Blondie balanced on the edge musically. What tipped them over into the punk barrel was the ethos, the attitude, the delivery and the lack of total respect for the conventions. IMHO.
@MsSue_ Yes, but it's the same with The Stranglers, my current Jam. Way too old really, and way too skilled at what they did. But they swung it due to their sneering, dark "f'you" attitude, which they didn't let slip as an act for a minute. That's the way to do it. ;)
(Hugh Cornwell continues to upset people. I live in Trowbridge England, which was (in)famously the subject of one of his later (2000s) compositions, "Please Don't Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge". The Wiltshire Times: "He talks about Trowbridge being like the Black Hole of Calcutta and asks not to be sent to the town, promising to mend his ways.
"News of the track met a pretty hostile reception from civic leaders, but most of the comments on the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News’ website seemed to be in agreement with Cornwell. He said: 'It has always been my view that, as a songwriter, I should highlight things that need discussion. I find it’s a healthy thing to do, it creates debate.'
'Trowbridge is a bit of a paradox - it’s a very historic place, one of the oldest towns in Wiltshire, it’s mentioned in the Domesday book, but it’s denigrated a lot by many residents.'
"Cornwell appeared on Radio 2 [at the time] to promote his album, "HooverDam", and joked about the town’s one-way system [now-defunct] and said everyone he had met from Trowbridge did not like it. 'I’ve never met so many people who have agreed and put the town down,” he said.'"
@leejohnson Thanks for all that information, Lee. So, could we say that Punk Rock was responsible for the collapse of the one-way system in Trowbridge? Possibly? :)
@MsSue The 'what is punk' debate will continue for a loooong looong time! Suffice to say it was an attitude more than musical movement, which means it can incorporate many styles. As witnessed here on TIMJ of course. Thanks for the great posts..
@gingercls You're right. I'm just weird - because there has to be a certain recognizable (to me) sound in the music too.
@jackthestripper She's 68 and still one cool chick.
@clickysounds No, I think you're right...
@mikelowe Well, it's later than 1969... ;)
@BeeBee So glad you liked BeeBee
@markhyson *runs to phone book*
@UncannyUK Good innit? Love the "Pink Ladies" look!
29 Comments (since 28 Sep 2013)
abigail.deeks
Excellent choice, love Blondie!!
shoobeedoo
Brill! I had a big thing for Chris Stein as a kid me :)
Axol
Classic Blondie. Great song - thanks.
AndyWilkinson
Great song
leejohnson
Blondie balanced on the edge musically. What tipped them over into the punk barrel was the ethos, the attitude, the delivery and the lack of total respect for the conventions. IMHO.
MsSue
@leejohnson ...All true, Lee! And hanging out at the CBGB Club in NY! They just didn't sound punk to me. (What do I know!)
leejohnson
@MsSue_ Yes, but it's the same with The Stranglers, my current Jam. Way too old really, and way too skilled at what they did. But they swung it due to their sneering, dark "f'you" attitude, which they didn't let slip as an act for a minute. That's the way to do it. ;)
leejohnson
(Hugh Cornwell continues to upset people. I live in Trowbridge England, which was (in)famously the subject of one of his later (2000s) compositions, "Please Don't Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge". The Wiltshire Times: "He talks about Trowbridge being like the Black Hole of Calcutta and asks not to be sent to the town, promising to mend his ways.
leejohnson
"News of the track met a pretty hostile reception from civic leaders, but most of the comments on the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News’ website seemed to be in agreement with Cornwell. He said: 'It has always been my view that, as a songwriter, I should highlight things that need discussion. I find it’s a healthy thing to do, it creates debate.'
leejohnson
'Trowbridge is a bit of a paradox - it’s a very historic place, one of the oldest towns in Wiltshire, it’s mentioned in the Domesday book, but it’s denigrated a lot by many residents.'
leejohnson
"Cornwell appeared on Radio 2 [at the time] to promote his album, "HooverDam", and joked about the town’s one-way system [now-defunct] and said everyone he had met from Trowbridge did not like it. 'I’ve never met so many people who have agreed and put the town down,” he said.'"
Nuno
Super choice Sue!
leejohnson
He gets my vote.)
allymac
Great choice.
teen
I'm usually not much of a punk fan, but do love this one..
MsSue
@leejohnson Thanks for all that information, Lee. So, could we say that Punk Rock was responsible for the collapse of the one-way system in Trowbridge? Possibly? :)
MsSue
@teen So glad :) @allymac @Nuno Thank you!
UncannyUK
Never seen this vid before!
markhyson
The best Blondie song, just don't tell my dad (Denis) that I said that!
BeeBee
Spiffing Sue!
mikelowe
Nice one - this was new to me as well.
clickysounds
Nicely timed, I think she was in town yesterday? Thought I caught mention of that show... could be i'm delirious after this jam.
jackietheripper
she's so cool
gingercls
@MsSue The 'what is punk' debate will continue for a loooong looong time! Suffice to say it was an attitude more than musical movement, which means it can incorporate many styles. As witnessed here on TIMJ of course. Thanks for the great posts..
MsSue
@gingercls You're right. I'm just weird - because there has to be a certain recognizable (to me) sound in the music too. @jackthestripper She's 68 and still one cool chick. @clickysounds No, I think you're right... @mikelowe Well, it's later than 1969... ;) @BeeBee So glad you liked BeeBee @markhyson *runs to phone book* @UncannyUK Good innit? Love the "Pink Ladies" look!
thisismymistake
I'm a big fan, punk or not. There's also @ritaleena_perez's jam for some early Blondie...
mikelowe
@MsSue_ LOL *raspberry being blown*
invernessred
Magnificent.
MsSue
@invernessred @thisismymistake :)