Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting

Released in 1990, Bloodletting marked Concrete Blonde’s third album and remains their most celebrated work—a moody, gothic-tinged collection that pushed the Los Angeles band into the spotlight of the alternative rock movement. Produced by Chris Tsangarides, the album fused raw guitar rock with a haunting atmosphere, carried by Johnette Napolitano’s unmistakable vocals—equal parts fiery, soulful, and deeply vulnerable.

Best known for the hit single “Joey,” a wrenching ballad of love and addiction that became the band’s signature song, Bloodletting also features the shadowy intensity of “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song),” the driving force of “The Sky Is a Poisonous Garden,” and the slow-burn drama of “Tomorrow, Wendy.” With contributions from Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Andy Prieboy (Wall of Voodoo), the album captured a rich, atmospheric sound that set it apart from its peers.

Bloodletting was both timely and timeless: arriving at the dawn of the ’90s alternative explosion, yet steeped in noir rock, blues undertones, and a gothic sensibility that gave it staying power. Concrete Blonde—Johnette Napolitano (vocals/bass), James Mankey (guitar), and Paul Thompson (drums)—crafted an album that was as personal as it was cinematic, and it became the definitive statement of their career.

Now reissued on vinyl, Bloodletting stands as a classic of alternative rock: passionate, brooding, and unforgettable.