It would be easy to dismiss Blondie as a glossy hit machine. It would also be inaccurate and an injustice. Sure, they had their share of hits – and some of them were downright pure pop. But what band who was around in the 1980’s can’t be accused of having sold out for a hit? The truth is, Blondie was more of a band that made great music and did so, for the most part, without borders. To many Parallel Lines was the album that marked their rise to the top of the heap of hit makers. The truth is, it was still a great album loaded with a variety of music. I’d have to say that it holds up pretty well even through the ensuing years. In fact, maybe some time away makes the disc seem even stronger.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.