Review by Geoff Jenke
Pollinator is Blondie’s 11th album and first since 2014’s Ghost of Download. Blondie are still touring, making the most of the nostalgia circuit available to bands of a certain age. One could actually ask, “Why bother with a new album. People just want to hear the hits these days”. I was unsure about reviewing this album myself as I just want Parallel Lines and the hits.
Welcome back to 1978, CBGB and Blondie.
When Chris Stein, Debbie Harry and Clem Burke got together to record Pollinator, they decided to collaborate songs and guest appearances by some the big names of rock, Johnny Marr, Sia, Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio) and Nick Valensi (The Strokes) and more. They have created a sound very reminiscent of glorious late 70’s Blondie.
The album begins with Doom or Destiny, with Joan Jett helping with the vocals. The drumming intro belongs circa Plastic Letters album and the song rolls into classic Blondie sound.
Long Time is a distant relative of Rapture, updated for 2017. Fun is good time retro rock and roll circa New York 1978.
My Monster is a Johnny Marr cover and sounds like Debbie is having fun singing the song. It must be said Debbie’s vocals on the whole album are superb. Sia’s Best Day Ever suits the bands style and Debbie’s vocal range. It must nice to call on friends in the music business. The Gregory Brothers appear on When I Gave Up On You bringing a new dimension to the song.
Pollinator is a wonderful album. It is pure Blondie and fits in nicely to the Parallel Lines/Plastic Letters era. But this isn’t 1978, it’s 2017 and Blondie have no right releasing an album this good. In the words of that great man, “Do yourself a favour”. You won’t be disappointed (well except for the cover… I found it pretty ordinary).
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