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Blondie -
The Curse of Blondie (Sanctuary)
Released: April, 2004
"Let's take the band in a new
direction."
"With this CD, she's gone in a new direction."
"...constantly reinventing herself."
"...a change of pace."
Bunk.
If I'm buying a Blondie CD, it's for a couple of reasons.
One, Debbie Harry. She was a babe with a great voice 25 years ago, and
she's a babe with a great voice now.
Two. Lyrics with a catchy hook. Think "Tide is High." Think "Call Me."
The band wasn't getting along when it broke up in 1982. That, plus the
group's musical sparkplug, Chris Stein, fell seriously ill.
For 16 years, we were left with recycled remixes and memories. The band
got back together in 1998, and "No Exit" was the recorded result in 1999.
It was nice to have 'em back on the scene, but "No Exit" just didn't cut it for me.
Musically, it
was all over the place. And it didn't sound like the Blondie I
loved.
It's good the band stayed together. "The Curse of Blondie" is well worth
the wait.
Forget track one - "Shakedown" had me saying, "WTF is this?"
Skip right to track
two - "Good Boys," promoted as the first single from this album.
Oh - and turn the volume up. To eleven.
This track simply blows the windows out.
Good beat, Dick. Easy to dance
to. I give it a 92.
Anyone who thought this bunch of AARP candidates didn't have at least one
more kick-ass album in 'em - take one step back.
Highlights - "Good Boys" is a flat-out hit. I also liked "Golden Rod," and "Rules
For Living" is a great show-off piece for Stein, with Harry sounding a lot
like Annie Lennox. "Hello Joe" is also nicely done - clever lyrics, and
Harry's versatile voice finishing it off playfully.
"The Tingler" is another dance anthem that'll have you reaching for the
volume knob.
There are a couple of clunkers
to my ear. The discordant "Desire Brings Me Back" joined "Shakedown"
in making me leap for the "Next" button.
But the good news is that
Blondie is back.
Play it loud.
 Three
and one-half microphones (out of four)
- Doug Boynton
(04/18/04) |
