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Blondie's finest

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5 Jul 30th, 2007 

10 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
5 of their greatest hits; catchy tunes; deep lyrics; exciting sound

Disadvantages:
does not include the 'French' version of 'Sunday Girl'

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Originality

Lyrics

Quality and consistency of tracks

How does it compare to the artist's other releases

Value for Money

d_w86

d_w86

About me:

I'm a 20 something law graduate from England with a passion for writing, whatever the subject. My in...

Member since:30.07.2007

Reviews:30

Members who trust:2

There is something about an act's third album that defines them and 'Parallel Lines' is no exception! Building upon the strengths of 'Plastic Letters,' Blondie were one of the hottest New Wave acts in 1978 and this album catches them and the exciting music scene at its peak.

Featuring five of Blondie's signature songs, 'Parallel Lines' would be worthy of having a 'Greatest Hits'volume 1 title'; it catches both the Punk/New Wave Blondie sound, yet the infectious lyrics and sunshine feel of 'Sunday Girl,' which would go on to be Blondie's second number 1 hit in 1979, and the disco classic 'Heart of Glass' on what would have been the '2' side on the LP paved the way for the more commercial Blondie of the early 1980s.

The arrangement on the songs is fairly simple but the lyrics offer some of the most deep, thought-provoking themes from stalking in both 'Hanging on the telephone' and 'One way or another,' to a deep mystery surrounding the significance of '11:59,' which leaves you pondering over just what is supposed to happen at '12.00.' Some think it's about the last minute of someone's life, but it really is left open to interpretation. Quite simply, it has just got to be heard!

Parallel Lines has one of the strongest starts with three exciting and accessible New Wave anthems, particularly the seminal album track 'One Way or Another,' which has become an anthem for generations to come. Debbie's raw vocals, the fast guitar power chords and crashing drums simply exude passion on 'Hanging on the telephone,' 'One way or another,' and 'Picture This.' All three songs have truly memorable lyrics and still sound relevant today. In a sense they are all about love/lust but each track offers something deeper than the conventional love song. Considering the arrangement is hardly avant-garde, the lyrics are everything on this album but in the same way, the simplicity of the melodies is what makes the lyrics so memorable.

As far as album tracks go, 'Fade away and radiate' which was the B-side to 'Picture This' is completely different from anything Blondie have ever done. A really slow and dark tune making use of the electronic sound that would define the early 1980s, Blondie prove they can't just be classed as 'Punk' or 'New Wave.' It is certainly a track that grows on you.

11:59 and I'm gonna love you too are really worth checking out; 11:59 for its aforementioned enigmatic lyrics and pounding rhythm whilst I'm gonna love you too is very similar to the bubblegum feel of 'Sunday Girl' but more uptempo.

The inclusion of the live cover version of the T-Rex classic 'Get it on' has just got to be heard - a song that sounds good no matter who records it but on this occasion, distinctly Blondie.

Out of the original 12 tracks (excluding bonuses) I would say 9/12 are extremely strong whilst the other three are good, but not so memorable. Bearing in mind at least 5 out of these 12 routinely appear on the wealth of Greatest Hits collections, this should demonstrate the value of this album.

I would buy this over any compilation any day. 

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Comments about this review »

Bollinger28 30.07.2007 21:39

That brought back a few memories! This was the first ever vinyl LP I ever bought and I must have played it half to death. Lexy

Helenofellon 30.07.2007 18:49

Good review x

tac20 30.07.2007 18:19

Great review. I completely agree with you - who needs a compilation when you've got parallel lines!

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