Album: “No Exit”

Description

Blondie: Deborah Harry (vocals); Chris Stein (guitar); Jimmy Destri (keyboards); Clem Burke (drums). Additional personnel: Coolio (rap); Paul Carbonara (guitar); Helen Hooke (violin); Robert Aaron (flute, tenor & baritone saxophones); James Chance, Dave Ironside, Candy Dulfer (saxophone); Rick Davies (trombone); Ken Fradley (trumpet); Leigh Foxx (bass); Frank Pagano (percussion); Rick Simpson (drum programming); Donna Destri, Cassell Webb, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Nancy West, Theo, Romy Ashby. Recorded at Red Night Recording,Electric Lady Studios, Chung King House Of Metal, New York, New York. All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology. Blondie: Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Deborah Harry, Jimmy Destri. Additional personnel: Paul Carbonara (guitar); Helen Hooke (violin); Robert Aaron (flute, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Dave Ironside, James Chance (saxophone); Candy Dulfer (saxello); Ken Fradley (trumpet); Rick Davies (trombone); Leigh Fox (bass guitar); Frank Pagano (percussion); Rik Simpson (drum programming). After a 17-year recording layoff, one might assume the members of Blondie would be a bit rusty. This is not the case on NO EXIT, the band's seventh album of new material. Four of the original five members are intact, and time seems to have only improved the Blondie sound. "Maria" is perfect pop, an infectious radio-friendly single. "Forgive And Forget" has jungle drums and electronic rhythms primed for the '90s dance market. The title track has Debbie Harry trading raps with Coolio; ironic, considering it was Harry who helped propel rap into the top 40 in the early '80s. The diversity of musical styles gives the album a widespread appeal. Rap, ska, dance, jazz, rock, country and African genres are all represented. Although the band helped pioneer the new wave movement along with The Cars, B-52's and Talking Heads, they have always resisted categorization. Blondie is back, and NO EXIT delivers in a big way, showing a vigor not seen since the group's early days.