Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man

Last updated
"Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"
Concrete Blonde Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man 1992 single cover.jpg
Single by Concrete Blonde
from the album Walking in London
B-side "Everybody Knows"
Released1992
Length3:50
Label I.R.S.
Songwriter(s) Johnette Napolitano
Producer(s)
Concrete Blonde singles chronology
"Tomorrow, Wendy"
(1991)		"Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"
(1992)		"Someday?"
(1992)

"Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1992 as the lead single from their fourth studio album Walking in London . The song was written by Johnette Napolitano, and produced by Concrete Blonde and Chris Tsangarides. It reached number 2 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in March 1992. [1]

Contents

Background

Napolitano was inspired to write "Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man" after a supernatural experience she had during an overnight stay at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, in March 1991, while the band were on tour as the opening act for Sting. [2] Napolitano revealed to the Detroit Free Press in 1992, "There's this horny ghost there that goes for women. 'I wanna see you naked,' that was the vibe. The minute I took my clothes off, I felt like there was someone watching me." [3] She added to the Austin American-Statesman ,

"He kept turning the lights on and off in my room. I finally unplugged all the lamps. Then he turned on the light in the closet and really slowly opened the closet door, just like a hand was opening it. The light in the closet shined out into the room onto the bed. Then I knew for sure he was there. I just said, 'I know you're here, but I know that you're not going to hurt me, so I'm going to go to sleep now.' I just got this feeling of amusement, like he was playing. He was just like a rascal. It was like a game. I guess I'm lucky he was in a good mood." [2]

After her experience, Napolitano felt "inspired to write something funny". [3] Describing its creation as a "refreshing experience", she told the Austin American-Statesman, "I've never written a song like that before. I just really liked the ectoplasm and everything. I was cracking up the entire time I wrote it. It was really funny." [2]

Music video

The song's music video was directed by Jane Simpson and produced by Joan Weidman, Simpson and Tina Silvey for Silvey + Co. [4] [5] The video received its premiere on MTV on February 16, and would go on to achieve active rotation on the channel. [6] [7]

Critical reception

On its release, The Hard Report described "Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man" as "a rhythm driven 'lil devil", with "witty, intelligent lyrics" and a "semi-campy arrangement". They noted Mankey's "'Ghost Riders in the Sky' style guitar" as being "quite the attention getter" and added that Napolitano has "never been in better voice". [8] Dave Sholin of The Gavin Report wrote, "A far cry from their biggest hit, 'Joey,' but then again, of the many things one might say to describe Concrete Blonde, 'predictable' is not one of them." [9]

Jordan Zivitz of the Montreal Gazette commented, "The song is far better than most of the rubbish on radio nowadays, but Concrete Blonde has set such high expectations for themselves that this new track is disappointing. Although tinges of black humor have laced many of their past songs, Concrete Blonde laced it on a bit thick this time." [10] In his top ten list of single releases for the first half of 1992, Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times picked the song as number seven and commented, "Combines the authority and gallop of the Pretenders with the mysterious but arty currents of film director Wim Wenders." [11]

In a review of Walking in London, Parry Gettelman of The Orlando Sentinel described the song as "a cowboy-ghost-story-romance set to cattle-drive rhythms". He added, "Mankey turns into the Ennio Morricone of the guitar [and] Napolitano's delivery is full-throttle, but she strikes a note of wry detachment, half-speaking humorous lines. The production is widescreen, with a swelling chorus of 'oh-oh-ohs' worthy of a spaghetti western soundtrack." [12] Barbara Jaeger of The Record commented, "The jaunty tune, with its spaghetti western feel fueled by Napolitano's dusky vocals [is] unlike anything the trio has done before." [13]

Formats

Cassette and CD single (US and Australasia) [14] [15]
No.TitleLength
1."Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"3:50
2."Everybody Knows"4:42
7-inch single (Europe) [16]
No.TitleLength
1."Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"3:50
2."Everybody Knows"4:42
CD single (US and Netherlands) [17] [18]
No.TitleNotesLength
1."Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man" 3:50
2."Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)"Extended Version7:06
3."Everybody Knows" 4:42
4."The Ship Song"with Steve Wynn 4:18
CD single (US promo) [19]
No.TitleLength
1."Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"3:50

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the US CD single liner notes and the Walking in London CD album booklet. [17] [20]

"Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man"

Production

Other

Charts

Chart (1992)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [21] 31
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [22] 28
US Modern Rock Tracks ( Billboard ) [23] 2

Related Research Articles

Concrete Blonde was an American rock band from Hollywood, California. They were initially active from 1982 to 1994, and reunited twice: first from 2001 to 2004, and again from 2010 to 2012. They were best known for their album Bloodletting (1990), its top 20 single "Joey", and Johnette Napolitano's distinctive vocal style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Week (song)</span> 1998 single by Barenaked Ladies

"One Week" is a song by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies released as the first single from their 1998 album, Stunt. It was written by Ed Robertson, who is featured on the lead vocal of the rapped verses. Steven Page sings lead on the song's chorus, while the two co-lead the prechoruses in harmony. The song is notable for its significant number of pop culture references, and remains the band's best-known song in the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100. Coincidentally, when the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remained in the top spot for one week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want That Man</span> 1989 single by Debbie Harry

"I Want That Man" is a song by American singer Deborah Harry. The song was released as the lead single from her third solo album, Def, Dumb & Blonde, and was the first record Harry released in which she reverted to using Deborah as her name instead of Debbie. "I Want That Man" became a hit in several territories, reaching number two in Australia and on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It also became a top-20 hit in Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

<i>Walking in London</i> (album) 1992 studio album by Concrete Blonde

Walking in London is the fourth studio album from alternative rock band Concrete Blonde. It features the song "...Long Time Ago" which played over the ending credits of The Shield's series finale.

<i>Mexican Moon</i> 1993 studio album by Concrete Blonde

Mexican Moon is the fifth studio album by alternative rock band Concrete Blonde.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say What You Want</span> 1997 single by Texas

"Say What You Want" is a song by Scottish rock band Texas, written by band members Johnny McElhone and Sharleen Spiteri. It was the first single to be released from the group's fourth studio album, White on Blonde (1997). Released in January 1997, it is the band's biggest hit commercially, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart. As of March 2023, the single is certified platinum in the United Kingdom for sales and streams exceeding 600,000 units. The accompanying music video released to promote the single shows lead singer Sharleen Spiteri in a futuristic room.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Eyed Boy</span> 1997 single by Texas

"Black Eyed Boy" is the third single from Scottish rock band Texas's fourth studio album, White on Blonde (1997). The song was released on 28 July 1997 and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. Elsewhere, the song reached the top 50 in Australia, Belgium, France, Ireland, Israel and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halo (Texas song)</span> 1997 single by Texas

"Halo" is a song by Scottish alternative rock band Texas, released on 7 April 1997 as the second single from their fourth studio album, White on Blonde (1997). The song was written by Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri and guitarist Johnny McElhone and was produced by Texas and Mike Hedges. "Halo" debuted and peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Charts. The music video, filmed in Hong Kong, features Spiteri and a Chinese woman acting as her "halo".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey (Concrete Blonde song)</span> 1990 single by Concrete Blonde

"Joey" is the ninth track from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde's third studio album, Bloodletting (1990). The song was released in 1990 and was written and sung by the band's frontwoman, Johnette Napolitano. The song was written in a cab on the way to a photo studio in Philadelphia; it was the last vocal recorded on the album due to Napolitano's reluctance to record the lyrics, which were hard for her to deal with.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomorrow Wendy (song)</span>

"Tomorrow Wendy" is a song written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Andy Prieboy. Released in 1990 as the lead single from his first solo album ...Upon My Wicked Son, Prieboy recorded the song as a duet with Johnette Napolitano. In 1990, Napolitano would also record the song with her band Concrete Blonde for their third studio album Bloodletting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damage I've Done</span> 1996 single by The Heads

"Damage I've Done" is a song from American band The Heads, which was released in 1996 as the lead single from their only studio album No Talking, Just Head. A collaboration between the Heads and Johnette Napolitano, "Damage I've Done" was written by Napolitano (lyrics), and Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, T. "Blast" Murray and Tina Weymouth (music). It was produced by the Heads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heal It Up</span> 1993 single by Concrete Blonde

"Heal It Up" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1993 as the second single from their fifth studio album Mexican Moon. The song was written by Johnette Napolitano, and produced by Concrete Blonde and Sean Freehill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caroline (Concrete Blonde song)</span> 1990 single by Concrete Blonde

"Caroline" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1990 as the third single from their third studio album Bloodletting. The song was written by Johnette Napolitano, and produced by Concrete Blonde and Chris Tsangarides. The song reached number 23 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">God Is a Bullet (song)</span> 1989 single by Concrete Blonde

"God Is a Bullet" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1989 as the lead single from their second studio album Free. The song was written and produced by the band. "God Is a Bullet" reached number 15 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">True (Concrete Blonde song)</span> 1987 single by Concrete Blonde

"True" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1987 as the second single from their debut studio album Concrete Blonde (1986). The song was written by Johnette Napolitano and James Mankey, and produced by Earle Mankey and Concrete Blonde. The song reached number 42 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday? (Concrete Blonde song)</span> 1992 single by Concrete Blonde

"Someday?" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1992 as the second single from their fourth studio album Walking in London. The song was written by Johnette Napolitano, and produced by Concrete Blonde and Chris Tsangarides. "Someday?" reached number 8 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in May 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy Birthday (Concrete Blonde song)</span> 1989 single by Concrete Blonde

"Happy Birthday" is a song from American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1989 as the second single from their second studio album Free. The song was written and produced by the band.

<i>Pretty & Twisted</i> (album) 1995 studio album by Pretty & Twisted

Pretty & Twisted is the debut album by the American alternative rock band Pretty & Twisted, released in 1995. It was the band's only album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Still in Hollywood (song)</span> 1986 single by Concrete Blonde

"Still in Hollywood" is the debut single by American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, which was released in 1986 from their self-titled debut studio album. The song was written by Johnette Napolitano, and produced by Earle Mankey and Concrete Blonde.

<i>Dream 6</i> (EP) 1983 EP by Dream 6

Dream 6 is an extended play by American rock band Dream 6, released by Happy Hermit Co. in 1983.

References

  1. ↑ "Concrete Blonde - Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 O'Connell, Joe (June 8, 1992). "Spirited rumors haunt Driskill". Austin American-Statesman . p. A1, A4.
  3. 1 2 Graff, Gary (September 4, 1992). "The spirit moves Concrete Blonde to lighten up". Detroit Free Press . p. C1, C5.
  4. ↑ "Music Video: Video Track" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 104, no. 10. March 7, 1992. p. 36. Retrieved January 6, 2022– via World Radio History.
  5. ↑ "Music Video: New Videoclips" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 104, no. 11. March 14, 1992. p. 49. Retrieved January 1, 2022– via World Radio History.
  6. ↑ "Just Play It" (PDF). The Gavin Report . No. 1892. February 14, 1992. p. 91. Retrieved January 1, 2022– via World Radio History.
  7. ↑ "The Clip List" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 104, no. 14. April 4, 1992. p. 31. Retrieved January 1, 2022– via World Radio History.
  8. ↑ "Top Priority" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 262. February 7, 1992. p. 4. Retrieved January 1, 2022– via World Radio History.
  9. ↑ Sholin, Dave (March 27, 1992). "Personal Picks" (PDF). The Gavin Report . No. 1898. p. 48. Retrieved January 1, 2022– via World Radio History.
  10. ↑ Zivitz, Jordan (February 23, 1992). "More Express: Reviews - Videos". The Gazette . p. F-5.
  11. ↑ Hilburn, Robert (July 4, 1992). "Pop Beat: 'One' tops list of singular sensations". Los Angeles Times . p. F7.
  12. ↑ Gettelman, Parry (March 27, 1992). "Music: Concrete Blonde". The Orlando Sentinel .
  13. ↑ Jaeger, Barbara (March 19, 1992). "Quick spins: Heading back to the top". The Record . p. D-17.
  14. ↑ Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (US cassette single liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. 4KM-13848.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (Australasia cassette single liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. 2046884.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (European 7-inch single sleeve notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. 006-204688 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. 1 2 Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (US CD single liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. X25G-13849.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (Netherlands CD single liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. 204688-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man (US CD promotional single liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. DPRO-67082.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ Walking in London (US CD album liner notes). Concrete Blonde. I.R.S. Records. 1992. X2-13137.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ "Concrete Blonde – Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2103." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Alternative Airplay" . Billboard . March 28, 1992. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.