Was at a party the night this aired with the TV playing thru the stereo and loudly I might add and people inside and outside the house drinking and smoking stopped talking and gathered around the TV to watch and listen. Everybody was silent and stunned wondering who this was. Will never forget that moment.
Johnette had so many vocal tricks up her sleeve it was impossible to know where she would take a song... but at every turn she delivered from the deepest part of her heart and soul. Immensely UNDERRATED!!
SHe sings this song so well... Every time I hear this version of this tune, I fall in love with Johnette again. And Jim Mankey is truly one of the most under rated guitar players out there. Leonard Cohen may have written this song, but Johnette Napolitano owns this song.
I love Cohen's original and this version as well, but I honestly don't think there are 2 more different and equally great versions of the same song- Cohen's is almost ironically upbeat while this one is dark and scathing.
I’m 44, and I guess that means we’re kinda old now huh? But those voices, bands and tunes of our era still kick the ass of most of today’s music though. Yes, I’ve become my father. My wrist now has screws in it, my throat is sore and my ankle is swollen, so please clap, sing and dance for me too!
I could listen to her voice forever. Her work on "suicide note" is just beautiful to me. I'm no longer suicidal but I still find that song impactful, beautiful and her choice on singing it as beautiful enough to just simply enjoy. No pretenses involved, no nothing involved any longer other than just enjoying her voice....as I do with this live song. She's too underrated and under-exposed.
CAN'T get over this performance!!!!!! I've watched this countless times over the years and remember the recording of this tune by Concrete Blonde in the 80's. You watch stuff like American Idol and foolishness like the over-produced stuff of a Britney Spears, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and wonder how that can even be classified as "interpretation" or "performance" after seeing Johnette absolutely blow the roof off of the sucker with this one.
I saw Concrete Blonde live once and I have never experienced anything that compares to the power and intensity that comes out of that woman when she's performing. Johnette is a phenomenal talent. She cuts to the core in every way.
She's like a wraith up there; it's among the most haunting performances ever recorded, and is unequivocally one of the most underrated videos on this platform. Her mimed reserve after she sings the word "clothes" must've sent chills even down Cohen's spine when he undoubtedly first heard it. I know it does mine.
I used to have this video (it was recorded off 120 mins.) but it got messed up in the hurricane, and I've been searching and searching for this version. Thank you so much for the upload!
What an incredible soulful, personal deeply personal, performance that we have for all time now thanks to it being on video. Congratulations johnette for making it through so many years of speaking truth no matter how much it hurt your soul. Bless you for blessing us with your soul bared for all of us to relate to.
Johnette is the Greatest female singer EVER in Rock.. she is magical, she mesmerizes.. and I fall in Love with her all over again, every time I hear your voice baby, I really do..thats how it goes...
This performance is lightning in a bottle. I saw this on mtv's original broadcast of it and I had never heard of Concrete Blonde before but I was absolutely transfixed watching it. As time has passed I appreciate it more. Jeez, such power....it's like she's channeling it from somewhere through her. She is the shizznit on more levels I can count
Something just clicked in my head. This is beyond description, I am bereft of words. I am slackjawed, rivetted, stunned. The best I can say is that you who were there are truly fortunate, a singularly rare, precious, unrepeatable personal experience. Voice, emotion, presentation, music, story, (and much more), Johnette is unarguably unique, - on this blue planet, she has no parallels, most certainly no rivals. Not one. Stunning, simply stunning.
There are a few examples of covers best versions done by somebody else. Hendrix's version of All Along the Watchtower, Manfred Mann's Blinded by the light, 10,000 Maniacs Everyday is like Sunday, and of course, this one by Concrete Blonde.
NO KIDDING! She sings the livin SNOT outta this song but more than that, she PERFORMS like her life depended on it. Girl wrings every possible gut-wrenching feeling out of this Cohen song. This one fit her like a second skin.
I remember this when it was actually on, live, on MTV 120's show, I think Jeff Kendal was the host. Absolutely incredible to say the least. I've been fortunate enough to see Johnette live a number of times as well as meet, hang out with her as well and she's the most astounding person with more talent than one could ever dream of. Her voice, poetry and art are a gift for all that are lucky to be aware of her presence.
+Renee Polgar As do I. I taped it (yes...VHS back then) and it remains as my all-time favorite live performance...of anyone. Just pure emotion in arguably the strongest voice in music...ever. Yeah...I just said that, and I've been listening to music for over 40 years. Quite jealous that you got to hang with her, Renee.
@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth I agree. I kinda missed the boat on them back in the day but I'm catching up with them now. Johnette was as genuine and soulful singer there ever was. Kinda reminds me of Janis in a way.
Saw them do a set at a city park gazebo about 2 decades ago. No equipment, just two accoustics and a snare drum. And Johnette singing straight into the night air. Memorable to say the least. Too bad her responsibilties in the Obama Administration keep her from touring much now.
I’m disappointed that I don’t know this song. Until now. This shit chilled my bones. What a fucking voice!!! I actually prefer this over the studio version. So deep
Everybody Knows (even though it's partially a cover), Can Make Me Cry, Bloodletting, Tomorrow Wendy and Joey - although all of Johnette Napolitano's music is amazing!
I've seen her live 6 times. Once with The Talking Heads when David Byrne left. Her voice & stage presence are something to experience. There is no one today with the power & range she has. Today's music is nothing but a cheap tits & ass show anyway. Her voice is great enough to be a mega star, but she chooses to remain grounded & do it her way. Let the smoke from her voice box draw you in. Then be prepared to be knocked over by her raw power. So many people you had to meet........without your clothes.....Everybody knows.
Gotcha matched. 3 times with Concrete Blonde, she killed Burning Down the House with "The Heads" and twice solo, all in Boston. She is unparalleled in talent!
I am not so much for covers and to be honest I have not heard many covers that come anywhere close to the originals. This one however is as good as the original and that is a huge compliment , coming from a die hard Cohen fan. She LIVES every single note with every cell. Simply amazing!
I got to see her on her last tour. She's doing it solo now. And it was a great show. Real laid back. But she's still got it! Just an amazing voice. She's actually looking better then the last couple of tours. I've been lucky enough to see her every time she came through Dallas, since the Bloodletting tour (opened for Sting on that one). Including the Heads tour.
![Concrete Blonde - Someday [5-7-92]](/img/1.gif)
Was at a party the night this aired with the TV playing thru the stereo and loudly I might add and people inside and outside the house drinking and smoking stopped talking and gathered around the TV to watch and listen. Everybody was silent and stunned wondering who this was. Will never forget that moment.
And that is a complete and utter god damned shame right there.
I love that story and, I remember too! I think I recorder this on a VHS tape. lol
So you're saying, at that moment everybody knew?
Now that, is a COOL story!
@@DrunkDalek "Corrrrreecctt, Sir !! Congratulations !! Tell him what he won , Bob !!!!"
God, her voice still gives me goosebumps. Truly one of the greatest voices rock n roll has ever had.
Wholeheartedly agree 👍
but who are the good guys who lost the war?
Terribly underrated. She’s one of the all-time greats!
One of my favorite interpretations of this great Leonard Cohen song. Thank you Johnette and Jim and RIP Mr. Cohen.
Johnette had so many vocal tricks up her sleeve it was impossible to know where she would take a song... but at every turn she delivered from the deepest part of her heart and soul. Immensely UNDERRATED!!
Woke up with this in my head
someone who can sing pours their heart out she nailed it
The Queen of Rock she is.....I mean everybody knows.
What he said.....
No
Who is she?
@@StevenCampbell1955 She's no Pat Benatar.
@@StevenCampbell1955Johnette Napolitano
An acoustic guitar and a voice from the Gods. Simply brilliant.
Go Figurer right?
@gothamindembaumHell yeah. Cohen was a master wordsmith, one of the true genius poets. His singing though? I’d much rather hear Johnette sing it.
BACK WHEN THERE WAS TRUTH AND HEART IN MUSIC ,SO,SO FAR GONE TODAY ,CRYING SHAME ,EVERYBODY KNOWS !!!!!!!
She always sings everything with all her heart. You can feel it in her voice.
Damn this is so raw.
True. She rips her heart open and re-lives the betrayal verse like I've never seen or hear before or since. Some guy did her wrong. What a fool.
I call it as "the whistle blower's song" . Sung just right .
SHe sings this song so well... Every time I hear this version of this tune, I fall in love with Johnette again. And Jim Mankey is truly one of the most under rated guitar players out there. Leonard Cohen may have written this song, but Johnette Napolitano owns this song.
I love Cohen's original and this version as well, but I honestly don't think there are 2 more different and equally great versions of the same song- Cohen's is almost ironically upbeat while this one is dark and scathing.
@Evan Hodge Mostly by those who don't understand how good he is.
@Evan Hodge yes he is!
The 62 people who gave this a "thumbs down" have no souls...
they have no idea what real music is
and they've never heard of Leonard Cohen. rip, old friend, i'll see you again.
and, unfortunately, they are the majority nowadays.
without conscience they are or can be anyway
RAISED IN A DIFFERENT ERA AND MINDSET
No autotune, no lip syncing, just pure talent.
Gone are the days.
I suspect this comment has more to do with you and some chip on your shoulder than with this performance or anyone's appreciation of it.
Love this song because it's the truth
It's 2016, I'm 50 years old and I'm standing alone in my room screaming for more and clapping til my hands are purple. Johnette and James. Priceless.
Mycel No question.
love it
truth is an incredible aphrodisiac
Concur.
I’m 44, and I guess that means we’re kinda old now huh? But those voices, bands and tunes of our era still kick the ass of most of today’s music though. Yes, I’ve become my father. My wrist now has screws in it, my throat is sore and my ankle is swollen, so please clap, sing and dance for me too!
what a voice...indeed
I could listen to her voice forever.
Her work on "suicide note" is just beautiful to me. I'm no longer suicidal but I still find that song impactful, beautiful and her choice on singing it as beautiful enough to just simply enjoy. No pretenses involved, no nothing involved any longer other than just enjoying her voice....as I do with this live song.
She's too underrated and under-exposed.
Exactly
CAN'T get over this performance!!!!!! I've watched this countless times over the years and remember the recording of this tune by Concrete Blonde in the 80's. You watch stuff like American Idol and foolishness like the over-produced stuff of a Britney Spears, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and wonder how that can even be classified as "interpretation" or "performance" after seeing Johnette absolutely blow the roof off of the sucker with this one.
I saw her in Boston this evening. She is still wonderful....and very wise.
There's a list. It starts with Joplin. It's a short list. She's on it.
my thought exactly
Joplin never had the chops that Johnette Napolitano has.
Very well stated.
At her best in an acoustic setup..no inhibition..they had great chemistry together live
started with Bessie Smith then.
all these years later i still come here to listen at least once a month, best version ever so much feeling.
Man, I love her expressions and movement. She's the real deal. Musicians and singers these days lack this kind of passion.
...and John Mankey on guitar is amazing. What an incredible moment in time. Magical. Reaches straight into my soul.
or I mean James, sorry sir,.
Acojonante version...pufff....todo corazon, garra, sentimiento......pues no.hace tiempo q esto.se.perdio en tv!......
A fabulous version of a great song.
Johnette was born for this song, you know it's true when it sends shivers down your spine.
She is like a comet showering us with uplifting artistry
Catch it
Perfectly stated!
This is my favorite rendition. I like it even better than Leonard Cohen's original.
I can't decide!! BACK AND FORTH HERE ... I DO miss the extra verse...
Leonard would agree...and Johnette pays tribute by covering this song at all... all are honored and respected.
Me too... I just wish they did the last 2 verses
One of the greatest renditions of one of th greatest songs, and nobody knows about it.
She's amazing, mesmerizing, chilling.
Can't even complain that it's not in HD...this is a true treasure. Love this womans raspy, hauntingly amazing voice. Thx4upl
I saw Concrete Blonde live once and I have never experienced anything that compares to the power and intensity that comes out of that woman when she's performing. Johnette is a phenomenal talent. She cuts to the core in every way.
Very jealous of you right now!
She's like a wraith up there; it's among the most haunting performances ever recorded, and is unequivocally one of the most underrated videos on this platform. Her mimed reserve after she sings the word "clothes" must've sent chills even down Cohen's spine when he undoubtedly first heard it. I know it does mine.
Don't know how many times I've listened this song, and every time I think she is the best.
I used to have this video (it was recorded off 120 mins.) but it got messed up in the hurricane, and I've been searching and searching for this version. Thank you so much for the upload!
..and she's not even in the Rock Hall of Fame, but crappy rap groups are. ~smh~
(Which is why the Rock Hall of Fame has become a joke.)
Crappy rock bands, too - plenty of them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
What an incredible soulful, personal deeply personal, performance that we have for all time now thanks to it being on video. Congratulations johnette for making it through so many years of speaking truth no matter how much it hurt your soul. Bless you for blessing us with your soul bared for all of us to relate to.
Johnette is the Greatest female singer EVER in Rock.. she is magical, she mesmerizes.. and I fall in Love with her all over again, every time I hear your voice baby, I really do..thats how it goes...
This performance is lightning in a bottle. I saw this on mtv's original broadcast of it and I had never heard of Concrete Blonde before but I was absolutely transfixed watching it. As time has passed I appreciate it more. Jeez, such power....it's like she's channeling it from somewhere through her. She is the shizznit on more levels I can count
spot on, all the best...they channel
I totally agree. One must see Johnette live to fully appreciate her range, power,and emotion.
yeah man how could they miss this....totally wicked version and so simple the raw basics voice and acoustic absolutely blown away
I believe it was taped for MTV's 120 Minutes with Lewis Largent
one of the most underrated singers of all time..the girl can flat out bring it!!!
If this don't shake you to your core, you have no soul. That is all.
My face is wet with tears everytime I watch or hear this
Just a guy, a girl, a guitar, a rug and that voice... Simpler times.. 😁 Still in Hollywood is in my top 20 as well..
This is the best version , raw as hell .
I still have this episode of 120 minutes on tape. Come for Bad Religion, stay for Concrete Blonde.
Something just clicked in my head. This is beyond description, I am bereft of words. I am slackjawed, rivetted, stunned. The best I can say is that you who were there are truly fortunate, a singularly rare, precious, unrepeatable personal experience.
Voice, emotion, presentation, music, story, (and much more), Johnette is unarguably unique, - on this blue planet, she has no parallels, most certainly no rivals.
Not one.
Stunning, simply stunning.
Brilliant cover.
God bless Leonard Cohen and his soul and thank you Concrete Blonde.
What the heck are you talking about?!!! I LOVE her looks. They're the only reason I listened through to the end. She's creative, I'll give her that.
I stopped Justice League and showed my 5 year old the origins of this song. He loved it.
Fantastic
There are a few examples of covers best versions done by somebody else. Hendrix's version of All Along the Watchtower, Manfred Mann's Blinded by the light, 10,000 Maniacs Everyday is like Sunday, and of course, this one by Concrete Blonde.
No song has ever been covered any better. Absolute delight.
NO KIDDING! She sings the livin SNOT outta this song but more than that, she PERFORMS like her life depended on it. Girl wrings every possible gut-wrenching feeling out of this Cohen song. This one fit her like a second skin.
I agree.
for some reason, this made me go into tears...so moving
Damn, she's got some power in her voice! Good clip!
Time stops listening to Johnette!!!
I remember this when it was actually on, live, on MTV 120's show, I think Jeff Kendal was the host. Absolutely incredible to say the least. I've been fortunate enough to see Johnette live a number of times as well as meet, hang out with her as well and she's the most astounding person with more talent than one could ever dream of. Her voice, poetry and art are a gift for all that are lucky to be aware of her presence.
That's so awesome. I bet it was a good time. Great memoreis. (Cant spell) lol
+Renee Polgar As do I. I taped it (yes...VHS back then) and it remains as my all-time favorite live performance...of anyone. Just pure emotion in arguably the strongest voice in music...ever. Yeah...I just said that, and I've been listening to music for over 40 years. Quite jealous that you got to hang with her, Renee.
agree, some are truly 'touched'
I've never heard this song before. This girl can really wail once she gets going. My god! Freaking awesome!!!
God Almighty bless that woman. And Mankey too! Deeply disturbing and yet uplfting
Probably in the top 5 performances ever on MTV 120 MINUTES. At the top of her game.
I think I forgot to breath while I was listening!
@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth I agree. I kinda missed the boat on them back in the day but I'm catching up with them now. Johnette was as genuine and soulful singer there ever was. Kinda reminds me of Janis in a way.
jdessell - hadn't thought about that, you're right Janis Joplin is reflected in her vocals.
I commented on this about 6 or so months ago.
Came across it again just now.
As before,
OH WOW!
Powerful! Johnette is epic
Saw them do a set at a city park gazebo about 2 decades ago. No equipment, just two accoustics and a snare drum. And Johnette singing straight into the night air.
Memorable to say the least.
Too bad her responsibilties in the Obama Administration keep her from touring much now.
thanks for posting, for many years I've been looking for this session, and after so long, it still gives me the goose!
saw them in sac tonight, they rocked something fierce!
The 66 people who gave this a thumbs down don't deserve music
awesome! Singer ! Guitarist! Song! NOW THAT IS A SINGER!
Can't get over that line that turns this from someone different
Does she have the best voice or WHAT!!!!
+Kellian Clink yes
+Kellian Clink - YES, not the slightest doubt.
Awesome or what...Spot on Kellian Clink
She is definitely up there in my books!
And she chose her voice on the best song
I’m disappointed that I don’t know this song. Until now. This shit chilled my bones. What a fucking voice!!! I actually prefer this over the studio version. So deep
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!
DAMN what a voice!!! Never gets old hearing you Johnette!!!
Everybody Knows (even though it's partially a cover), Can Make Me Cry, Bloodletting, Tomorrow Wendy and Joey - although all of Johnette Napolitano's music is amazing!
Let me guess....none of these comments are from MUSICIANS!
Thank you Leonard!
awesome!!!!
She is amazing..What a voice
Saw them live. Johnette was barefoot! Whatta show
She has one of the most underrated voices ever. Her voice and lyrics drip and flow with emotion.
2:56 Witness a truly great singer.
Perfection.
She channels emotion through her voice that gets harmonized by a great guitarist.
I've seen her live 6 times. Once with The Talking Heads when David Byrne left. Her voice & stage presence are something to experience. There is no one today with the power & range she has. Today's music is nothing but a cheap tits & ass show anyway. Her voice is great enough to be a mega star, but she chooses to remain grounded & do it her way. Let the smoke from her voice box draw you in. Then be prepared to be knocked over by her raw power.
So many people you had to meet........without your clothes.....Everybody knows.
Gotcha matched. 3 times with Concrete Blonde, she killed Burning Down the House with "The Heads" and twice solo, all in Boston. She is unparalleled in talent!
10+ times here. Once with the Heads. She is the best live voice I can think of. CB was the best band I saw in the 90's
That was a great comment James. :)
I too have seen her live, and wow. Love these guys to bits
Unbelievable voice.
wow...thats the best version of that song i've ever heard!120 mintutes,those were the days.
I am not so much for covers and to be honest I have not heard many covers that come anywhere close to the originals. This one however is as good as the original and that is a huge compliment , coming from a die hard Cohen fan. She LIVES every single note with every cell. Simply amazing!
Always come back to this,
you can tell she conjures the pain up every-time sings that song
The best ever
What a song.
I actually remember when this came on 120 minutes. I really doesn't seem so long ago, but I guess it is.
AMAZING!
I got to see her on her last tour. She's doing it solo now. And it was a great show. Real laid back. But she's still got it! Just an amazing voice. She's actually looking better then the last couple of tours. I've been lucky enough to see her every time she came through Dallas, since the Bloodletting tour (opened for Sting on that one). Including the Heads tour.
Paid to get tickets for Sting. She opened great show and then I left. Sting sucks.
Johnette is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, esp. in B&W album photos.
Most underrated band. Ever.
She just simply crushes the shit out of it.
I adore her
Good God. Why I haven't seen this until now is beyond me!!!