Blondie Live
When Blondie re-formed in 1999, the response from music lovers was mixed. While some people welcomed the return of a great pop-rock band, others worried that nearly two decades of retirement may have dulled the band's edge.Live, recorded during Blondie's 1999 world tour, puts any such doubts to rest. The band injects a rediscovered vitality into their songs throughout the 17 tracks here, which covers their classics ("Dreaming," "Call Me," "Heart of Glass," "Atomic," "One Way or Another") and newer numbers from their comeback albumNo Exit. As ever, the players are fantastic, especially drummer Clem Burke, who hammers away at his kit with a ferocity and skill that puts many younger drummers to shame. VocalistDeborah Harryisn't as versatile as she once was, but her charisma remains as infectious as ever. This is the Blondie album for those who prefer their greatest hits performed live.--Ted Kord