Customer Reviews

Blondie: The Curse of Blondie

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If there's a curse on reformed punk band Blondie, then their second reunion album sure doesn't suffer from it. "Curse of Blondie" manages the unique quality that most reunion albums lack: It makes us think of their older stuff, while still having fresh, new material.

"Curse" opens on a shaky note, with Harry attempting again to rap in the vaguely sexy "Shakedown." It's not bad, merely silly. Then Blondie gets its footing again with irresistable new wave dance rock (the cool, smooth "Good Boys," "Golden Rod"), a bit of jazzy pop (the sensual closers to the album, "Desire Brings Me Back" and "Songs of Love") and solid ballads ("Magic (Asadoya Yunta) "). A particular high point is "Hello Joe," an ode to Joey Ramone ("I know the sight and sound of you/won't be erased").

When older bands get back together, usually they just play their older songs, or new ones that nobody likes. Blondie kicks that tradition on its head. This collection of songs has that old New York spirit of the 70s. It has the right amount of color and cool, while also being more cohesive than the first comeback album, "No Exit."

Rough basslines, strong guitar and quirky lyrics are what really rule this album. "Curse of Blondie" is blessed with unique lyrics like "We lit up fireflies/we kissed on New Year's Night/We changed the century," and a bunch of stuff like magnetic seas, sparks, insane gods and "I feel your pull like the moon." Time hasn't really changed Harry's voice -- still throaty, still flexible. But now her voice has a new maturity and assurance, tinged with humor.

It has the spirit of older Blondie material, and the polish of a veteran band who still has what counts. Whatever the "Curse of Blondie" is, it doesn't appear to have hit the second comeback album. Vivid, sharp and very together.

The Curse Of Blondie now on dual CD/DVD and in 5.1 digital sound makes this fantastic 2004 Blondie CD 10 times better to own ! This is Blondie's best studio CD since their 1979 smash hit million selling CD "Eat To The Beat". Blondie opened so many doors for so many out there in the music industry . Blondie are and have always been way ahead of their time . Debbie Harry is an ICON and is the true Queen of Rock and Roll music . I would suggest this version of "The Curse Of Blondie" because it gives you a chance hear so much more of this awesome CD than before . This CD contains Blondie's Billboard Top 10 Dance smash hit single "Good Boys" ( which on the dual DVD side you can now view the video in your DVD player ) this CD also contains Blondie's second U.S. single "Undone" and the should be hits "End To End" , "Diamond Bridge" and "Goldenrod" . I guess the only thing any one can say to this release is AMEN! Blondie is back , better than ever and this is one "Curse" I will love forever !!!!

I have had a love affair with Blondie for many years now, matched only by my love affair with new gadgets and technology in the audio world - hence, this new release (the first time Blondie's music has been available in 5.1 DVD-Audio) would seem to be the perfect meshing of the two. And in most respects, it is. The clarity of the individual elements in the recording are warmer and sharper (at least in the Advanced Resolution audio mode - compatible only with DVD-Audio players) and the 5.1 mix is one of the most immursive and daring that I've heard yet, eschewing the more traditional vocals-in-front and echo-and-cymbles in back to create a genuinely lively, 5-dimensional audioscape.

That said, the new 5.1 mix is really just that: a NEW mix. Elements of the original recording that once sat far in the background are now bumped up to the front, and Debbie's vocals don't rest nearly as comfortably on the instrumental tracks as they did in the original stereo mix. This could partly be an issue with my speaker placement and volume, but all my other DVD-A's sound fairly well proportioned - even a bit TOO much like the original, non 5.1 recording. In this sense, it's nice to buy a DVD-A that delivers on its promise of audibly transforming the original recording. But how much of that recording (and Blondie's original intentions) have been lost in this version is a question up for grabs.

the curse of blondie is one of the best albums of 2004,there was
tracks like goodboys,undone,and golden rod. This album rocks!

If you're like me you probably already own more than one import version of "The Curse of Blondie" as well as the domestic release, but rest assured that you haven't heared anything yet! This Dual Disc version featuring 5.1 Surround Sound is a must-own for any Blondie fan, and any fan of music for that matter. Every guitar lick, drum beat, and sensuous sigh of Deborah Harry's magical voice pulsates around you, engulfing you deeper into the splendor that is "THE CURSE OF BLONDIE". Upon it's original American release back in April, the album received no promotion from Sanctuary Records, but thank goodness Silverline has relaunched it. This album deserves to be heard! It's fantastic! And it's even better in 5.1! Don't hesitate to pick up another copy of "THE CURSE OF BLONDIE" today!

Really, who are these people calling "Curse" a "masterpiece", and hailing it as a landmark release for Blondie? Are they record company executives, trying to move sluggish units? Or tone deaf fans? (no offense).

Look, I've been a fan of the "real" Blondie since 1978. I've educated people who were ignorant of Blondie's brilliance. They remain my favorite group of all time (overlooking this piece of crap and the previous one, "No Exit").

"The Curse of Blondie", however, is not exactly a historic moment for this band. Granted, "Good Boys", "Last One in the World", and "Goldenrod" are enjoyable, but the rest of the CD is an embarrassment.

It sucks. Song after song, the guitars glide over very boring, monotonous chords. There is no energy, there is no lust for life, no angst, no cool-as-ice guitar riffs (thank you, Mr. Infante!), no beautiful melodies resembling black girl groups from the 1960's, etc. Yes, I realize that this isn't 1980, but thats my point-- Blondie's best days end with the sound of the ocean on the final track of "Autoamerican".

At least 1/2 of "The Hunter" can get you rockin' or contemplating Deborah's interesting poetry. "The Curse" just reminds me of the Tele-tubbies, for some reason.

If you are curious about this band because of recent exposure (Hall of Fame induction, or release of latest greatest hits DVD), and are looking for music/video of the great American band called "Blondie", i urge you to look online for it.
Dont look to "The Curse", though. It will corrupt your impression of Blondie.