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Blondie
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The Curse of Blondie
Sanctuary Records
Release: 4/06/2004
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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The Curse of Blondie is the first for this veteran band since 1999's reunion record, and it contains some of the best material of their career. It could be subtitled, Hooks R Us. Deborah Harry is in excellent form while guitarist Chris Stein, drummer Clem Burke and keyboardist Jimmy Destri demonstrate their successful 30 years of experience in the band.
The album's 14 cuts are all varied, as one would expect from a Blondie record. They start out with their best foot forward with the excellent "Shakedown." Deborah Harry eclipses her previous rap performance on "Rapture" with this ode to New Jersey (which she hopes makes it onto the Sopranos). Crunchy guitars set the stage while the vocals step forward, especially during the dreamy chorus.
The first single "Good Boys" recalls the late 70's hit "Call Me" with its disco beat. The rhythm is nicely paired with a torqued-up guitar. There are echoes of "The Tide Is High" in "Undone" with synth-driven melody-lines.
The heavier side of the band is in full display on "Golden Rod" with its driving chorus. The same holds true with "Last One In The World" and "Diamond Bridge." "End to End" is a bouncy rocker that mandates repeated spins, while "Rules For Living" sounds like it was made as a soundtrack to summer hammock life.
Two good but odd tracks are the quirky tribute to Joey Ramone, "Hello Joe," which is excellent, and "The Tingler" which was written about a horror movie of the same name.
There are two low points to the record. "Background Melody (The Only One)" features almost chipmunk-like vocals over a gooey melody line. The following cut, "Magic (Asadoya Yunta)," has a Japanese melody pitched over a steady rock beat. Both cuts are truly annoying.
The band gets points for not sticking to one style and taking chances. If they only put out more material like "Shakedown," they would really be ready to reclaim their pop crown. |
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