Customer Reviews

The Curse of Blondie

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

After listening to this cd about 20 times all the way through. Here is my review. "Shakedown" A Rap that would rival Eminem. Debbie Harry and Blondie are Rap Pioneers, having the first ever #1 Rap Song. They are still leaders on this NJ Rap. "Good Boys" first single geared especially for radio. Best mix is D:Bop Mix if you can get your hands on it. "Undone" Very classic and playful Blondie, cute lyrics, and over the top guitar pop. "Goldenrod" hard rocker for that group of their fans. They will not be disappointed, what a flower. "Rules for Living" is the best written song Blondie has ever done. Rivals the songwriting talents of Lennon and McCartney. Best Song On CD. "Magic" is a lovely salute to a Japanese Folk Song. Could be a sleeper Smash, as it reminds me of Enya. End to End is in my opinion the most radio friendly song, and my 2nd favorite, and very Blondie. Sort of like putting the end to the end of the end, as Blondie will go on and on. "Diamond Bridge" is a great coming of age song. Harry, now 58, still beautiful and enduring as ever. "Last One In The World" is another great moderate rocker. "The Tingler" is a spoof of the 1959 Horror Movie of the same name, starring Vincent Price. One gets the feeling she is talking about the movie, the vibrator and a microphone all in one song. "Hello Joe" is a great pop song in tribute to Joey Ramone. These are just some highlights. Lots of Jazz towards the end as well, as a nod to "The Jazz Passengers," in which Debbie moonlights. An excellent CD, and I hope it sells by the truckloads, as it really deserves to. Hope to see them at the AMAs and Grammys next year as well. A++++++++++++++++

If you are either a die-hard fan, or just a casual listener, you should have this album. It's a masterpiece! It perfectly balances the commercial side of PARALLEL LINES and the experimental side of EAT TO THE BEAT into their best album ever!
The first single "Good Boys" takes the dance trend that started with "Heart Of Glass" and shows that before Kylie, there was Blondie. It's an earworm that will infect your head and demand replay to soothe the itch.
And if you are wondering what inspired the current wave of Pop-punk, you need look no further than "Undone". It has the macho guitar growl of Good Charlotte, and the lyrical fun of Blink 182. This is not them stealing from today's artists. Blondie has always been eclectic, mixing serious straight-ahead rock and dance with a silly playfulness that clearly reflects their days of working along side The Ramones and Talking Heads back in the days of CBGB's.
Also harking back to their darkside on PLASTIC LETTERS, is "The Last One In The World". After hearing this song, you'll understand why both Shirley Manson of Garbage and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit express their gratitude for Blondie's influence.
Jimmy Destri again proves that 'Blondie is a group' by providing the incredibly touching ballad "Rules For Living", a song about love that never dies.
They also remind us that no other band truly loves music as much as they do; embracing Jazz ("Desire Brings Me Back"), Rap ("Shakedown"), and now Japanese Folk music ("Magic(Asadoya Yunta)"). Truly, Blondie are the best thing that ever happened to Rock-n-Roll, and with this album, might just have made themselves the best thing that ever happened to music, period.

The Curse of Blondie is one of those cd's you buy, and can't stop listening to. From start to finish this new recording from a band of 25 plus years is some of their best work ever. With the Amazing and gorgous Deborah Harry still fronting a band that launched her to her fame back in the late 70's, Deborah can still front a band and she knows how to take the lead. Looking flawless and sounding better now than ever, her vocals put you in a trance and takes you on an amazing journey of what a performer should be doing for you when you buy a cd. The band is at it's peak on this one with original members Chris stein, Clem Burke, Jimmy Destri and new members Paul Carbonara and Leigh Foxx this album rocks, from start to finsih each track has a life of it's own. The opening track shakedown an edgy rock rap tune with pure attitude that sets a tone to what it is come on the cd, you just can't wait to hear more, then the dance pop rock song Good Boy's the first single that is fun and danceable to a classic blondie tune "Undone" with tongue in cheek lyrics full of attitude that Deborah delivers on so well, great sounding electric guitar tracks this song is a winner for sure,"Golden Rod" is a rocker that just grabs you in and keeps you rocking from start to finish, the beautiful soft sultry vocals on "Rules for Living" that can bring a tear to your eye cause Debbies vocals are just so perfect and pretty on this one, great tune."Background Melody (the only one) is a fun reggiash song that is full of drum hooks that keep your heart skipping a beat, makes you feel like your on the island of lost souls, just a fun happy tune that is also well done, "Magic (asadoya yunta" is a sort of japanese song that has a march feel to it with Debbie doing soft and sexy vocals to the march, another great and happy fun little number, "end to end" is also classic blondie full of energy and full of life one of my favorties, it's so hard to decide which are your favorites on this cd cause all the tracks are so great."Hello Joe" a song that has an incredible hook to it and pulls you in and makes you happy to hear it, i believe it is a ode to the late Joey Ramone which also makes it incredably special and meaningful in thought. then "The Tingler" that has a hypnotic trance sound full of carnival music and just happy and enjoyable to listen to, "Diamond Bridge" another rocker on the cd that is a coming of age tune, the last two tracks "Desire brings me back" is sort of jazz passangers meets Blondie, reminds me of Jim Morrison, a poetic reading type of song full of life and the drums are incredible on this tune, "Songs of love" is a great ballad type of song, sort of bringing you to a relaxed state of mind, very soothing soft vocals by Deborah Harry that leaves you feeling so lucky to own this one.I love every track form start to finish and just an incredible, well recorded piece of art. This is some of the bands best work and they clearly shine through on this "Curse of Blondie".

`The Curse of Blondie' is more of a continuum of the band's past catalogue then where `No Exit' picked up in 1999.
`No Exit' was great, but in comparison to the epic sound of this new disc, `No Exit' doesn't really sound like an album. The only real similarity between `The Curse' and `No Exit' is the variety of styles used, but then Blondie have never been afraid to try just about anything.
`The Curse of Blondie' has its own sound, just like all the six original records had. This album sounds like where they left `Eat to the Beat' and were transgressing into `AutoAmerican'. This album has an absolutely killer first side.
Burnt out has beens Blondie are anything but, and this album proves why they are one of the greatest pop bands ever. Debbie Harry at 58 has to be an icon - at least her music will be her legacy.

1 - Shakedown: Fantastic opener. Takes some adjusting, but original and great at the same time - classic Blondie. (8.5/10)
2 - Good Boys: First single. Melodic tongue-in-cheek power pop/rock, yet not strongest choice for lead. Great video. (8.5/10)
3 - Undone: reported second single, has a great 80's fm summer radio sound to it. Sounds like garbage but better. (10/10)
4 - Golden Rod: without doubt the standout track from the reunion sessions. Absolutely rocks for nearly six minutes (10+/10)
5 - Rules for Living: Mellow/ Melodic pop. Solid. Draws you in with each listen; single potential (9/10)
6 - Backround Melody: after the first mega rush of the first five songs, this is a bit more mellow pop (5/10)
7 - Magic: again a bit a breather (5/10)
8 - End to End: Rock/ Pop at its best; I love it! (9.5/10)
9 - Hello Joe: another mellow pop track dedicating to Joey Ramone; doesn't sell it (5/10)
10 -Tingler: upbeat pop-ish song. Cool intro (6.5/10)
11 - Last one in the world: a rock/ pop/ almost metal track. A real grower (8.5/10)
12 - Diamond Bridge: Dark and moody pop/rock; another masterpiece, just great and original. (10/10)

13 - Desire Brings Me Back: P J Harvery-esque track, weird but kinda cool (7.5/10)
14 - Songs of Love: Not sure, might grow. Interesting closer. Like nothing Blondie have done before. (6/10)

Standout tracks: Golden Rod; End to End; Diamond Bridge & Undone

This is the COMEBACK cd that BLONDIE should have released instead of NO EXIT.

That musical spunk that made BLONDIE atomic on the music charts during the late 1970s trough the 1980s is found once again on this CD.

Deborah Harry is sounding vocally rejuvinated and the entire band is tight.

This CD merits a North American release date.

It's a must have for any fan of BLONDIE and should convert a new generation of fans to the RAPTURE of BLONDIE.

If you were disappointed by "The Hunter" (first 'comeback effort') and the recent "No Exit" (second 'comeback effort'), "The Curse of Blondie" delivers us back on-par to the glories of "Parallel Lines" which I sight for its sophisticated street-wise insights, diversity of style, and UNparalleled consistency of song quality throughout. It sounds as though the band realized that making "comeback efforts" are overwrought and boring, and decided instead to just make a great Blondie album, which they do here, no-holds-barred.

The leading element of cohesion is definitely the shocking confidence and maturity of Deborah Harry's vocals. Where did that come from? They weren't there on "No Exit" but in any case, she adeptly sweeps and glides with almost haunting accuracy and effortless grace across every note on the record. She is the thread holding all the styles together, and has more command over more styles of material than anytime in Blondie history.

If it's true "there are no HITS" as some reviewers seem to be concerned with, that's because this record is better than that, deeper than that. Every song HITS right where its supposed to, and there are no letdowns. I can't think of an album in recent years I could hear 20 times in 3 weeks. And more astounding, this infectious earcandy is still getting better with repeated listenings.

For some reason, no one seems to mention "The Tingler" and "Hello Joe" --so, I will--which are incredibly sublime Blondie, and "End To End" is surprisingly vulnerable and touching if you listen to the words beyond the galloping rhythm. And finally, the last 2 tracks do bring Blondie into real art-music territory without any pretention or over-reaching, and is the final sign in this recording that they can rock like crazed youths and be true to their older, more mature evolved sensibilities with just as much immediacy.

For ANY Blondie fan, rejoicement is in order! For any who have yet to be initiated, this is actually a great place to start. Blondie blends, in perfect doses, light synth-pop with hard-edged punk as no other band can, making a strange and successful marriage between pure fluff and a power drill.

I'm just wild about Debbie Harry. I was thrilled that her band Blondie reunited in 1999, for their critically acclaimed album, No Exit and their Top 10 Rock Single, "Maria." I'm even more ecstatic that it wasn't a one time reunion and tour. Five years have passed, and come April 6, Blondie returns with a new CD, The Curse of Blondie, on Sanctuary Records.

The Curse of Blondie is the band's eighth studio album and the most musically adventurous of their long and phenomenal career. The 14 tracks are a virtual potpourri, ranging from pop, hard rock, new wave, jazz and reggae. At 58, Harry's vocals have never been better, and the band sounds as healthy, if not better, than most of the up-and-coming "new" bands of today. "Good Boys," the first single released to radio and clubs, carries that unmistakable Blondie "sound" and the upcoming remixes will undoubtedly be a club favorite.

Other highlights on Curse include "Shakedown," a perfect blend of R&B and hip-hop that carries the weight of Blondie's older material while easily keeping up with the new millennium. "Undone" and "Golden Rod," are the hardest rock tracks on the disc, and a flashback to their roots when they were considered the new "new wave" band. The reggae influenced "Rules For Living" and "Background Melody (The Only One)" are two welcomed back-to-back tracks midway through the album. "Hello Joe" is an infectious pop song tribute to friend Joey Ramone, who died of cancer in 2001 at the age of 49. Joey's group, The Ramones, often played the same bill at New York's famed CBGB's, among several other New York underground clubs back in the mid-seventies. The two closing tracks, "Desire Brings Me Back" and "Songs of Love" are jazz-tinged ballads that are among the best songs ever written and performed by Blondie. They showcase their amazing versatility and depth at this "jazz" sound, which has only been hinted at in the past. They are gorgeous, lush, rich numbers that makes one yearn for an entire album of this material. Debbie can you hear me?

How did they come up with the album title The Curse of Blondie? `It's been a standing joke for years," says Debbie Harry, "Every time something weird would happen we would say, `It's the Curse of Blondie.' A lot of people take it seriously, but it's silly. It's sort of a Vincent Price, horror movie type title. I think it's lucky."

In 1982, just four years after Blondie first hit the charts with the album Plastic Letters and finished four studio albums later with The Hunter, Blondie called it quits. Harry had several offers for film roles, and she took advantage of a few gems, including a role in the John Waters 1988 hit Hairspray. She also appeared several episodes of the TV series Wiseguy. Overall, Harry has appeared in close to 40 films over the past 28 years. Madonna wasn't the first bleached blonde superstar. Many remember Debbie Harry leading the pack, and she still has a loyal fan base to that dares you to tell them differently.

Here's how it all began. Deborah Harry was born on July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida. She was adopted at three months and raised by the Harry family in Hawthorne, New Jersey. In the '60s she worked as a Playboy Bunny and hung out at Max's Kansas City, a famous Warhol-inhabited nightclub. Her professional singing career started in 1968 with a folk band called "Wind In The Willows." She sang backup on their first (and only) album. In 1973, she met Chris Stein who became her long-time boyfriend. They created Blondie in 1974 after they both were in the Stilettos, a theatrical "girl group" band. Blondie struggled for a few years, and then went on to be one of the most successful bands of the late '70s and early '80s. Their hits began with the release of their first single, "Heart of Glass." Not only did "Heart of Glass" shoot straight to #1, it also became one of the all-time disco anthems of the era. The song is still highly recognized and used in several dance reissues, countless films, and television commercials. Other hits include "One Way Or Another," Dreaming," "The Tide Is High," Rapture" and the blockbuster song "Call Me" (which spent close to two months at the pole position) from the blockbuster Richard Gere film American Gigolo. After Blondie broke up in 1982, Deborah released five solo albums, including her first, Koo Koo, and my favorite, Def, Dumb & Blonde. Always considered a stunning woman, she also was asked to be in a few commercials that included Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans and Revlon. She's been a tireless supporter of many Gay Rights Organizations and has done many benefit shows in support of AIDS charities, a Broadway show (Teaneck Tanzai), poetry readings, and been one of the most notorious characters in the New York downtown scene.

At the very beginning of her singing career, the name of her band was originally called "Angel and the Snakes," but she changed the name to "Blondie" after the countless whistles and screams from truck drivers who would yell out the window at her when she was walking down the street, "Hey! Blondie!" She dug it and the name stuck.

At the height of their fame in 1981, Blondie's video for their hit song "Rapture" featured a cameo appearance of New York artist/Andy Warhol disciple Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose life was portrayed in the 1996 film Basquiat. In 1981 "Harper's Bazaar" named her to their 10 Most Beautiful Women in America list.

In a nutshell, this brings us up-to-date on Harry's career. If you're a fan of Harry, you'll love this CD. If you're not familiar with Harry (don't even tell me who you are!) I urge you to give a listen to this pioneer. I can't believe it's exactly 25 years ago this week that "Heart of Glass" hit #1. Do yourself a favor and celebrate Blondie's silver anniversary of their first chart-topper with this magnificent new album. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.

By the way, Debbie Harry has been Ranked #12 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll. Just thought you'd like to know. See you at the record store!

Blondie is back and this may be their best album ever-- maybe even better than their 1978 breakthrough album Parallel Lines. Everyone who loves Blondie knows that there's no way to classify them in a specific genre. On this album you get everything you can possibly imagine. The opener "Shakedown" is a cutting edge erotic yet sophisticated rap song. After all, Blondie is responsible for making rap mainstream (remember Rapture?). "Good Boys" is addictive. The retro/dance song with a modern feel is infectious. Ms. Harry's voice may be overproduced, but what the heck? It's the 21st century so why not. And the band still rocks with great tracks like "Goldenrod" and "The Last One in the World." Then there's pop potentials with "Undone" and the No Doubt-Hella Good-esque "Diamond Bridge." And Blondie once again returns to the roots-- reggae/dancehall/carribean roots with "Background Melody." There are a few avant-garde songs that are great to listen to like "Asadoya" and "Desire Brings Me Back." If you're a Blondie fan, you must have this album. Even if you're not a Blondie fan, get this album. Debbie Harry's voice seems to have gotten better with age and the band still rocks! The band's last album No Exit also had every genre available on it, but it was all over the place and not well produced. The Curse of Blondie is different. THIS IS BLONDIE'S COMEBACK ALBUM!

These are reviews from some major English magazines and newspapers for the "Curse of Blondie" so far. Q Magazine 4 out of 5 stars. Uncut Magazine 5 out of 5 stars. Bang Magazine 4 out of 5. The Sunday Times and The Guardian also wrote extremely positive reviews and so did Time Out London(they didn't give out ratings).