Concrete Blonde - Concrete Blonde

Hands Up Who (wants to die) Has Heard Of Concrete Blonde?? This album was originally released back in 1986, and I'm afraid to admit that this American band totally passed me by at the time. What immediately stood out are the powerful and distinctive vocals of singer Johnette Napolitano. Concrete Blonde is a very strong debut album. It might not have the best production in their discography, but it is one of their best in terms of song writing. You can hear the beginning of their Goth sound, but also a lot of punk attitude while simultaneously showing that they are sophisticated in their approach, and can show a more tender side as well. Back In The Day ™ brothers Earle and Jim Mankey were, respectively, the original guitarist and bassist in Halfnelson/Sparks. When the band’s other pair of brothers left for England without them, Earle wasted no time in becoming a well-known record producer. It took Jim a lot longer to re-enter the spotlight and his collaboration with singer/bassist Johnette Napolitano began in Dream 6, whose six-song 12-inch EP (co-produced by Earle) is an intriguing, unassuming item (available here). Replacing drummer Micheal Murphy with Harry Rushakoff, Dream 6 signed to IRS and became Concrete Blonde (name provided by new label mate Michael Stipe). The music still sounds fresh and vibrant, and although there is definitely an overall eighties sound to the album, it holds up very well today. There is a punk edge to Napolitano’s vocal delivery, (she seems to have the attitude of one Chrisie Hynde) but this is tempered with a melodic feel to the guitar playing. Napolitano might be the greatest female singer/songwriter the world has produced, and the band has a heavily underrated unique sound you need to check out, if like me until recently, you haven't heard them. 

 

Ripped to MP3

1 - True 3:00

2 - Your Haunted Head 2:49

3 - Dance Along the Edge 5:30

4 - Still in Hollywood 3:45

5 - Song for Kim (She Said) 4:08

6 - Beware of Darkness 3:45

7 - Over Your Shoulder 3:24

8 - Little Sister 3:54

9 - (You're the Only One) Can Make Me Cry 2:19

10 - Cold Part of Town 3:12

11 - True (Instrumental) 2:24