@@mistymangham4410 Yes!! That is one of my favorite acoustic live performances ever!! She should react to the live acoustic 120 Minutes performance, however. It's on UA-cam. Johnette has never sounded better. She's such an incredible singer!!
They were VERY successful at the time. Radio play, movie soundtrack placements, etc. I presume the lack of HUGE (mega stadium filling type) success is that they only lasted for 2 albums.
@@almishti Indeed - I was unaware. I only own Bloodletting and Walking in London, I just looked it up and learned there are a few others I did not know about. Cheers :)
The live version that is just Johnette and a guitar that aired on 120 Minutes is on YT and one of the most powerful performance I’ve ever seen. The studio version from Pump Up The Volume soundtrack is great on its own
Johnette is seriously one of the most incredible vocalists in the history of rock. This song only scratches the surface of her talents. Her vocals in the song “Heal It Up” knock me out.
I also LOVE True Blood!!! That was one of my favorite shows!! And Concrete Blond SHOULD’VE been on that show for REAL!! That would’ve been PERFECT!! 😈🎶♥️✌🏻
Also have to recommend Heal It Up. The sheer power she has in that song is so good, and showcases her ability to go from sultry to belting at the drop of a hat.. Back in December 2012 I was at work and checking the newspaper before getting going and there was a small blurb stating that Concrete Blonde would be performing THAT NIGHT. I called my son (15 at the time and on a holiday break) and said "We're going to a concert tonight" as he'd grown up listening to them. Small venue by the University of Minnesota, and they opened with their version of "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and then into their usual songs. She still had all the control available to her -- and her hair was almost its own performer, as some songs were sung with it completely hiding her face. Best concert I've ever been to.
@@craigplatel813 I saw them a couple of times when they played in Sydney, Australia. Then was lucky enough to interview her in the late 90s when she played some shows with Chris Bailey from The Saints. She was gracious and shared some red wine with me! 🙂 I wish she'd create more music.
Very glad to see you got around to Concrete Blonde! Another excellent Hallowe'en song from them is "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man". I think you'd really enjoy that one -- it's more lighthearted and just delightful.
James Mankey is a brilliant textural guitarist. Likely he's using a flanger, and a harmonizer, maybe even a phase shifter. One other commenter said, once you've heard a Mankey guitar line it's instantly recognizable. Give more of your attention to the 'Blonde's catalog. There is so much to enjoy.
@theodosios2615 there probably is. I've never seen any guitar mag do a feature on Mankey even at 'the 'Blonde's peak of popularity, which is a shame. Would love to know his signal chain.
The whole album is a masterpiece as far as having a cohesive vibe and great songs from start to finish. Not too many albums have no throw-away tracks on them.
Walking in London is my favorite CB song. It always makes me think of Daniel and Armand from the Vampire Chronicles. I always wished I could ask Johnette if she was thinking of them when she wrote it.
Johnette. Nuff said. Incredible and underrated vocalist. So glad you discovered her. Now, a deep dive into Concrete Blonde! Big fan, but maybe check out “Heal it Up” from a vocal standpoint?
When it comes to her sound, you can't go past her collab/cover of the Andy Prieboy song "Tomorrow, Wendy." As a singer, Elizabeth would really enjoy this - or the Andy version. (He's a great singer/songwriter himself.)
johnette is my FAVOURITE female singer of all time! i’m so happy you did concrete blonde!! please do more! i’d suggest “walking in london”. her vocals are are incredible 🖤
Johnette is the best vocalist of her generation. Huge power in all registers, great songwriter, bass player... First ballot MVP. Nothing short of a legend.
"Heal it Up," "Cold Part of Town," "Mexican Moon," "Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man," and her cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" are all awesome! Love Concrete Blonde so much.
Often overlooked and underrated. Song for Kim, Days and Days, God is a Bullet, Still in Hollywood, Dance along the Edge from their 1st album deserving of a listen.
Concrete Blonde put on the best show I have ever experienced. It was probably supporting "Bloodletting". Club date in Houston. They seemed to come on expecting that they had an average group of fans in Houston. Turns out, somehow, the Houston fanbase was *really* into them. They could tell by the way everyone in the venue was singing along to the first song. And that pumped them up. And we fed off their energy. It was a positive feedback loop that left us all screaming and them just jamming. It was wonderful having even a tiny part in giving one of my favorite artists that gift. And what an amazing show we got in return. Dang, 30 years ago now, but still the best concert I've been to. I heard they got the name from Michael Stipe saying that Johnette's voice was concrete blonde. And I can totally hear that listening to "Still in Hollywood". "Joey" or "Tomorrow, Wendy" would be my choices for more of them, but walk in prepared for sadness, especially if you choose "Tomorrow, Wendy".
Johnette's voice,live is so good and she projects so well that she barely needs a mic. Also great to check out is "Tomorrow,Wendy". Even the a Cappella version is fantastic and another song called "Heal it Up"
Yes. Somebody doing Concrete Blonde. I saw these guys many times when they were a local band in L.A. Then years later they did the video for "Caroline" in a club I worked. I actually got filmed behind the bar but didn't make the final cut. Love these guys. Thank you Elizabeth.
Great reaction. I just stumbled across The B-52s "Roam" and perhaps hadn't noticed before how incredible the vocals on that song are. Two-part harmonies, nasty distortion, falsetto, yodels, it's got everything. That would be a great one to react to.
I named my son Joey after listening to Concrete Blonde obsessively. I adored their music. I adored lots of different kinds of music but this album was addictive. We were spoiled for choice back in those days. Johnette’s voice is incredible and I wish Concrete Blonde could have received the recognition they deserved.
So glad to finally see Johnette and Concrete Blond on this channel. I've been a fan since I first heard them as a junior in high school waaaaaaaay back in late '88/'89. Definitely an underappreciated band and its worth taking a dive into their discography. Johnette Napolitano has such a strong, distinctive voice, and she's a great songwriter to boot.
yes, add me to the list. This song doesn't really exhibit her vocal abilities. It's also not my fave song by Concrete Blonde. There are so many more interesting ones.
I saw them in concert many, many years ago. It's a moment in time I will NEVER forget. Johnette shared something very personal. The song Tomorrow, Wendy was written for a friend of hers that died of aids. I can't hear her voice without thinking about that moment. It was the first time live music brought me to tears.
This may be one of my all-time favorite reactions that you've done - Concrete Blonde has been one of my absolute favorite bands since the early 90s, and I've so been waiting for you to react to Johnette's incredible voice. And as an added treat you reacted to the song that introduced me to the band! All of their songs are amazing, but I would say that the live version of Tomorrow, Wendy is an must-listen! Another song that really showcases Johnette's amazing voice is Damage I've Done by The Heads (formerly the Talking Heads) where she provides guest vocals.
@@nickmitchell7664 I'd never thought about that - so I had to pull out my CD and check! According to the liner notes, Tina played bass, while Johnette did vocals, lyrics, and "buzz guitar" (not sure what that is, honestly).
@@Ryan_Crown I had to look it up... I don't know where my copy is, my CD collection is arranged by importance of band, then by date of release, lol. I don't remember how I classified it.
Please please please do Joey. Her vocals are heart wrenching. One of the best songs ever written about being in love with someone who has an addiction.
The song is very much inspired by Anne Rice's "Interview With the Vampire," much of which takes place in 19th Century New Orleans. So your first impression is exactly what Concrete Blonde was shooting for.
Yes! I’ve wanted a top pro vocal coach to check out Concrete Blonde + Johnette for a long time. And here it is. My first Concrete Blonde song was on a little radio at a gas station during my ungodly early morning shift. Years later, I bought a CD copy of their debut album for only 50¢. That was an utter *steal* all the way. Was not prepared for just how excellent their work was- and that continued all over their original run. I just started going back and buying an LP at a time; in the process they became one of my absolute favorite bands, top 3 to this day. From a musical standpoint their material is so solid. From a vocal standpoint Johnette is a treasure house. Thank you & Happy Halloween. 🎃🧛♀️ 🎙️🎼🎙️ 🧛♀️🎃
Thanks Elizabeth for not only a great analysis but also a highly entertaining reaction. Was hoping you'd get a kick out of this and was grateful for the Patreon support to get it through. Hopefully you do get to explore more Concrete Blonde and Johnette. She is so very underrated.
NO WAY!! I was just listening to concrete blonde and thought "Elizabeth must hear Johnette!" So I come to her channel to recommend them, and she has literally just uploaded a Concrete Blonde review! Wow. If you really want to hear Johnette in God Mode, listen to Heal It Up, she strips paint off the walls on that one.
You have GOT to review Concrete Blondes HEAL IT UP !!! Never heard a vocal like that one in my 57 years of being a Rock Fan !! Janet Napalotano Kills It ! Love your channel !
The sound you hear on the guitar is a "Flanger." It's kind of like a parametric EQ that sweeps up and down and adds some warble to the sound. On the undistorted guitar, it's a deep reverb and a warm EQ. There's a lot of reverb, flange/phase and echolation effects in this song.
Yep. There's also a lot of jangle in the guitar, which is a lot more common in goth and post-punk than the other genres of rock you've listened to on here.
So so happy with the choices of the most recent songs. This album is one of my all time favorites. Bought it on a whim due to ‘Caroline’ and having a crush by that name and fell in love with it all.
James Mankey has a very distinct guitar sound throughout Concrete Blonde's discography. Once you hear a Mankey guitar solo, you know the sound forever!
Yes!! Concrete Blonde!! Been asking for Heal It Up for a while now. I want to know what you think of her vocals on that one! Anyway Bloodletting is good too,the song and the album. Now to watch this video.
I knew Johnette's voice and Concrete Blondes sound would be well received, though this is just scratching the surface of her voice. The likes of Heal It Up, Caroline, Everybody Knows, Some Day and Oh Lord Wont You Buy Me A Mercedes Benz will show her true talents. This is one band i would truly like to hear more of. 😊
My personal favorite Concrete Blonde song is Heal It Up! Although, honestly I love just about everything by them! Mexican Moon, Caroline, and Joey are great too!
I really recommend this band's songs "Joey" and "Caroline". I consider those two songs to be underrated classics like "Seventeen" by Sharon Van Etten and "Stolen Car" by Beth Orton.
I LOVE Concrete Blonde! You should listen to Heal It Up, even if you don't make a video of it. Johnette has some great vocals in that song, well any song actually!
I know most people are going to recommend "Joey" and "Caroline" next, and those are good songs... but I'm more a fan of their later stuff. I'm suggesting "Jenny I Read", from their Mexican Moon album. Really, that entire album is magical.
A lot of very good Concrete Blonde songs mentionned here... I would add another one which is, for me, one of their most beautiful songs : the wonderful cover of "Beware of darkness" (originally created by George Harrison). Anyway, all songs from their very first album are absolute gems 😍 A big thanks from France for this song analysis, Elizabeth ! 👍
OMG......so happy to hear some Concrete Blonde, my all time favorite since the late 80's. Check out 'Heal it up" to hear Johnette in full flight.....but then again, every single one of their songs is fantastic. Highly underrated.
It makes me so happy when you cover bands that were my favorites at times. I saw them open for Sting in the early 90's and it was one of the best opening acts I'd ever seen. Instant fan.
As for the guitar tones, an effect called a Flanger is used extensively all over the whole album, and on that solo, it sounds like either it’s being played on a 12 string electric (+flanger), or on a six string with a pitch shifting effect that adds another note to each one played.
Agree. Also, I think that there's a compressor to thin out the dynamics, allowing the entire solo to be evenly heard rapid -fire chords, double stops, and chordal bends. Further consistency in tone appears to be achieved by strumming very close to the fretting hand, as shown in the music video; it is somewhat funk like. Have had this whole album on repeat regularly since it was released. Underrated guitarist for sure. The solo on Caroline is great and very different.
Nice!!! It's been years since I've heard these guys! Very indurated band who should have had way more success then they did.ive always loved their name! The bass in this song is super yummy! Looking forward to seeing what you think about this band.
Yay! Concrete Blonde. Johnette has such a distinctive voice and was surprised you never got around to them. You can't go wrong with any of their songs, but you should do "Tomorrow Wendy" near Dec 1st as that is World AIDS Day. The song was written by Andy Priebus, singer of the band Wall of Voodoo. It was written at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and was about this prostitute that Andy knew who got AIDS and decided on when her life should end. It may not showcase Johnette's voice as much as other songs, but it is pure emotion.
Something about the mood of this song reminds me of "Transylvania Concubine" by Rasputina. One thing I love about this channel is how it challenges my preconceived notions about what makes for good voices and music. I'd like to return the favor: I'm sure this wouldn't be a first listen for you, but "Three-Five-Zero-Zero" from _Hair_ might make for an interesting vocal analysis. (In the off-chance that you haven't heard it, be aware that some muting might be needed in the bridge to appease The Almighty Algorithm.)
OOOOH! THIS IS A GREAT PICK! I just listened to the whole CD fist time in years. Quite a trip! NOW I WANNA GO LISTEN TO THIS IN MY CAR & PISS OFF THE NEIGHBORS!
I COULD NOT CLICK ON THIS FAST ENOUGH!!! Johnette Napolitano has been such an underrated artist for so many years. Also love "Heal It Up" (probably the best example of how powerful her voice can be) and this is probably not as popular a song but I love "Suicide Note", which was on the Underworld soundtrack.
Really enjoyed the reaction, so thank you! My introduction to Concrete Blonde was in 1987 with the song "True" & still love listening to it today. I believe the song was written as a reaction to experiences relating to the industry trying to mould the band into something they did not want to be. Perhaps if they had bent over, Joey wouldn't be their only commercial success...happy they stood their ground though. Powerful lyrics, could quote the entire song but love... "And if I had the choice I'd take the voice I got Cause it was hard to find You know I've come too far to wind up right back where I started And they tell me who I should be I'll never let those monkeys make a mess of me I give all I am and it's all I can do But I'm true" Hope we see some more CB reactions.
Fabulous band!!! I shared an apartment with the OG drummer back in the day. Unfortunately, Harry didn't participate in the recording of the Bloodletting album. Also, if you go deeper into Concrete Blond, Someday? would be a nice choice.
Harry was a big influence on me coming up as a drummer in the 80's! Saw CB live 3 times back in the day and he was a BEAST! They are still one of my fav bands nearly 40 years later!
I was walking around Philly with my sister in 2012. Saw a band named concrete blonde was playing at World Cafe. We had no idea who they were, but they had a cool name so we went to see them. We were so blown away that we went out and bought all their albums. They were excellent.
Yes please do more of Johnette and Concrete Blonde. She is fabulous and EXTREMELY underrated.
agree, she has been overlooked. She deserves more recognition
Yup. Maybe something quicker next - Still In Hollywood or God Is A Bullet
@@wyldhowl2821 I first heard Concrete Blonde on MTV's 120 Minutes in '88 or '89 with God is a Bullet -- it made me an instant fan.
Their cover of Leonard Cohen Everybody Knows. ❤
@@mistymangham4410 Yes!! That is one of my favorite acoustic live performances ever!! She should react to the live acoustic 120 Minutes performance, however. It's on UA-cam. Johnette has never sounded better. She's such an incredible singer!!
I'll never understand why they weren't more successful. One of my favorite female vocalists, a force of nature.
They were VERY successful at the time. Radio play, movie soundtrack placements, etc. I presume the lack of HUGE (mega stadium filling type) success is that they only lasted for 2 albums.
@@gregmason2434 2??? They had at least 4 or 5 by my reckoning!
@@almishti Indeed - I was unaware. I only own Bloodletting and Walking in London, I just looked it up and learned there are a few others I did not know about. Cheers :)
@@gregmason2434 I looked it up just now to make sure too and there's actually a few from the early 2000s I didn't even know about! :P
Finally. My favorite female vocalist gets a turn. You will love her, I think. They do an amazing cover of “everybody knows” by Leonard Cohen
Concrete Blonde did some great covers. Little Wing remains my favorite cover of a Hendrix song.
The live version that is just Johnette and a guitar that aired on 120 Minutes is on YT and one of the most powerful performance I’ve ever seen. The studio version from Pump Up The Volume soundtrack is great on its own
@ I haven’t seen the live one. Thanks for the tip
Simple Twist of Fate is also a great Bob Dylan cover.
@@ThePrincepiggy wow wow wow. I just fell in love with that song all over again. Damn good. I think that should be next on E’s reactions
I never dreamed that you would do a Concrete Blonde song!!!!! Please do more of Johnette, her voice is fabulous, it has so much character.
Some good stuff by Concrete Blonde. This. Joey. Caroline. Tomorrow, Wendy. Johnette is distinctive and haunting.
I agree with Joey ,super emotional song.
@@robertadams998Tomorrow, Wendy, about the AIDS epidemic, and a true story.
Lullaby is my favorite of theirs.
The original "Tomorrow Wendy" that Johnette performed as a duet with Andy Prieboy is sublime. The Concrete Blonde version is equally sublime.
Les Coeurs Jemieux, True, Sun, Mexican Moon
Sadly Concrete Blonde is one of the many bands that never got the full recognition they deserved. Please do more of this amazing band.
Johnette is seriously one of the most incredible vocalists in the history of rock. This song only scratches the surface of her talents. Her vocals in the song “Heal It Up” knock me out.
OMG!!! This whole album is perfection.
Agree.this album is 100% AMAZING!!!🎶♥️✌🏻
I also LOVE True Blood!!! That was one of my favorite shows!! And Concrete Blond SHOULD’VE been on that show for REAL!! That would’ve been PERFECT!! 😈🎶♥️✌🏻
It really is
Really? I might pick it up then.
Yes….welcome to the awesomeness that is Concrete Blonde.
Criminally underrated band and Johnette’s vocals are always as excellent as they are unique.
Oh my happy heart! I’ve been waiting for a reaction to Johnette’s amazing voice for years! This is a wonderful place to start. ❤️🌹
I was just going to comment the same thing. One of my all-time favorite bands - I've been waiting so long for this reaction!
Me too! 😊
Also have to recommend Heal It Up. The sheer power she has in that song is so good, and showcases her ability to go from sultry to belting at the drop of a hat..
Back in December 2012 I was at work and checking the newspaper before getting going and there was a small blurb stating that Concrete Blonde would be performing THAT NIGHT. I called my son (15 at the time and on a holiday break) and said "We're going to a concert tonight" as he'd grown up listening to them. Small venue by the University of Minnesota, and they opened with their version of "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and then into their usual songs. She still had all the control available to her -- and her hair was almost its own performer, as some songs were sung with it completely hiding her face. Best concert I've ever been to.
Love “Heal It Up” so much. Utterly powerful chorus. Very jealous you caught them live- I only ever saw a local band cover “Bloodletting”.
Yes! 'Heal It Up' is great..
Heal it Up is one of the songs where she just cuts loose and peels the paint off the walls.
Heal It Up. Heal It Up. Heal It Up. Heal It up.
Please.
Yes!
I read that in her signing it...
Would love to see her take on the live version from the Jon Stewart show; ua-cam.com/video/QcJjaL2sL9w/v-deo.htmlsi=OQiqON7xl7ZAzpy2
Concrete Blonde also did a fantastic cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows"
Bumping this for visibility. I love their lush and moody cover of "Everybody Knows" so much because of Johnette's vocals. Amazing!
Probably the best version of it, best cover at least.
@@aerynsunxjust thinking about the cover gives me chills. ❤❤❤
They also did my favorite rendition of “ghost riders in the sky”.
Especially her live version on MTV kicks ass!
When it comes to top-N lists of "criminally under-rated bands", Concrete Blonde is always there near the top. Napolitano's voice is brilliant.
One of the most underrated bands/singers. For some crazy good emotional fry singing, check out "Jenny, I Read"
Can’t wait! Was just thinking yesterday to suggest Concrete Blonde. Love Johnette! ‘God is a bullet’ is another great song of theirs. Raw and rocky.
Yep. I always liked the album Free best.
Got to see them in KC on 89. Great show at a small venue. Was right up front leaning on the stage.
@@craigplatel813 I saw them a couple of times when they played in Sydney, Australia. Then was lucky enough to interview her in the late 90s when she played some shows with Chris Bailey from The Saints. She was gracious and shared some red wine with me! 🙂 I wish she'd create more music.
"the sky is a poisonous garden tonight" also from Bloodletting, is really quite thrashy and short... it's my favorite.
Very glad to see you got around to Concrete Blonde! Another excellent Hallowe'en song from them is "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man". I think you'd really enjoy that one -- it's more lighthearted and just delightful.
More Johnette Napolitano please. Everybody knows is an amazing showcase of her voice. One of the most underrated singers ever
Saw Concrete Blonde and immediately assumed it was going to be "Joey". But it being late October, "Bloodletting" makes perfect sense.
James Mankey is a brilliant textural guitarist.
Likely he's using a flanger, and a harmonizer, maybe even a phase shifter. One other commenter said, once you've heard a Mankey guitar line it's instantly recognizable.
Give more of your attention to the 'Blonde's catalog. There is so much to enjoy.
Solo sounds like heavy digital delay to me?
@theodosios2615 there probably is.
I've never seen any guitar mag do a feature on Mankey even at 'the 'Blonde's peak of popularity, which is a shame. Would love to know his signal chain.
The whole album is a masterpiece as far as having a cohesive vibe and great songs from start to finish. Not too many albums have no throw-away tracks on them.
Brilliant album
I can't believe you reacted to this! Thank you. Concrete blonde is amazing. They are also so good live.
Never would I ever believe that you would evaluate Concrete Blonde, Johnette Napolitano is my absolute favorite female singer. Thank you.
"Walking in London" always felt more vampirey to me than "Bloodletting" but both songs are excellent and Concrete Blonde is absolutely underrated!
Walking in London is my favorite CB song. It always makes me think of Daniel and Armand from the Vampire Chronicles. I always wished I could ask Johnette if she was thinking of them when she wrote it.
Johnette. Nuff said. Incredible and underrated vocalist. So glad you discovered her. Now, a deep dive into Concrete Blonde! Big fan, but maybe check out “Heal it Up” from a vocal standpoint?
Completely agree - love her vocals on that song!
Heal it up… yes!!!! Definitely in my top three of their songs
Mine as well! Caroline is probably my favorite song from a songwriting perspective, but if vocals are what you’re after, it’s hard to beat Heal It Up.
When it comes to her sound, you can't go past her collab/cover of the Andy Prieboy song "Tomorrow, Wendy."
As a singer, Elizabeth would really enjoy this - or the Andy version. (He's a great singer/songwriter himself.)
Absolutely check out that song, her vocals are so powerful on it.
johnette is my FAVOURITE female singer of all time! i’m so happy you did concrete blonde!! please do more! i’d suggest “walking in london”. her vocals are are incredible 🖤
Johnette is the best vocalist of her generation. Huge power in all registers, great songwriter, bass player... First ballot MVP. Nothing short of a legend.
James Mankey , such an amazing guitar tone.
Interestingly, he was in Sparks.
James has been in my "Top 5" list for decades! Absolutely amazing talent!!
"Heal it Up," "Cold Part of Town," "Mexican Moon," "Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man," and her cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" are all awesome! Love Concrete Blonde so much.
Often overlooked and underrated. Song for Kim, Days and Days, God is a Bullet, Still in Hollywood, Dance along the Edge from their 1st album deserving of a listen.
Concrete Blonde put on the best show I have ever experienced. It was probably supporting "Bloodletting". Club date in Houston. They seemed to come on expecting that they had an average group of fans in Houston. Turns out, somehow, the Houston fanbase was *really* into them. They could tell by the way everyone in the venue was singing along to the first song. And that pumped them up. And we fed off their energy. It was a positive feedback loop that left us all screaming and them just jamming. It was wonderful having even a tiny part in giving one of my favorite artists that gift. And what an amazing show we got in return. Dang, 30 years ago now, but still the best concert I've been to. I heard they got the name from Michael Stipe saying that Johnette's voice was concrete blonde. And I can totally hear that listening to "Still in Hollywood". "Joey" or "Tomorrow, Wendy" would be my choices for more of them, but walk in prepared for sadness, especially if you choose "Tomorrow, Wendy".
Johnette's voice,live is so good and she projects so well that she barely needs a mic. Also great to check out is "Tomorrow,Wendy". Even the a Cappella version is fantastic and another song called "Heal it Up"
I'm so happy you're getting to Concrete Blonde! You will also love "Joey", which really shows Johnette's dynamism.
You have to listen to more. Johnettes voice is crazy!
I love this band so much. And I especially love Johnette Napolitano's voice. Can't wait for your analysis! 🎃🧛🏼♀️🖤
Yes. Somebody doing Concrete Blonde. I saw these guys many times when they were a local band in L.A. Then years later they did the video for "Caroline" in a club I worked. I actually got filmed behind the bar but didn't make the final cut. Love these guys. Thank you Elizabeth.
Great reaction. I just stumbled across The B-52s "Roam" and perhaps hadn't noticed before how incredible the vocals on that song are. Two-part harmonies, nasty distortion, falsetto, yodels, it's got everything. That would be a great one to react to.
I named my son Joey after listening to Concrete Blonde obsessively. I adored their music. I adored lots of different kinds of music but this album was addictive. We were spoiled for choice back in those days. Johnette’s voice is incredible and I wish Concrete Blonde could have received the recognition they deserved.
So glad to finally see Johnette and Concrete Blond on this channel. I've been a fan since I first heard them as a junior in high school waaaaaaaay back in late '88/'89. Definitely an underappreciated band and its worth taking a dive into their discography. Johnette Napolitano has such a strong, distinctive voice, and she's a great songwriter to boot.
"Joey", Concrete Blonde's biggest hit, is more vocally interesting and affecting than this song. Sincerely hope you circle back to that one.
YES!!!!❤ Joey PLEASE!
I agree, this song doesn't how off how great her voice really is. .
yes, add me to the list. This song doesn't really exhibit her vocal abilities. It's also not my fave song by Concrete Blonde. There are so many more interesting ones.
Great song yes, their best no.
This is probably the weakest song on the whole album. Joey’s okay, but overrated, imo. Caroline is a better choice.
I saw them in concert many, many years ago. It's a moment in time I will NEVER forget. Johnette shared something very personal. The song Tomorrow, Wendy was written for a friend of hers that died of aids. I can't hear her voice without thinking about that moment. It was the first time live music brought me to tears.
I saw her about 7 years ago and it was wonderful. She still sounded incredible!
This may be one of my all-time favorite reactions that you've done - Concrete Blonde has been one of my absolute favorite bands since the early 90s, and I've so been waiting for you to react to Johnette's incredible voice. And as an added treat you reacted to the song that introduced me to the band! All of their songs are amazing, but I would say that the live version of Tomorrow, Wendy is an must-listen! Another song that really showcases Johnette's amazing voice is Damage I've Done by The Heads (formerly the Talking Heads) where she provides guest vocals.
Who plays bass on Damage, Johnette or Tina? It never occurred to me to even ponder that question till now
@@nickmitchell7664 I'd never thought about that - so I had to pull out my CD and check! According to the liner notes, Tina played bass, while Johnette did vocals, lyrics, and "buzz guitar" (not sure what that is, honestly).
@@Ryan_Crown I had to look it up... I don't know where my copy is, my CD collection is arranged by importance of band, then by date of release, lol. I don't remember how I classified it.
@@nickmitchell7664 Yeah, I've got my collection arranged loosely by genre - luckily that album was in the first binder! 😁
I have been suggesting this song for years. You shoudl also check out Heal It Up by Concrete Blonde and Everybody Knows. I love Johnette's voice.
Nice! One of many greats off of the 'bloodletting' album. Super excited for your impressions!
The whole album is amazing!!
About damn time. I say that with love. I saw her live in the 90s and she was louder than the p.a.!
"I've got the ways and means to New Orleans.." Great rockin' band, dynamic guitarist, big vocals. Perfect analysis for the Halloween time spirit🧛🏻🩸🦇🎃😎
finally! most underrated band in the last 40 years. johnette is one of the greatest female pop/rock singers of all time.
Johnette, absolutely ! One of my all time favorite. Thank you. She is beyond cool. What a voice .
Please please please do Joey. Her vocals are heart wrenching. One of the best songs ever written about being in love with someone who has an addiction.
The song is very much inspired by Anne Rice's "Interview With the Vampire," much of which takes place in 19th Century New Orleans. So your first impression is exactly what Concrete Blonde was shooting for.
This has been my MOST WANTED artist for you to cover!!!! I've even talked about it to my family xD
Bloodletting is a fantastic album. Johnette is amazing on bass and vocals.
Yes! I’ve wanted a top pro vocal coach to check out Concrete Blonde + Johnette for a long time. And here it is. My first Concrete Blonde song was on a little radio at a gas station during my ungodly early morning shift. Years later, I bought a CD copy of their debut album for only 50¢. That was an utter *steal* all the way. Was not prepared for just how excellent their work was- and that continued all over their original run. I just started going back and buying an LP at a time; in the process they became one of my absolute favorite bands, top 3 to this day. From a musical standpoint their material is so solid. From a vocal standpoint Johnette is a treasure house. Thank you & Happy Halloween.
🎃🧛♀️ 🎙️🎼🎙️ 🧛♀️🎃
She really lets loose on "Heal it Up" on the Mexican Moon album. Serious breath control on that one.
Mexican Moon is a great album
Hell yes!!!! I have been waiting and recommending this for a while now. This makes me ridiculously happy.
Oooo goth club staple song 😆 love it
Woot Woot!
Thanks Elizabeth for not only a great analysis but also a highly entertaining reaction. Was hoping you'd get a kick out of this and was grateful for the Patreon support to get it through. Hopefully you do get to explore more Concrete Blonde and Johnette. She is so very underrated.
NO WAY!!
I was just listening to concrete blonde and thought "Elizabeth must hear Johnette!" So I come to her channel to recommend them, and she has literally just uploaded a Concrete Blonde review! Wow. If you really want to hear Johnette in God Mode, listen to Heal It Up, she strips paint off the walls on that one.
Joey, Tomorrow Wednesday, Caroline, and God Is A Bullet are awesome by Concrete Blonde
They did a phenomenal cover of Little Wing. Vocals, instruments. Nailed it all.
MORE CONCRETE BLONDE, Please.. This song doesn't show how great her voice really is. How about "Heal It Up" next. 🤩
Tomorrow Wendy….PLEASE!!!!!🎶♥️✌🏻
You have GOT to review Concrete Blondes HEAL IT UP !!! Never heard a vocal like that one in my 57 years of being a Rock Fan !! Janet Napalotano Kills It ! Love your channel !
The sound you hear on the guitar is a "Flanger." It's kind of like a parametric EQ that sweeps up and down and adds some warble to the sound. On the undistorted guitar, it's a deep reverb and a warm EQ. There's a lot of reverb, flange/phase and echolation effects in this song.
Yep. There's also a lot of jangle in the guitar, which is a lot more common in goth and post-punk than the other genres of rock you've listened to on here.
So so happy with the choices of the most recent songs. This album is one of my all time favorites. Bought it on a whim due to ‘Caroline’ and having a crush by that name and fell in love with it all.
About time you got to my favorite female singer! I've only been suggesting Concrete Blonde at every opportunity.
Johnette is one of the greatest. If you want to really hear her wail, listen to Heal It Up.
She’s just a powerhouse on that chorus.
James Mankey has a very distinct guitar sound throughout Concrete Blonde's discography. Once you hear a Mankey guitar solo, you know the sound forever!
Very cool you found Concrete Blonde. This entire album is great. Give "Tomorrow Wendy" a listen. Very airy & ethereal, yet powerful vocals.
I haven’t heard this song in the longest time! It’s amazing. Concrete Blonde are amazing. I cannot wait to hear your reaction.
More Concrete Blonde PLEASE!
Underrated band!!! Even with their several 'hits', SO many more songs are/were worthy of being more well known by the masses.
So happi to see you smile and giggle..
I have so many great memories of listening to (and seeing live) Concrete Blonde.
More please... 8)
Yes!! Concrete Blonde!! Been asking for Heal It Up for a while now. I want to know what you think of her vocals on that one! Anyway Bloodletting is good too,the song and the album. Now to watch this video.
I knew Johnette's voice and Concrete Blondes sound would be well received, though this is just scratching the surface of her voice. The likes of Heal It Up, Caroline, Everybody Knows, Some Day and Oh Lord Wont You Buy Me A Mercedes Benz will show her true talents. This is one band i would truly like to hear more of. 😊
So many gems in this band's catalog!
My personal favorite Concrete Blonde song is Heal It Up! Although, honestly I love just about everything by them! Mexican Moon, Caroline, and Joey are great too!
I really recommend this band's songs "Joey" and "Caroline". I consider those two songs to be underrated classics like "Seventeen" by Sharon Van Etten and "Stolen Car" by Beth Orton.
Ooh! A mention of Beth Orton. Good call.
Probably best to start with She Cries Your Name from her catalogue though methinks.
I LOVE Concrete Blonde! You should listen to Heal It Up, even if you don't make a video of it. Johnette has some great vocals in that song, well any song actually!
I know most people are going to recommend "Joey" and "Caroline" next, and those are good songs... but I'm more a fan of their later stuff. I'm suggesting "Jenny I Read", from their Mexican Moon album. Really, that entire album is magical.
Love that album as well - "Heal It Up" has to be my favorite from that album, though.
I still have my concert shirt from this tour. She is the most powerful singer I've ever seen live. I've seen MANY shows.
Love Johnette's voice! God Is A Bullet and Joey are 2 excellent songs that really show off her voice.
A lot of very good Concrete Blonde songs mentionned here... I would add another one which is, for me, one of their most beautiful songs : the wonderful cover of "Beware of darkness" (originally created by George Harrison).
Anyway, all songs from their very first album are absolute gems 😍
A big thanks from France for this song analysis, Elizabeth ! 👍
OMG......so happy to hear some Concrete Blonde, my all time favorite since the late 80's. Check out 'Heal it up" to hear Johnette in full flight.....but then again, every single one of their songs is fantastic. Highly underrated.
It makes me so happy when you cover bands that were my favorites at times. I saw them open for Sting in the early 90's and it was one of the best opening acts I'd ever seen. Instant fan.
As for the guitar tones, an effect called a Flanger is used extensively all over the whole album, and on that solo, it sounds like either it’s being played on a 12 string electric (+flanger), or on a six string with a pitch shifting effect that adds another note to each one played.
Plus no pick.
Agree. Also, I think that there's a compressor to thin out the dynamics, allowing the entire solo to be evenly heard rapid -fire chords, double stops, and chordal bends. Further consistency in tone appears to be achieved by strumming very close to the fretting hand, as shown in the music video; it is somewhat funk like. Have had this whole album on repeat regularly since it was released. Underrated guitarist for sure. The solo on Caroline is great and very different.
Nice!!! It's been years since I've heard these guys! Very indurated band who should have had way more success then they did.ive always loved their name! The bass in this song is super yummy! Looking forward to seeing what you think about this band.
As a DJ, I could Always pack the dance floor with this one.
Yay! Concrete Blonde. Johnette has such a distinctive voice and was surprised you never got around to them. You can't go wrong with any of their songs, but you should do "Tomorrow Wendy" near Dec 1st as that is World AIDS Day. The song was written by Andy Priebus, singer of the band Wall of Voodoo. It was written at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and was about this prostitute that Andy knew who got AIDS and decided on when her life should end. It may not showcase Johnette's voice as much as other songs, but it is pure emotion.
Something about the mood of this song reminds me of "Transylvania Concubine" by Rasputina.
One thing I love about this channel is how it challenges my preconceived notions about what makes for good voices and music. I'd like to return the favor: I'm sure this wouldn't be a first listen for you, but "Three-Five-Zero-Zero" from _Hair_ might make for an interesting vocal analysis. (In the off-chance that you haven't heard it, be aware that some muting might be needed in the bridge to appease The Almighty Algorithm.)
OOOOH! THIS IS A GREAT PICK!
I just listened to the whole CD fist time in years. Quite a trip!
NOW I WANNA GO LISTEN TO THIS IN MY CAR & PISS OFF THE NEIGHBORS!
I COULD NOT CLICK ON THIS FAST ENOUGH!!! Johnette Napolitano has been such an underrated artist for so many years.
Also love "Heal It Up" (probably the best example of how powerful her voice can be) and this is probably not as popular a song but I love "Suicide Note", which was on the Underworld soundtrack.
Still in Hollywood is so raw and powerful. IMO, it's Johnette's best performance.
I'm actually shocked you are reviewing this song! I LOVE THIS SONG! And I was always fascinated by the way she sings!
I absolutely love your enthusiasm and appreciation for music of all types, thank you.
Really enjoyed the reaction, so thank you! My introduction to Concrete Blonde was in 1987 with the song "True" & still love listening to it today. I believe the song was written as a reaction to experiences relating to the industry trying to mould the band into something they did not want to be. Perhaps if they had bent over, Joey wouldn't be their only commercial success...happy they stood their ground though. Powerful lyrics, could quote the entire song but love...
"And if I had the choice I'd take the voice I got
Cause it was hard to find
You know I've come too far to wind up right back where I started
And they tell me who I should be
I'll never let those monkeys make a mess of me
I give all I am and it's all I can do
But I'm true"
Hope we see some more CB reactions.
Fabulous band!!! I shared an apartment with the OG drummer back in the day. Unfortunately, Harry didn't participate in the recording of the Bloodletting album. Also, if you go deeper into Concrete Blond, Someday? would be a nice choice.
Harry was a big influence on me coming up as a drummer in the 80's! Saw CB live 3 times back in the day and he was a BEAST! They are still one of my fav bands nearly 40 years later!
Wow I never thought I would see a reaction to Concrete Blonde. This takes me back! I'm so happy!
I was walking around Philly with my sister in 2012. Saw a band named concrete blonde was playing at World Cafe. We had no idea who they were, but they had a cool name so we went to see them. We were so blown away that we went out and bought all their albums. They were excellent.