this is one of those tracks i feel like i heard over and over in the 90s but never sat down and really listened and paid attention until now. thanks so much for being the Music Teacher out here with these reviews, man. this one really reminds me of the track by Ellis Paul called "Autobiography of a Pistol," where he sings from the point-of-view of a handgun -- ua-cam.com/video/0yVjam80VhU/v-deo.html&ab_channel=EllisPaul-Topic
I seen this group on their 2nd album tour in Hollywood. Johnette lived in Silver Lake at the time as many other artists. i went to her place many times but she'd be on tour, so hooked up with another band who was staying in back house.. Her dear Mum gave me a Concrete Blonde T.. nice peeps. That's my lil reflection. Peace
I'm confused. Do you rate them low? Nobody I ever met rated them low. Who is this rating service that keeps getting "it" wrong? Concrete Blonde "under" rated. LOL. Right.
@@ryancampbell2192 funny thing about Leonard Cohen - his songs are absolute brilliance, but I always seem to "get more" out of them when they're performed by other people. "Hallelujah" would likely be the penultimate example.
Jamaj, my daughter first brought Concrete Blond into my awareness in the late 90's. We went to see her in Chicago, at the Vic theatre, an old, spooky, beautiful theatre - perfect backdrop for Johnette's unique sound and style. And she was amazing. My daughter was very pregnant with her first baby at the time. A couple of months later, I emailed Johnette to tell her my first grandbaby was just born and named Isabella Johnette, after her. Johnette emailed me back right away & said she felt so honored. She remembered the pregnant lady at her concert, and she was sincerely pleased. She couldn't have been nicer. I was already a fan, and her down-to-earth warmth and friendliness further solidified this. She's a phenomenal talent and a wonderful person.
She is my favorite female rock voice, you can feel the passion and pain pour out of her. The whole band was amazing. Caroline is another great song. Put on the ReCollection album, basically a greatest hits, you can’t go wrong with any of the songs on there. I love re-living music for the first through you Jamel.
Concrete Blonde has some killer songs. Tomorrow Wendy is heartbreaking, Still In Hollywood is punk as hell, Bloodletting is every goth kids favorite vampire theme song, Everybody Knows is a great Leonard Cohen cover...
Hey Jamel. Thank you for exploring Concrete Blonde. And yes, her name is pronounced like "John-nette". 😄 I also recommend "Everybody Knows", their cover of a Leonard Cohen song. Also, "Caroline" and "Bloodletting". ☮ out!
Unless she's drunk sadly. That was a HARD concert to be at. She started out strong but ended up unable to finish the songs and stumbling off the stage ending the show because she hurt her leg really bad, never found out of it broke or was just sprained. My heart broke for her.
Awesome! So many reactors just do "Joey" and walk away, but _Concrete Blonde_ (And Johnette's other projects) has *_such_* an excellent catalogue that more than deserves a look! Such as: _Bloodletting_ _Heal It Up_ _Ghost of a Texas ladies Man_ Their cover of Leonard Cohen's _Everybody Knows_ etc., etc., etc. EDIT: UA-cam won't let me post the links in a comment but is letting me post 'em in a reply for some reason? Anyway, there are links in the reply. EDIT again: Nope, the reply got deleted...
Man, such a great band. "tomorrow, Wendy..." "Happy Birthday" (one of my FAVES), "Roses Grow", "Jenny, i read" (another FAVE) have gun going down the rabbit hole.
Everyone I have ever talked to likes Concrete Blonde. It's been argued that due to fact that they appealed to such a wide variety of fans, that Concrete Blonde was not focused enough on a fan base to gain popularity at a level they so richly deserved.
The lack of success is probably more due to constant fights with IRS Records head Miles Copeland, over their albums and promotion of the band. They did not get the attention from him that his brother's band, The Police did, or other IRS artists. They didn't fit the stereotyped roles that were promoted and Johnette did not play the sexpot.
@@jeffnettleton3858 It's truly saddening they did not gain a much stronger place in music. Johnette Napolitano's voice is amazing. One of my prized possessions is the Dream 6 ep (honestly, I've got a lot of prized possessions, but I do like that one quite a bit).
@@jeffnettleton3858 true, Johnette wrote what was on her mind & her mind was full of vivid stories.she was never going to be the sexpot although she is a very attractive lady.I like all of their songs but my favorites are: this song, Jonestown,Everybody Knows,Ghost of a Texas ladies man,City Screaming,Joey, I call it Love, Caroline,Heal it up..they never played a mediocre song!
"They're gonna call me sir, they'll all stop pickin' on me, I'm a high school grad, I'm over 5-foot 3, I'll get a badge and a gun and I'll join the PD... they'll see"!
Sadder still that it is one of those "true story" songs. It was written by Andy Prieboy, who replaced Stan Ridgeway in the band "Wall of Voodoo" (listen to "Far Side of Crazy" from that version of the band - it's awesome). Wendy apparently had AIDS and decided to die on her own terms.
The entire album, bloodletting, is a story about a girl that gets aids from her junkie boyfriend.. and at the end decides suicide.. tomorrow Wendy is the last song. The entire album is fire... Her lyrics are genius... the vampire song starts ... there's a crack in the mirror (bad luck) and a blood stain on the bed (she was a virgin)... she gets aids from having sex with him.. ya, awesome music...
Thanks for reacting to Concrete Blonde. Johnette always sang from the gut and put her whole soul into her performances. I have so many great memories of seeing them live. Love them so much.
one of the greatest live acts ever! in my top 10. I've seen them 5 times, the last time was the Bloodletting 20th anniversary tour. Jim & Johnette are a formidable pair and the outstanding trio with Harry is my favorite iteration of the band and maybe because of nostalgia but CB never failed to kick ass live!
Finally some Concrete Blonde reactions! Criminally underrated, one of my favorite bands of all time. I suggest Caroline, Heal It Up, Take Me Home, Mexican Moon, Little Conversations, Bloodletting... Really any of their songs are worth checking out.
Jamal you always have such honest insights & interest in what you view.I'm glad you heard "God is a Bullet".Johnette wrote songs that asked "why is our world so f**ked up?"she has a great voice plus she had James/guitar & Harry/drums.i get a feeling from this about how crazy & violent LA could be on a bad day
Jamal when I saw Joey, I had hoped you’d do this one. Her voice still gives me chills. Maybe check out Under A Mexican Moon. And of course Bloodletting. Always had a crush on her.
This is their second album (recorded in 1988, released in '89) I was already a fan and kept waiting for them to explode onto the scene. They kinda did but not the way they should have. Cheers. "Still In Hollywood"
This right here is why I love the internet!!! My day was emotional draining, was playing music to relieve stress and next thing I know I’m enjoying watching people listen to one of my favorite musicians for the first time. Thank you for this video! Seeing you enjoy Johnette Napolitano as a singer and songwriter for the first time was such an amazing experience ❤️
I've been a fan of Concrete Blonde since they started releasing music, and have heard God Is A Bullet many, many times. It's a powerful song and I've always liked it. But I never had the complete context to appreciate where it came from until I watched this reaction video. Something about seeing the video, with a narrator who recognized the places in LA made it all click. Now I see the song in a different light, and it's even more powerful, even chilling. I also got the impression that watching it had a big impact on you (meaning Jamel) as you put all the pieces together. That was very compelling to watch.
Concrete Blonde grew out of the Los Angeles post-punk club circuit that produced bands like Wall of Voodoo and the Go-Go's. Vocalist Johnette Napolitano founded the group with guitarist James Mankey and drummer Harry Rushakoff. Fun, awesome group! Thanks for the vid, Peace
Someday is also a very cool song from Concrete Blond. Had a friend back in the 90's we would regularly go have drinks with on a Friday or Saturday night. Someday was always a staple song in the play list!
And Kim! Or all of the first album. Fuckin slayed me as a kid in so cal disconnected from glitz and shine that the powers tried to project upon the world. Something like that. Cheers.
@@chrisandersen5635 Kim is a bullseye. My favorite CB song is Help Me with Dancing Along The Edge close behind. If you want another look at non glitzy LA, try Warren Zevon's first album (called Warren Zevon). If you haven't already. The French Inhaler. Desperados Under The Eaves. Carmelita. Join Me In LA. Poor Poor Pitiful Me.
I totally agree with you about how amazing this group is, but from this first time listening to what you have to say about this particular song, you too are amazing. You obviously have a lot to share, so keep sharing. You move, for real. Thanks for being there.
Fun fact, I saw them on my birthday October 27, 1992 in Charlotte North Carolina. Perhaps the best concert I’ve seen since seeing the base of Waze earlier that year at the Michigan State Fairgrounds with everything action Beck.
I remember hearing this song when it was released in 1989 and thinking something like, "This isn't the usual radio-oriented pop/rock. This is something different!" Concrete Blonde really rocked, and they had very thoughtful lyrics too. They had some success, but they should have had much more!
SOOOO glad to see your reaction on the Choice Checkerboard at the end of the official vid...the same one you watched, after seeking it out after ANOTHER CB tune turned up in a Leonard Cohen YT-mix(!) Johnette and James are a formidable pair...forgot there was someone else on bass in this...great drummer too...saw it when it came out, and a friend, since sadly passed, with awesome pipes - they'd have to be - was covering it when I met her in the early 90s.
So glad you discovered Concrete Blonde. They were one of my favorite bands in the late '80s. Johnette and the rest of the band were all part of the L.A. punk/indie metal scene in the late '70s/early '80s, hanging around the Hollywood rock clubs until they formed their own band in 1982. I'm not a big believer in the psychic/spiritual world, but Johnette has always claimed she has some psychic/spiritual connection and some of her song lyrics focus on that. One of my favorites is "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man," which Johnette claims is based on her psychic experiences with the spirit of a Texas cattle rustler from the 1800s. "Walking In London" is another one, based on Johnette's experiences in London with Concrete Blonde, feeling like there was someone/something else with her as she walked around the city streets. And one of Concrete Blonde's biggest hits, "Bloodletting" (the entire album is great), definitely evokes the feeling that Johnette lived a past life with a coven of vampires in New Orleans. I don't think Johnette has ever claimed that experience was a reality, but the song certainly gives that feeling, and the original video is worth checking out, a personal favorite.
I love everything about this band. I worked with Johnette and on our last day she told me she was quitting so she could focus on her music. She asked me to come to a gig and I had those nerves that you do when you're hoping you'll like them... I was blown away when the trio hit the stage and she was playing bass and started to sing. Always and forever one of my favorite vocalists. No one is mentioning how great the first album is... I still play it regularly and remember my LA days seeing as many gigs as possible.
I have a deep connection to this band. I remember when they were coming up in the '80s, and then that debut album cemented my love for them. Some artists are like that, where it's an instant love affair.
Listen to "Heal It Up" (loud), and "Little Wing". This woman has got heart and soul. Had to share. Thank you for this!!! I am excited for you to try music. I just spent hours with a friend, sharing the songs we love, one-on-one, with each other. You are doing this, and we all benefit from sharing the music that speaks to us. It's a beautiful thing.
Jamal, thank you for reviewing this fantastic song & video. It’s powerful my brother. I’m a gunshot survivor. I can tell you that my chest wound occurred 46 years ago & I still have PTSD & nightmares. Again, many thanks. Peace & love to you & yours.
It is John - ette! You're right! This song is about South L.A. *Where she's from!* She was one of my idols when it came to vocals. I had her singing voice smashed with Thom Yorke. She gave me the conference and pride to just SING!
thank you so much for reacting to Concrete Blonde - please do Caroline and especially Roses Grow. you’ve touched on a very deep LA based vein here - thanks for keeping this great music alive!
Thank you for reacting to this _highly_ underrated band from the late '80's early '90's. They're phenom. Also the lead singer is one of the only female bass player/singers in rock. Try their _Tomorrow Wendy_ live. :)
Concrete Blonde are great, "Mexican Moon" is a favorite. Also, check out the late 60's early 70's band Fanny. One of the early all female rock bands. There are some good live videos of them around.
Check out their cover of James' Brown It's A Man's World. Or Jesus , Please Forgive Me For What I'm About To Say. So soulful. Was so in love with Johnette in the late 80's early 90's when I was in HS
Glad you got into Concrete Blonde. You have to listen to their song Heal It Up, Johnette's voice is SO POWERFUL in that one. I get chills from it whenever i hear it.
This is one of my favorites from back then, there's another song from the same time that I believe belongs with "God Is A Bullet". Criminally forgotten David Bowie vehicle (with Comedian Soupy Sales kids) Tin Machine - "Under the God" must check it out
Great reaction video, thank you for listening and sharing! The album Mexican Moon is realllly good, as well as well as Group Therapy, which has one of my favorite songs, "Take Me Home".
This was a really great review Jamal, I grew up in the projects in Long Beach from 1959 to late 1965(yes, I'm much older than you) so my experience was a bit different than yours or Jonnette's. Our main weapons of choice were bats, knives and pipes but the sad underpinnings of the situation were the same. Broken homes, not enough to eat, abusive parents. I know that you understand where I'm coming from. Anyway, I've always been a huge music fan. When this song came out in the early 1990s it blew me away. I still love it. When you get a chance you should take the time to check out some of their other songs Jonnette Napolitano has a very wonderful voice and her range of expression is second to none. Thanks for the video.
If you want keep checking out more of their music, "Tomorrow Wendy" is powerful. "Still in Hollywood" might resonate with you as an L.A. native. They have a couple covers that are outstanding, "Everybody Knows" originally by Leonard Cohen and "The Ship Song" originally by Nick Cave (another artist you should check out!). My personal favorites by this band are "Darkening of the Light" and "Carry Me Away." I would love to hear your opinions on any of these songs.
oooh yes.... the Ship Song! and yes, Jamel needs to get some Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds! Red Right Hand seems like an obvious choice, but so would so many others- The Mercy Seat, Tupelo, The Weeping Song. So many good ones.
@@cynon767 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was probably the best concert I have ever seen. "Red Right Hand" is a good starting point, but I would love to see a reaction to "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!"
Not sure how you find all of your songs but I’ve been watching you for a year now, and watching you react really is a gift, thank you. Brokedown Palace- Grateful Dead live with Clarence Clemons. This is my first comment but I will just keep trying until this song finds you. It’s my gift to you
Jamal, I am re-listening to this video after a year...and you still amaze me. Thanks for hitting Concrete Blonde - where few other reactors have gone. Keeping great music alive. You have so many other requests, but give "Tomorrow Wendy, Live", "Heal It Up" or "Caroline" a listen. Thanks, ken
“Jon-et” is I believe her pronunciation… I saw Concrete Blond perform in the ‘90’s, and Johnette perform solo at a small venue years ago. I was - and AM - so impressed by the integrity of the work, the uncompromising effort, and the “Being Yourself”-ness of these artists!!
Concrete Blonde's albums were all amazing, starting with their first, Still in Hollywood, in 1986. Just a unique and powerful sound and great musical skills. This song is from their second, Free, from 1989. Bloodletting, their third album, from 1990 was their breakthrough and "Joey" got a lot of airplay on MTV. 1992's Walking in London and 93's Mexican Moon are also evocative and terrific collections of music. The compilation, Recollection, also includes a live performance of "Mercedes Benz," with Johnette doing her best Janis Joplin. The reunion album, Group therapy, from 2002 is mostly good, though there were a couple of songs that I didn't feel were up to their past albums. The live album, Live in Brazil, captures a tremendous performance before a large and loving audience, as well as a statement about the then-invasion of Iraq. I would also recommend Johnette's side project, with Holly Vincent, Vowel Movement, as well as Pretty & twisted, an album with Marc Moreland (of Wall of Voodoo) and Danny Montgomery .
So, this is a very personal song to Her, as well as all prison issues. When I lived in HI Concrete Blonde came down to play The World Cafe,as part of a tour but mostly because she was there to visit her Brother, who was incarcerated there in Honolulu. She's a deeply intelligent Woman on these issues as well as others. For a lighter subject material from this band may I suggest the foloowing: Tomorrow Wendy Bloodletting Caroline...hahahahahaha! Lighter material.
I'm glad you've found Concrete Blonde. You could spend a few days in their catalog. Still recommend "Tomorrow Wendy", "Caroline", "Lullaby", "Someday", "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man", "Rain"....all great songs.
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Thank you my friend I'm glad you were showing some interest in concrete blond great band
this is one of those tracks i feel like i heard over and over in the 90s but never sat down and really listened and paid attention until now. thanks so much for being the Music Teacher out here with these reviews, man. this one really reminds me of the track by Ellis Paul called "Autobiography of a Pistol," where he sings from the point-of-view of a handgun -- ua-cam.com/video/0yVjam80VhU/v-deo.html&ab_channel=EllisPaul-Topic
I seen this group on their 2nd album tour in Hollywood. Johnette lived in Silver Lake at the time as many other artists. i went to her place many times but she'd be on tour, so hooked up with another band who was staying in back house.. Her dear Mum gave me a Concrete Blonde T.. nice peeps. That's my lil reflection. Peace
i member @Jamel. ELA the hood i grew up in. That bridge many movies made their.
ua-cam.com/video/fQlKa1IeZF8/v-deo.html
Concrete Blonde is the most underrated indie/alternative band that ever played
I couldn't agree with you more!
Absolutely!!! I have been fortunate to see them live twice and Johnette killed it.
Yes! I whole heartedly agree.
Couldn't agree more, at least I don't think I could. Wish they were still making music.
I'm confused. Do you rate them low? Nobody I ever met rated them low. Who is this rating service that keeps getting "it" wrong? Concrete Blonde "under" rated. LOL. Right.
"Tomorrow, Wendy" and their cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" are the cream of the crop.
Let's go down the Leonard Cohen rabbit hole please!
@@ryancampbell2192 funny thing about Leonard Cohen - his songs are absolute brilliance, but I always seem to "get more" out of them when they're performed by other people. "Hallelujah" would likely be the penultimate example.
@@anthonyboucher7077 yeah, I agree with regard to hallelujah, but Darkness couldn't be anyone else's voice imho
@@ryancampbell2192 I concede that, for sure!
keep pushing this song!!!!
Jamaj, my daughter first brought Concrete Blond into my awareness in the late 90's. We went to see her in Chicago, at the Vic theatre, an old, spooky, beautiful theatre - perfect backdrop for Johnette's unique sound and style. And she was amazing. My daughter was very pregnant with her first baby at the time. A couple of months later, I emailed Johnette to tell her my first grandbaby was just born and named Isabella Johnette, after her. Johnette emailed me back right away & said she felt so honored. She remembered the pregnant lady at her concert, and she was sincerely pleased. She couldn't have been nicer. I was already a fan, and her down-to-earth warmth and friendliness further solidified this. She's a phenomenal talent and a wonderful person.
I may have been at that show. They're great live. Her voice live... Wow.
She is my favorite female rock voice, you can feel the passion and pain pour out of her. The whole band was amazing. Caroline is another great song. Put on the ReCollection album, basically a greatest hits, you can’t go wrong with any of the songs on there. I love re-living music for the first through you Jamel.
LOOK UP HELIX BY PHIDEAUX
Caroline and Everybody Knows are excellent. Her voice has so much GUTS.
True. I really love the groove and vibe of "Caroline".
Ooh ooh “Everybody Knows”!!!
If you do Everybody Knows you should also react to the Leonard Cohen version.
"Caroline" and "Tomorrow Wendy" are incredible as is the whole "Bloodletting" album
Concrete Blonde has some killer songs. Tomorrow Wendy is heartbreaking, Still In Hollywood is punk as hell, Bloodletting is every goth kids favorite vampire theme song, Everybody Knows is a great Leonard Cohen cover...
Well said
Such an underrated band, more people should be reacting to these guys.
Every song on Bloodletting is SO good!!
Hey Jamel. Thank you for exploring Concrete Blonde. And yes, her name is pronounced like "John-nette". 😄 I also recommend "Everybody Knows", their cover of a Leonard Cohen song. Also, "Caroline" and "Bloodletting". ☮ out!
You might listen to their live tracks as well... Johnette Napolitano utterly tears it up live.
The live in Brazil album was perfect
@@moxiesmama6907 I was able to see them a couple times live. Jaw dropping.
Saw them live in ventura when I was married, as soon as the now ex wife heard her voice she recognized, she loved everyone knows
Unless she's drunk sadly. That was a HARD concert to be at. She started out strong but ended up unable to finish the songs and stumbling off the stage ending the show because she hurt her leg really bad, never found out of it broke or was just sprained. My heart broke for her.
@@nyxskids oh no. That is incredibly saddening.
Awesome! So many reactors just do "Joey" and walk away, but _Concrete Blonde_ (And Johnette's other projects) has *_such_* an excellent catalogue that more than deserves a look!
Such as: _Bloodletting_
_Heal It Up_
_Ghost of a Texas ladies Man_
Their cover of Leonard Cohen's _Everybody Knows_
etc., etc., etc.
EDIT: UA-cam won't let me post the links in a comment but is letting me post 'em in a reply for some reason? Anyway, there are links in the reply.
EDIT again: Nope, the reply got deleted...
Pretty and Twisted...!
Tomorrow, Wendy is a great song by this band
Concrete Blonde best song us Heal It Up. What a incredible voice performance ! Try the official video of that song ! You won't regret it Jamal ! ;-)
Love that song.
Yes heal it. Powerful!
That whole album is incredible.
I second this, amazing!
Man, such a great band. "tomorrow, Wendy..." "Happy Birthday" (one of my FAVES), "Roses Grow", "Jenny, i read" (another FAVE) have gun going down the rabbit hole.
The live version of Roses Grow is amazing if you haven't heard it, have a listen. 😊
After Jamel's reaction to Joey, I pulled out my copy of bloodletting and listened to it this morning on my drive to work. It still sounds so good.
one of the few albums that 30 years later is still SO good.
Everyone I have ever talked to likes Concrete Blonde. It's been argued that due to fact that they appealed to such a wide variety of fans, that Concrete Blonde was not focused enough on a fan base to gain popularity at a level they so richly deserved.
The lack of success is probably more due to constant fights with IRS Records head Miles Copeland, over their albums and promotion of the band. They did not get the attention from him that his brother's band, The Police did, or other IRS artists. They didn't fit the stereotyped roles that were promoted and Johnette did not play the sexpot.
@@jeffnettleton3858 It's truly saddening they did not gain a much stronger place in music. Johnette Napolitano's voice is amazing. One of my prized possessions is the Dream 6 ep (honestly, I've got a lot of prized possessions, but I do like that one quite a bit).
@@jeffnettleton3858 true, Johnette wrote what was on her mind & her mind was full of vivid stories.she was never going to be the sexpot although she is a very attractive lady.I like all of their songs but my favorites are: this song, Jonestown,Everybody Knows,Ghost of a Texas ladies man,City Screaming,Joey, I call it Love, Caroline,Heal it up..they never played a mediocre song!
"Scene of a perfect crime" and "Mexican Moon" also "Heal it up" great ones by Concrete Blond. Thank you for your videos.
"Mexican Moon", "Heal it up", "Beware of Darkness", and "End of the Line" are my favorites
Man, you'll also love "Someday" and "Bloodletting"
Several more great songs like "Tomorrow Wendy" and "Mexican Moon."
And _Heal It Up_ , _Walking In London_ , _Caroline_ , _Mexican Moon_ ,... They have so many excellent tracks!
Bloodletting!
@@BoojumFed You are so right!!!!
"They're gonna call me sir, they'll all stop pickin' on me, I'm a high school grad, I'm over 5-foot 3, I'll get a badge and a gun and I'll join the PD... they'll see"!
Their cover of Everybody Knows (Leonard Cohen) remains on my playlist. Her voice is fire.
Tomorrow, Wendy is the most beautiful and sad song I have ever heard dude please react to it
Sadder still that it is one of those "true story" songs. It was written by Andy Prieboy, who replaced Stan Ridgeway in the band "Wall of Voodoo" (listen to "Far Side of Crazy" from that version of the band - it's awesome). Wendy apparently had AIDS and decided to die on her own terms.
@@anthonyboucher7077 With those she loved and who loved her at her side.
The entire album, bloodletting, is a story about a girl that gets aids from her junkie boyfriend.. and at the end decides suicide.. tomorrow Wendy is the last song. The entire album is fire... Her lyrics are genius... the vampire song starts ... there's a crack in the mirror (bad luck) and a blood stain on the bed (she was a virgin)... she gets aids from having sex with him.. ya, awesome music...
Check out "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde, too. Badass Bassline.
Thanks for reacting to Concrete Blonde. Johnette always sang from the gut and put her whole soul into her performances. I have so many great memories of seeing them live. Love them so much.
Tomorrow Wendy is incredible.
So is Heal It Up.
Love them so very very much....💖💖💖
one of the greatest live acts ever! in my top 10. I've seen them 5 times, the last time was the Bloodletting 20th anniversary tour. Jim & Johnette are a formidable pair and the outstanding trio with Harry is my favorite iteration of the band and maybe because of nostalgia but CB never failed to kick ass live!
So glad and thankful to see someone else acknowledge this woman. She had power , exquisite tonal quality , and a very deep richness to every note !
Finally some Concrete Blonde reactions! Criminally underrated, one of my favorite bands of all time. I suggest Caroline, Heal It Up, Take Me Home, Mexican Moon, Little Conversations, Bloodletting... Really any of their songs are worth checking out.
Jamal you always have such honest insights & interest in what you view.I'm glad you heard "God is a Bullet".Johnette wrote songs that asked "why is our world so f**ked up?"she has a great voice plus she had James/guitar & Harry/drums.i get a feeling from this about how crazy & violent LA could be on a bad day
Jamal when I saw Joey, I had hoped you’d do this one. Her voice still gives me chills.
Maybe check out Under A Mexican Moon. And of course Bloodletting. Always had a crush on her.
They had their song "Still in Hollywood" in the old 80's movie "The Hidden". Only reason I know of this band.
You REALLY need to check out their cover of Everybody Knows. It is their finest. ❤🙂
This is their second album (recorded in 1988, released in '89) I was already a fan and kept waiting for them to explode onto the scene. They kinda did but not the way they should have. Cheers. "Still In Hollywood"
Jamel, everyone is mentioning it, y'all have to react to Tomorrow Wendy by them
This right here is why I love the internet!!! My day was emotional draining, was playing music to relieve stress and next thing I know I’m enjoying watching people listen to one of my favorite musicians for the first time.
Thank you for this video! Seeing you enjoy Johnette Napolitano as a singer and songwriter for the first time was such an amazing experience ❤️
Delve deeper, their entire catalog is amazing
I've been a fan of Concrete Blonde since they started releasing music, and have heard God Is A Bullet many, many times. It's a powerful song and I've always liked it. But I never had the complete context to appreciate where it came from until I watched this reaction video. Something about seeing the video, with a narrator who recognized the places in LA made it all click. Now I see the song in a different light, and it's even more powerful, even chilling. I also got the impression that watching it had a big impact on you (meaning Jamel) as you put all the pieces together. That was very compelling to watch.
Concrete Blonde grew out of the Los Angeles post-punk club circuit that produced bands like Wall of Voodoo and the Go-Go's. Vocalist Johnette Napolitano founded the group with guitarist James Mankey and drummer Harry Rushakoff. Fun, awesome group! Thanks for the vid, Peace
Concrete Blonde Still in Hollywood. Is great. 😄😄😄😄
Someday is also a very cool song from Concrete Blond. Had a friend back in the 90's we would regularly go have drinks with on a Friday or Saturday night. Someday was always a staple song in the play list!
Yes! I was one that suggested this... My favorite CB song
It is SO COOL to watch you discover this music - ROCK ON!... and DANCE!!!!!
My favorite by Concrete Blonde is 'Tomorrow, Wendy'. A real heart-breaker.
If you want some more LA feeling, try Still In Hollywood.
And Kim! Or all of the first album. Fuckin slayed me as a kid in so cal disconnected from glitz and shine that the powers tried to project upon the world. Something like that. Cheers.
@@chrisandersen5635 Kim is a bullseye. My favorite CB song is Help Me with Dancing Along The Edge close behind.
If you want another look at non glitzy LA, try Warren Zevon's first album (called Warren Zevon). If you haven't already. The French Inhaler. Desperados Under The Eaves. Carmelita. Join Me In LA. Poor Poor Pitiful Me.
I totally agree with you about how amazing this group is, but from this first time listening to what you have to say about this particular song, you too are amazing. You obviously have a lot to share, so keep sharing. You move, for real. Thanks for being there.
Fun fact, I saw them on my birthday October 27, 1992 in Charlotte North Carolina. Perhaps the best concert I’ve seen since seeing the base of Waze earlier that year at the Michigan State Fairgrounds with everything action Beck.
I remember hearing this song when it was released in 1989 and thinking something like, "This isn't the usual radio-oriented pop/rock. This is something different!" Concrete Blonde really rocked, and they had very thoughtful lyrics too. They had some success, but they should have had much more!
I used to LOVE this song and I haven’t thought about it for so many years! Can’t wipe the smile off my face right now
Got to see them live at the Whiskey a Go Go on Sunset back in 87', crazy weekend great show. I love great music.
I love their early song Still In Hollywood. Really different sound from these later jams.
Little Conversations is my favorite
That song sums me up so much....it hate insincere conversations. I'd rather have silence!
Concrete Blonde perform my favorite Happy Birthday song. Thanks for listening!
"Still In Hollywood" - early Blonde, up-tempo, and more scenes of LA streets in a great video.
SOOOO glad to see your reaction on the Choice Checkerboard at the end of the official vid...the same one you watched, after seeking it out after ANOTHER CB tune turned up in a Leonard Cohen YT-mix(!) Johnette and James are a formidable pair...forgot there was someone else on bass in this...great drummer too...saw it when it came out, and a friend, since sadly passed, with awesome pipes - they'd have to be - was covering it when I met her in the early 90s.
So glad you discovered Concrete Blonde. They were one of my favorite bands in the late '80s. Johnette and the rest of the band were all part of the L.A. punk/indie metal scene in the late '70s/early '80s, hanging around the Hollywood rock clubs until they formed their own band in 1982.
I'm not a big believer in the psychic/spiritual world, but Johnette has always claimed she has some psychic/spiritual connection and some of her song lyrics focus on that. One of my favorites is "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man," which Johnette claims is based on her psychic experiences with the spirit of a Texas cattle rustler from the 1800s.
"Walking In London" is another one, based on Johnette's experiences in London with Concrete Blonde, feeling like there was someone/something else with her as she walked around the city streets. And one of Concrete Blonde's biggest hits, "Bloodletting" (the entire album is great), definitely evokes the feeling that Johnette lived a past life with a coven of vampires in New Orleans. I don't think Johnette has ever claimed that experience was a reality, but the song certainly gives that feeling, and the original video is worth checking out, a personal favorite.
I love everything about this band. I worked with Johnette and on our last day she told me she was quitting so she could focus on her music. She asked me to come to a gig and I had those nerves that you do when you're hoping you'll like them... I was blown away when the trio hit the stage and she was playing bass and started to sing. Always and forever one of my favorite vocalists. No one is mentioning how great the first album is... I still play it regularly and remember my LA days seeing as many gigs as possible.
She is one of my favorite artists...her lyrics are amazing, her voice is stunning.
Kenny Wayne Shepard - Blue on Black
Pretty please
I have a deep connection to this band. I remember when they were coming up in the '80s, and then that debut album cemented my love for them. Some artists are like that, where it's an instant love affair.
Listen to "Heal It Up" (loud), and "Little Wing". This woman has got heart and soul. Had to share. Thank you for this!!! I am excited for you to try music. I just spent hours with a friend, sharing the songs we love, one-on-one, with each other. You are doing this, and we all benefit from sharing the music that speaks to us. It's a beautiful thing.
Holy cow. I couldn't sleep and was checking out your videos randomly. Concrete Blonde is my favorite band!!! Saw them live in 1991.
more concrete blonde - the beast...walking in london...so great..check em out..this band is incredible
Jamal, thank you for reviewing this fantastic song & video.
It’s powerful my brother.
I’m a gunshot survivor. I can tell you that my chest wound occurred 46 years ago & I still have PTSD & nightmares.
Again, many thanks.
Peace & love to you & yours.
So happy you're visiting the Concrete Blonde catalogue. Thankyou.
It is John - ette! You're right!
This song is about South L.A. *Where she's from!*
She was one of my idols when it came to vocals. I had her singing voice smashed with Thom Yorke.
She gave me the conference and pride to just SING!
thank you so much for reacting to Concrete Blonde - please do Caroline and especially Roses Grow. you’ve touched on a very deep LA based vein here - thanks for keeping this great music alive!
Have not thought of this song in years
You've happened upon a real goldmine here my friend. This underrated band has SO many good songs, and yes Johnette has an amazing voice!
I thought i knew all Concrete Blonde songs but this was a nice surprise! thx for sharing Jamel :)
Very underrated band, and you might be surprised how many songs you've actually heard from them! So glad you connected with the song!
Thank you for reacting to this _highly_ underrated band from the late '80's early '90's. They're phenom. Also the lead singer is one of the only female bass player/singers in rock. Try their _Tomorrow Wendy_ live. :)
Umm Kim Deal from the Pixies sang and played bass. She went on to form The Breeders, which she sang lead and played bass all about the same time.
@@kimodell101 Thanks for the info. I did say one of the only.... :)
Concrete Blonde are great, "Mexican Moon" is a favorite. Also, check out the late 60's early 70's band Fanny. One of the early all female rock bands. There are some good live videos of them around.
Check out their cover of James' Brown It's A Man's World. Or Jesus , Please Forgive Me For What I'm About To Say. So soulful. Was so in love with Johnette in the late 80's early 90's when I was in HS
Keep the Concrete Blonde coming Jamel, and as others have said I would LOVE to hear your discovery of the late, great Leonard Cohen.
Her voice is captivating I love this band Thanks Jamal
Glad you got into Concrete Blonde. You have to listen to their song Heal It Up, Johnette's voice is SO POWERFUL in that one. I get chills from it whenever i hear it.
Great stuff, Jamel, lovin your reactions !! Concrete Blonde was a great band !!
One of my favourite bands, ever. This song never gets tired, Soo good. Listen to their song "True".
Amazing live show, lucky enough to see them 3 times. Most underated band of the 90s.
This is one of my favorites from back then, there's another song from the same time that I believe belongs with "God Is A Bullet". Criminally forgotten David Bowie vehicle (with Comedian Soupy Sales kids) Tin Machine - "Under the God" must check it out
I think that this was late 80s, actually.
Yup. Just barely. This came out in '89.
Always Loved Them
Great reaction video, thank you for listening and sharing! The album Mexican Moon is realllly good, as well as well as Group Therapy, which has one of my favorite songs, "Take Me Home".
This was a great era in music, because of great, and raw songs like this. When artists were still artists out for the art itself.
Saw them in '89 at a small club. They were great.
This was a really great review Jamal, I grew up in the projects in Long Beach from 1959 to late 1965(yes, I'm much older than you) so my experience was a bit different than yours or Jonnette's.
Our main weapons of choice were bats, knives and pipes but the sad underpinnings of the situation were the same. Broken homes, not enough to eat, abusive parents. I know that you understand where I'm coming from. Anyway, I've always been a huge music fan. When this song came out in the early 1990s it blew me away. I still love it.
When you get a chance you should take the time to check out some of their other songs Jonnette Napolitano has a very wonderful voice and her range of expression is second to none. Thanks for the video.
If you want keep checking out more of their music, "Tomorrow Wendy" is powerful. "Still in Hollywood" might resonate with you as an L.A. native. They have a couple covers that are outstanding, "Everybody Knows" originally by Leonard Cohen and "The Ship Song" originally by Nick Cave (another artist you should check out!). My personal favorites by this band are "Darkening of the Light" and "Carry Me Away." I would love to hear your opinions on any of these songs.
oooh yes.... the Ship Song! and yes, Jamel needs to get some Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds! Red Right Hand seems like an obvious choice, but so would so many others- The Mercy Seat, Tupelo, The Weeping Song. So many good ones.
@@cynon767 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was probably the best concert I have ever seen. "Red Right Hand" is a good starting point, but I would love to see a reaction to "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!"
Not only keepin' great music alive, but keepin' REAL music alive.
Music by people who lived the life.
More power to you friend.
Not sure how you find all of your songs but I’ve been watching you for a year now, and watching you react really is a gift, thank you.
Brokedown Palace- Grateful Dead live with Clarence Clemons. This is my first comment but I will just keep trying until this song finds you. It’s my gift to you
My favorite Concrete Blonde song by a country mile. One of the best songs of its era, period.
Jamal, I am re-listening to this video after a year...and you still amaze me. Thanks for hitting Concrete Blonde - where few other reactors have gone. Keeping great music alive.
You have so many other requests, but give "Tomorrow Wendy, Live", "Heal It Up" or "Caroline" a listen.
Thanks,
ken
WINNER! This song is fantastic!!!!! One of the great underrated bands.
Try Still In Hollywood! You’ll love it.
“Jon-et” is I believe her pronunciation…
I saw Concrete Blond perform in the ‘90’s, and Johnette perform solo at a small venue years ago.
I was - and AM - so impressed by the integrity of the work, the uncompromising effort, and the “Being Yourself”-ness of these artists!!
I have no idea why ... but this reminds me of Siouxsie and the Banshees
(It is interesting that both the lead singers are the exact same age lol)
ua-cam.com/video/gGH_16SICL0/v-deo.html
Similar vocal quality in Siouxsie; so, yeah, I can see that. Also, Janis Joplin.
@@MrRedjack12 I always loved this song - thanks for the link!
Yaas I get Siouxsie vibes too!! Peekaboo one of my favs!
Concrete Blonde's albums were all amazing, starting with their first, Still in Hollywood, in 1986. Just a unique and powerful sound and great musical skills. This song is from their second, Free, from 1989. Bloodletting, their third album, from 1990 was their breakthrough and "Joey" got a lot of airplay on MTV. 1992's Walking in London and 93's Mexican Moon are also evocative and terrific collections of music. The compilation, Recollection, also includes a live performance of "Mercedes Benz," with Johnette doing her best Janis Joplin. The reunion album, Group therapy, from 2002 is mostly good, though there were a couple of songs that I didn't feel were up to their past albums. The live album, Live in Brazil, captures a tremendous performance before a large and loving audience, as well as a statement about the then-invasion of Iraq.
I would also recommend Johnette's side project, with Holly Vincent, Vowel Movement, as well as Pretty & twisted, an album with Marc Moreland (of Wall of Voodoo) and Danny Montgomery .
So, this is a very personal song to Her, as well as all prison issues. When I lived in HI Concrete Blonde came down to play The World Cafe,as part of a tour but mostly because she was there to visit her Brother, who was incarcerated there in Honolulu. She's a deeply intelligent Woman on these issues as well as others.
For a lighter subject material from this band may I suggest the foloowing:
Tomorrow Wendy
Bloodletting
Caroline...hahahahahaha!
Lighter material.
I'm glad you've found Concrete Blonde. You could spend a few days in their catalog.
Still recommend "Tomorrow Wendy", "Caroline", "Lullaby", "Someday", "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man", "Rain"....all great songs.
Yes, Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man has such an interesting backstory.
Her voice is chills love it