cute little ditty (always loved the video). "Little Conversations" and "Carry Me Away" finish the album more confidence. 4 1/2 stars overall.