Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
By time Blondie released "Plastic Letters" one year after their successful
debut they were starting to create a real buzz overseas. The single
'Denis', which was an adaptation of 'Denise' a sixties hit by Randy
& The Rainbows, made them international stars and brisk album sales
followed. This album was not as solid as their debut. Their song writing
and music just wasn't as good this time out. These aspects are critical
in the development and success of any group. Because of those factors
the groups rapid ascension as one the best new and upcoming groups
was put on hold temporarily. What was to come next was an entirely
different approach to the music, songwriting, and marketing. Stardom
waited patiently for them, and it was just around corner.
I heard some of that core sound and oomph on 'Youth Nabbed As A Sniper'
and 'I Didn't Have The Nerve To Say No.' '(I'm Always Touched by Your)
Presence, Dear' didn't help the group's image too much here in America,
nevertheless it was a hit across the Atlantic. Thanks to the great
mixing and remastering the highlights of the band's capabilities and
talents are still unmistakable. The energy is toned down and more
pop orientated. The raw energy and excitement that was in place was
on vacation on this album. Regardless of my observations, the music
was very good and it still stands up well today. Blondie was better
than average even on an off recording session, and the fact that they
made the top one hundred is a statement as well. On 'Detroit 442',
the live cut, that sassy Harry vocal style is in full bloom and the
band is rockin.' Putting the bonus tracks on this version really helped
to make this a more appealing and stirring album. Not only because
you get to hear those songs that were locked away in the closet for
years, but also because it was genuinely good music. Maybe they should
have reconsidered the shelved cuts and used them instead? At least
now we get to hear them all, and that's cool. 'Once I Had A Love (aka
The Disco Song)' is a simplified version of the mega hit 'Heart Of
Glass.' This was a glimpse into what the future held. Knowing what
that song sounded like on the next album shed some light on the birth
and growth of song. That's the best thing about bonus tracks, you
get to witness the real development of a group, painful or not. The
value of this music today has no price tag so don't miss out.
1. Fan Mail (Destri)
2. Denis (Levinson)
3. Bermuda Triangle Blues (Flight 45) (Stein)
4. Youth Nabbed as Sniper (Stein)
5. Contact in Red Square (Destri)
6. (I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear (Valentine)
7. I'm on E (Harry/Stein)
8. I Didn't Have the Nerve to Say No (Destri/Harry)
9. Love at the Pier (Harry)
10. No Imagination (Destri)
11. Kidnapper (Destri)
12. Detroit 442 - (Destri/Stein)
13. Cautious Lip (Stein/Toast)
14. Poets Problem (Destri)
15. Scenery
16. Poets Problem
17. Detroit 442- Live 11/6/78 at the Walnut Theater in Philadelphia
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