Disco de Concrete Blonde: “Live in Brazil”

I've often thought that Concrete Blonde was one of the most underrated and overlooked bands that came out of L.A. during the late 80s/early 90s. Johnette's voice has always knocked me out and the passion with which she delivers her lyrics is amazing. I've also thought that Jim Mankey is one of the most underrated rock guitarrists out there, delivering solos and parts that are technically and emotionally amazing. I still have not heard Group Therapy yet, but will be buying it shortly, after hearing the versions of its songs on here...

Now to "Live in Brazil". The first word suitable for printing that comes to mind after hearing this is simply "WOW". For three people, the sound and fullness is amazing. Everybody is in fine form here, especially Johnette (who "tries to play bass" - major understatement there!). Her voice is the best I've ever heard it and she delivers the songs with such raw intensity and emotion that you almost forget that she is playing the amazingly solid bass playing that holds it all together... Jim's guitar playing is also top notch. His sound is totally original, the only way I can describe it is "fluid". It winds and bends and twists like a river... And the drummer on this recording is also rock solid and does a great job of holding things together... I'm not going to pick it apart and recommend particular songs, as all of this just plain rocks... definitely in my best of the year list!!!

Buy it!

I have been a Concrete Blonde fan since I was twelve years old. They remain my favorite band. I have seen them live several times in the last 13 years. I along with a myriad of other devotees have been waiting patiently for an official live album. Johnette and co. deliver. Johnette's voice is coated in its usual velvet and explodes from its hard core (hence the concrete blonde metaphor). The band retains integrity with a lack of pretense as usual. I am completely satiated by this release.

Among the standout tracks, I recommend: "Valentine" for the sheer rage of it, "Everybody Knows" the Cohen cover is spat out with such venom live, "Little Conversations" good to hear this one again,"Mexican Moon" conjures its usual duende and callus warnings.

In short. . .I love this band's work. Live In Brazil finds them still socially relevant and in peak form.

Happened to catch a song by Concrete Blonde in a store and went looking for an album. I am surprised that I haven't discovered this great band before now. I want to particularly thank the guy who complained that entertainers should not express their political opions (unless, presumably, it agrees with the opinions authorized by Big Brother). I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to take a small action in opposition to this particularly repugnant and unAmerican notion, and to support a band with the courage to speak out against those who are trying to destroy the most cherished American values.

This album is tied for my favorite live album of all time with Nocturne by the Banshees. Johnette Napolitano was really pumped up and inspired for this show. She has such emotion in her delivery and great nuances in her voice. The selection of songs is excellent. You get the best of their old songs and the best of their first comeback album 'Group Therapy.' This would be a good choice if you were looking to have that first Concrete Blonde album. Johnette has announced that the band is officially retired. They were one of the greatest rock bands and one of the most overlooked given their talent. Johnette writes greatlyrics plays awesome bass, sings, screams, dances and twirls in front of a super talented band. I 've seen them live and it was an unforgettable enriching memory. Since evidently they will never play together again, get this album, which captures their live energy quite well. If you don't know the band your missing out and should get this album. This was an easy 5 stars.

For nearly 20 years, Concrete Blonde has put on incredible shows, laced with a beautiful combination of edgy power and subtle grace. Johnette has one of the most remarkable voices in all of rock and she lets it rip here. Live in Brazil is not perfect - some of the versions are not the best live cuts I have heard from this band - but it is a welcome look at what this band is and was, and it is a collection that is well worth checking out. As to the brief political statements referred to in the other reviews; thank God that there are still voices that have not been muzzled by the corporate media and blind allegiance to a president who believes that he can force the world to love America and whose supporters seem to think that he is sitting at the right hand of God and is therefore above criticism.