369) Blondie - Plastic Letters

I have been watching the TV series High Fidelity where Zoe Kravitz now plays John Cusack’s character. It is as enjoyable as the book and the film but if you have seen the film you will know at one point Bruce Springsteen appears in Cusack’s flat offering advice. Well for Zoe we have Debbie Harry dancing to Heart of Glass with a glass of red and it made me think yes, she is as iconic as Springsteen and still has the charisma that he has as they both march confidently to their later years.

Debbie is now eighty and is one of the most recognisable pop stars in music history as Blondie became huge stars and she had a secondary career as a solo artist and actress.

She was not yet the big star on the release of Plastic Letters which was Blondie’s second record released in 1978 and was their breakthrough here in the UK making the top ten and giving them their first hit singles.

Their first hit Denis was a cover and is still instantly recognisable all these years later, it is the perfect introduction to the band and Debbie Harry’s vocal. The other hit (I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence, Dear was written by departing bassist Gary Valentine, just as endearing as Denis.

The albums opener Fan Mail Debbie launches straight in with the band, it’s spoilt for me by a naff keyboard solo (I’m afraid I feel the same about Contact In Red Square), there’s attitude but not the greatest of starts. Bermuda Triangle Blues is more reflective relying more on the vocal, she was clearly not in the band for her looks, was and is, a great front person.

Clem Burkes drumming elevates Youth Nabbed As Sniper and this is the first album track, so far that I genuinely enjoyed, the harder edged sound more my style.

I Didn’t Have the Nerve to Say No has a wonderful chorus, maybe this band would write really big hits.  Love at the Pier bounces along and No Imagination the piano is just right and has one of those slashing guitars that’s always a winner with me.

Detroit 442 is straight guitar pop, with Clem working overtime in the background and Harry determined and in control and Cautious Lip finishes off the record as the band speed up and Debbie screams us out. 

It’s no Parallel Lines; few records are and is a band still finding their feet but it’s well worth a listen and contains a fair few songs that you will come back to again.

7/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: Denis