"Bloodletting" is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, released in 1990. The album is widely regarded as the band's most successful and critically acclaimed work, showcasing their unique blend of rock, punk, and gothic influences.
Featuring haunting melodies, gritty guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics, "Bloodletting" explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The album's title track, "Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)," became one of Concrete Blonde's most iconic songs, with its darkly romantic lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.
Other standout tracks on the album include "Joey," a heartfelt ballad about addiction and codependency, and "Caroline," a haunting tale of obsession and betrayal. The album also features a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows," which was prominently featured in the film "Pump Up the Volume."
"Bloodletting" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising Concrete Blonde's evocative songwriting, singer Johnette Napolitano's powerful vocals, and the band's dynamic musical arrangements. The album's commercial success helped solidify Concrete Blonde's reputation as one of the most compelling and influential alternative rock bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
