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!!
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!
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 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 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 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.
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
The most dynamic/underrated voice in the history of rock music ... I truly believe that ... if Johnette was blonde and 'beautiful' by society's standards the whole world would know her name ... sickening. She will always be beautiful to me. Thank you JG.
I remember seeing this as it was. On MTV, I held on to it like it was my life. At that time it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. And it still is.
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.
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.
How have I never seen this before? Johnette's voice has carried my heart and soul through so many ups and downs ever since I bought that first tape back in the 80's. Love her.
Indeed. This makes my heart thump as if arrhythmia was a soul weeping cure for her haunting voice. I'm breathless everytime I watch this and speechless everytime I hear it.
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’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
Johnette is a great singer, and l hope she is still putting out music. I have never seen her live and am jelious of anyone who has been to see Concert Blonde! She is such an emotional singer. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌵
Stunning. I've heard her do this song before but this acoustic version is ridiculously good. One of the best voices in music and criminally underrated.
Concrete Blonde is the #1 band in my music collection. I agree with those who say that Johnette Napolitano is a female music legend. I also truely love and respect her songwriting talents as well the way she puts her emotion into the words she sings. Admittedly, I have never heard this version of this song. All I can say is that It blew me away. Phenominal!!! I sit here typing this and listening to this video for the 5th time in a row. I agree with another poster, this is the BEST version ever.
There is one bad thing about this. I can only "like" this once! Watched this who knows how many times and it never gets old. Saw them once live and they sounded great!
i have heard this song many many times as i have been a fan of concrete blonde for about 20 years ... but this is the first time i have heard this live ... totaly blown away
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...
awesome! thanks for that, never seen that version before just te vid and couple others. J Napolitano and the Blonde are sadly missed. I've seen about everyone, most good ones 2x, but Concrete Blonde at First Ave in Minneapolis early 90's was a show to remember.
Absolutely the gold standard for one of Leonard Cohen's classics. Johnette brilliantly pours out whatever pain life has brought her into this song, with her powerful evocative voice.
She's got a Grace Slick quality about her. Great range, great melodic hooks. I'm not much of an alternative rock fan but you can't deny her. She boarders more on the blues/soul side. Great stuff Johnette!
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!
Bothers me to no end that they aren't well known. One of the best bands from the 80's & 90's. Only a handful of voices out there that can hold up to her. She kicks butt.
Many moons ago, I saw this beautiful woman in concert, afterwards she came out to meet a few fans wistfully hoping she would, but didn't really think we would be so fortunate. The whole time she was signing autographs she held my hand silently, I was so awestruck and grateful. My father had just suicided and Concrete Blonde was his favourite band and mine too, to this day I believe she somehow knew how important this concert was to me. Thank you great lady.
Two times at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco: The Bloodletting and Walking in London tours. Every moment etched with clarity and preserved in amber. The voice, in person, was bigger and deeper than I'd imagined. Some things live with you forever.
Every time I listen to this it just slays me ... I have seen very few performances with so much absolute passion ... and the song itself is such an emotional trainwreck (in such a musically brilliant way) ... definitely one of my favorite musical experineces of all time! Thank you Johnette!!
I feel blessed i got to see her perform her acoustic set at the Hotel Cafe a few time. Seeing her up close, and personal like that, is something that you treasure. She is amazing.
![Concrete Blonde - Someday [5-7-92]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uqyDWspvb9Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![Concrete Blonde - Someday [5-7-92]](/img/tr.png)
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!
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
An acoustic guitar and a voice from the Gods. Simply brilliant.
Go Figurer right?
And lyrics from a shaman.
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
She always sings everything with all her heart. You can feel it in her voice.
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
One of my favorite interpretations of this great Leonard Cohen song. Thank you Johnette and Jim and RIP Mr. Cohen.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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,.
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
She's amazing, mesmerizing, chilling.
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
someone who can sing pours their heart out she nailed it
The most dynamic/underrated voice in the history of rock music ... I truly believe that ... if Johnette was blonde and 'beautiful' by society's standards the whole world would know her name ... sickening. She will always be beautiful to me. Thank you JG.
when all that Power comes out of her...that's beauty...(& she's a cute girl too) but not blonde,no...
BRuh, this woman is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Can't even complain that it's not in HD...this is a true treasure. Love this womans raspy, hauntingly amazing voice. Thx4upl
She has one of the most underrated voices ever. Her voice and lyrics drip and flow with emotion.
This is one of those versions of a song that can never be re created. Absolutley incredible.
I remember seeing this as it was. On MTV, I held on to it like it was my life. At that time it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. And it still is.
wow...thats the best version of that song i've ever heard!120 mintutes,those were the days.
Probably in the top 5 performances ever on MTV 120 MINUTES. At the top of her game.
DAMN what a voice!!! Never gets old hearing you 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'
Never get tired of this.
Every time is different. This time it reminded me of Jim Morrison. LOVE IT.
awesome! Singer ! Guitarist! Song! NOW THAT IS A SINGER!
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.
I cannot get enough of her... such a talent.
I absolutely love to hear raspy sounding women singing with everything they got!!Well done Johnette...bravo!!!!
Good God. Why I haven't seen this until now is beyond me!!!
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!
BACK WHEN THERE WAS TRUTH AND HEART IN MUSIC ,SO,SO FAR GONE TODAY ,CRYING SHAME ,EVERYBODY KNOWS !!!!!!!
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 .
2022 and I’m still covered in goosebumps, still in love with this woman and her unreal voice, and the emotional depths in which she sings.
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
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.
Grateful for Johnette and for being able to listen to this whenever I feel like it. Which is often.
I remember seeing this as it aired and just staring at the tv mouth agape, just totally blown away 😨
How have I never seen this before? Johnette's voice has carried my heart and soul through so many ups and downs ever since I bought that first tape back in the 80's. Love her.
LOVE Concrete Blonde! Johnette had me at God is a bullet more than 20 years ago.
MTV captured pure lightning in a bottle with this one. I can't stop watching or listening to it, and I saw it when it was broadcasted.
2:56 Witness a truly great singer.
I think I forgot to breath while I was listening!
Indeed. This makes my heart thump as if arrhythmia was a soul weeping cure for her haunting voice. I'm breathless everytime I watch this and speechless everytime I hear it.
DAMN!!! Sends chills down to the depths of my soul!
Ahh don't you just love the "everybody knows that you love me baby.." verse. Leonard Cohen's a genius!
what a voice...indeed
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.
Johnette is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, esp. in B&W album photos.
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
One of the best voices ever,: superb range, emotion and inflection!!
Absolutely captivating. My house could have burned down around me in the 5 minutes it took listening to this song.
Johnette is a great singer, and l hope she is still putting out music. I have never seen her live and am jelious of anyone who has been to see Concert Blonde! She is such an emotional singer. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌵
Stunning. I've heard her do this song before but this acoustic version is ridiculously good. One of the best voices in music and criminally underrated.
Concrete Blonde is the #1 band in my music collection. I agree with those who say that Johnette Napolitano is a female music legend. I also truely love and respect her songwriting talents as well the way she puts her emotion into the words she sings. Admittedly, I have never heard this version of this song. All I can say is that It blew me away. Phenominal!!! I sit here typing this and listening to this video for the 5th time in a row. I agree with another poster, this is the BEST version ever.
I love her so much..... saw her more than a few times live ....incredible
Still absolutely amazing. I remember when this aired. Was floored. This is still the best version they ever did. Way better than the studio recording
There is one bad thing about this. I can only "like" this once! Watched this who knows how many times and it never gets old. Saw them once live and they sounded great!
God Almighty bless that woman. And Mankey too! Deeply disturbing and yet uplfting
Please let this band get back together!!! Love um!
I am absolutely Mesmerized by her. That Voice.........
i have heard this song many many times as i have been a fan of concrete blonde for about 20 years ... but this is the first time i have heard this live ... totaly blown away
April 1st 2022 ...Always come back to concrete blondes ❤️ over 30 years
Just incredible!! Lucky to have experienced this singer!! AWESOME PERIOD!
Thanks for sharing. I hadn't seen this version. Concrete Blonde is amazing.
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...
Everybody’s favorite post-punk version of Janis Joplin, Johnette Napolitano. What a voice, what a woman.
The 66 people who gave this a thumbs down don't deserve music
If I had a voice as amazing as Johnette Napolitano, I would never stop singing.
An underrated singer if ever there was one...a wailing elegance hardly able to contain itself-classical nonrestraint. Simply beautiful-bravo!
awesome! thanks for that, never seen that version before just te vid and couple others. J Napolitano and the Blonde are sadly missed. I've seen about everyone, most good ones 2x, but Concrete Blonde at First Ave in Minneapolis early 90's was a show to remember.
I saw her in Boston this evening. She is still wonderful....and very wise.
One of the best performances from this extraordinary vocalist...come back often to this video...love it :)
I do the same. Wonderful her voice passion and talent. Totally blow your mind!!!
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
Absolutely the gold standard for one of Leonard Cohen's classics. Johnette brilliantly pours out whatever pain life has brought her into this song, with her powerful evocative voice.
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
One of the best female singers of all times
She's got a Grace Slick quality about her. Great range, great melodic hooks. I'm not much of an alternative rock fan but you can't deny her. She boarders more on the blues/soul side. Great stuff Johnette!
wuzzntme - hadn't thought about that either - excellent reference to Grace Slick and I agree.
One of the best canadian female vocalists ever!!
These guys need the huge attention they deserve!
Johnette for the win. As always.
Johnette was the Grace Slick of the 90's. Amazing.
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!
I can watch and listen to this over and over drunk or sober
Bothers me to no end that they aren't well known. One of the best bands from the 80's & 90's.
Only a handful of voices out there that can hold up to her. She kicks butt.
Many moons ago, I saw this beautiful woman in concert, afterwards she came out to meet a few fans wistfully hoping she would, but didn't really think we would be so fortunate. The whole time she was signing autographs she held my hand silently, I was so awestruck and grateful. My father had just suicided and Concrete Blonde was his favourite band and mine too, to this day I believe she somehow knew how important this concert was to me. Thank you great lady.
Two times at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco: The Bloodletting and Walking in London tours. Every moment etched with clarity and preserved in amber. The voice, in person, was bigger and deeper than I'd imagined. Some things live with you forever.
God bless Leonard Cohen and his soul and thank you Concrete Blonde.
Don't know how many times I've listened this song, and every time I think she is the best.
One of the greatest renditions of one of th greatest songs, and nobody knows about it.
People overusing word "underrated" when in fact Concrete Blonde preferred to be underrated than to be a huge mainstream sell out.
MY GOD.
Absolutely! I have this on vhs somewhere. Just amazing!
Fucking amazing, right?
Acojonante version...pufff....todo corazon, garra, sentimiento......pues no.hace tiempo q esto.se.perdio en tv!......
One of the greatest rock vocalists ever.
Every time I listen to this it just slays me ... I have seen very few performances with so much absolute passion ... and the song itself is such an emotional trainwreck (in such a musically brilliant way) ... definitely one of my favorite musical experineces of all time! Thank you Johnette!!
I feel blessed i got to see her perform her acoustic set at the Hotel Cafe a few time. Seeing her up close, and personal like that, is something that you treasure. She is amazing.