Friday, April 16, 2010

(I Am Always Touched by Your) Photos, Dear

On the heels of last week's "Greatest New York City Album Covers" post comes this incredible Blondie T-shirt I found while shopping on the Lower East Side yesterday. As fans know, it's an outtake from Phillip Dixon's "Plastic Letters" album cover shoot in New York. Perhaps my old-timers' disease is worse than I thought, but I'm nearly certain I've never seen this image before, which is remarkable given how much Blondie stuff I've taken in over the years. (Fun fact: the original cover was shot at the Tropicana, but the label thought it was "too punk" because Debbie was wearing a pillow case with red tape striped around it and the guys were decked out in leather!)
  
The most interesting thing about this photo is that it almost mimics the "Parallel Lines" cover scandal, where their manager, Peter Leeds, wanted everyone but Debbie to smile, but they only wanted to be serious. The boys reluctantly agreed to smile for just one photo and Leeds used that for the cover without the band's permission, which infuriated them and played a part in Leeds' dismissal. As you can see from the finished "Plastic Letters" product, that mistake did not happen on the previous release, although it certainly would have worked just as well. (Look how cute Jimmy Destri is smoking inside the police cruiser!)

Later in the day I came home to find that a friend had sent me a preview of the cover of Blondie's upcoming album, "Panic of Girls." I'm not in love with it -- it's the work of Dutch artist Chris Berens -- and looking back, the covers of "No Exit" and "The Curse of Blondie" weren't half-bad even if the music was (and half good).More disturbing, however, is what Chris Stein had to say about the impending release: "we have a couple of very cool guest artistes, we are pushing for a 15-16 track record… there are three, maybe four cover songs… theres one track in French and Two in Spanish .. as for the English language remaining tracks most of the lyrics are by Debbie." I hate albums with too many songs (especially when a lot of them aren't good) and while covers generally aren't a bad idea late in careers, Blondie's version of "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" was a fun novelty song in concert just after Michael Jackson had died, but I'm not sure it needs to be included on an album. Blondie's my favorite band, so maybe I'm being overly critical. But I'm not liking anything I've heard about this new release so far. Anyone else with me in this panic of boys?

5 comments:

tobyweiss.com said...

I saw that Plastic Letters outtake photo for the first time when my Debbie "Ladies of the 80s" Barbie arrived. They used it as the backdrop she stands before in the box. Was more impressed with THAT than the actual Barbie doll.

Sean said...

I am not a big fan of "Don't Stop", even though it is pretty cool to see them in the studio doing it. I think Deb's voice still sounds great. Of course, if they were to mix the heck out of it, who knows? Maybe a b-side but not album material.

As for the album cover, I personally love it. Very cool. I am looking forward to the new album. Jeff Saltzman, the album producer did the Killers first album and I certainly love that one. I can't wait! Already got some tickets for the upcoming tour too!

Anonymous said...

As a hardcore fan I am beyond disappointment that Jimmy Destri (truly the one responsible for the "Blondie" musical sound) is being blocked from performing on the album and in contributing any songs from his other three partners of 30 years! I suppose the Panic of Girls will be real panic for Debbie and co. when the album is revealed to be yet another lame Debbie Harry/Chris Stein solo project.

Anonymous said...

And look at Clem, hanging on for dear life!
I hate that the rebooted blondie.net has rewrote history and dismissed the members who made the band great!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the Plastic Letters
outtake T-shirt photo.The new album cover isn't bad i'm neutral about it.
Now on to "Don't Stop" :
Even though Debbie is in good voice
there doesn't seem to be much energy in her vocal like she's bored. The music is lifeless as well.
I love Blondie the group and Debbie oh well you know, forever!The spark is missing here, Let's hope it ignites on the new album.
Oh here I go, gonna listen to the first Blondie album,I need to wash away what I just heard. "Man Overboard" just made it all better.