Personnel: Johnette Napolitano (bass instrument); Danny Lohner (guitar); Will Crewdson (acoustic guitar); Michael Nelson (string synthesizer); Alan Van Kleef, Gabriel Ramirez-Quezada (drums); Sultan (programming).
Although singer-songwriter Johnette Napolitano participated in various projects after Concrete Blonde's mid-1990s break-up (including the Heads, a Talking Heads reunion of sorts where she filled in, oddly enough, for an absent David Byrne), 2007's SCARRED is the Los Angeles-based performer's first official solo album. A mix of dynamic originals and inventive covers, the record is a wonderful showcase for Napolitano's husky and emotive voice, as best revealed on the metal-tinged "Amazing," an achingly beautiful rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist," and a rocked-out take on the Velvet Underground's "All Tomorrow's Parties." A worthy purchase for Concrete Blonde diehards, SCARRED is an effective reminder of Napolitano's considerable talents.