Originally performed and broadcast for A&E on May 7, 2004 from Manhattan's John Jay College, Blondie: Live by Request finds New York City's cherished punk-popsters older, rounder, and still in possession--if not always in complete control--of the fire needed for credible performances of classics like "Dreaming," "Rapture," "Call Me," and "Heart of Glass." The 2004 Blondie includes founders Deborah Harry, Chris Stein, and Clem Burke solidly backed by Paul Carbonara (guitar), Kevin Topping (keyboards), and Leigh Foxx (bass).
The disc's 17 tracks comprise Blondie's biggest hits, with "Atomic" notably absent and four cuts from 2003's Curse of Blondie (including a touching tribute to Joey Ramone) holding their own against the tried and true. Harry remains her flamboyant self, compensating for a diminishing vocal range with fresh phrasings and boundless pizzazz. Lead guitarist Stein seems lost at times, while drummer Burke plays tighter than ever, cementing the songs with a mix of disco sass and punk fervor. Keep your remote handy: caller requests and the show's vapid emcee get old fast.
Tracks:
Dreaming, Hanging on the Telephone, Accidents Never Happen, Tide Is High, Good Boys, Undone, Rip Her to Shreds, One Way or Another, Rapture, X Offender, Call Me, Union City Blue, Heart of Glass
Exclusive bonus tracks:
The Dream's Lost on Me, End to End, Hello Joe, (I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear
