The History Of A Passion V

Concrete Blonde


     Summer 1988. Discovered my brother's copy of Concrete Blonde's self-titled, debut album. Listened to it over and over and over outside while painting my Mom's deck. It was a big job, but having my new companion made it a memorable and enjoyable chore. When I first saw the album I was intrigued by the band's name, "Concrete Blonde." It had to be awesome with a name like that, right? Well, it was alright from start to finish.
     They are or were a standard rock band, however, frontwoman, Johnette Napolitano is by far one of the most underrated vocal phenoms. She totally overpowered the other instruments. A true force born with a talent that encompasses that little thing we call soul. Her skill didn't fully bloom until the third album. This actually happens alot with singers as they continue to develop over time and practice. The actual music of the band is o.k. compared to the reins guided by Napolitano at the microphone. The guitar parts are way too pop-ish to match the depth of its singer. I'd give the band a B. Napolitano a B+ at first then an A+ by the end of C.B.(now defunct:-()

Concrete Blonde-Debut

Tracks:

1. True--any questions?
2. Haunted Head---punky
3. Dance Along The Edge--so 80's
4. Still In Hollywood--punky
5. Song For Kim(She Said)--cute tribute
6. Beware of Darkness--George Harrison cover, brilliant
7. Over Your Shoulder--making their sound
8. Little Sister--cutesy
9. (You're the only one)Can Make Me Cry--Awww
10. Cold Part of Town--pop-ish
11. True--instrumental
12. It'll Chew You Up and Spit You Out(Still In Hollywood Re-mix)


FREE

     They really got what they needed to make this album. Based on proving that they now had a loyal fan base that could only grow, I.R.S. Records stepped up and gave them the time and the concentration necessary to produce a masterpiece that would catapult them to cult superstars. My favorite.

Bloodletting


     Napolitano really takes control vocally on most of the tracks on this album. "Tomorrow, Wendy," is probably one of the best songs ever written. The studio version...the live version...wow. Also, "Bloodletting,"--fun. Napolitano shines with her vocal ray of light. They made a big mark on the pop charts with, "Joey," but I wasn't a fan of that song at all until they sped it up about 10 times at one of their shows. That was awesome! I think it was at The Paradise in Boston. They did record a few more albums, but really not noteworthy.


Technicalities:


Napolitano's vocal range: Contralto

Projection: The cheap seats

Style:  Rock-N-Roll


"Make it 7 or 9/California time...whoever said it was a small world...was either a liar or a fool."-JN