Today's Song of the Day

Joey, Concrete Blonde, 1990

Well, hello there, Joey. What are you doing lurking around in the shadows of my psyche? Hmmm. I haven't thought about this song in years. Wonder how/when in the world it crossed my path recently. Not gonna lie -- this is a heavy song and feels a little like a harbinger of some sort this morning.

What a truly unique song that represents a very interesting time in music. It's kinda genreless, agreed? I absolutely love how this song begins, y'all. It's so very reminiscent of those 1960s tragic narrative songs. You know, like Leader of the Pack and Last Kiss? Johnette Napolitano's intense, heartfelt plea to Joey resonates with me in the same way as those tearjerking ballads. I wonder if it's true that she "wrote" this song on the spot in the studio? That explains the song's raw, honest, emotional energy. So powerful.

I'm pondering ... you know? I don't think I've ever had a Joey in my life. That feels weird. It's a fairly common name, right? Maybe I'm wrong. I recall several Joys -- which, quite frankly, my so very Southern mouth pronounces just like Joey, anyway 😀 -- but no Joey propers.

BTW, is "Concrete Blonde" the coolest band name ever? Thank you, Michael Stipe.

Joey, baby. Don't get crazy.