Fabulous Friday: Debbie Harry

Courtesy of Howard:

Blondie and Debbie Harry helped usher in a pop-punk invasion that became an unlikely cash cow for a music industry needing a restart in the 1970s. Their songs alternated between high energy “punk” and 50s, Ronettes-style urban pop. Harry had a great sideways snarl when she sang, emitting a clear, siren piercing voice and a sex appeal that only hinted at what a true badass she was. She wrote or co-wrote much of the band's material.

I was lucky to see them in 1979, not at CBGBs in NYC, but opening for Alice Cooper in Wisconsin. Her band was often overlooked, the late Clem Burke in particular was one of the best rock drummers working, and fun as hell to watch. Parallel Lines was their breakout release, containing their first hit, Heart Of Glass. The whole record was a great document of the style that would help influence the pop-punk that is still popular today.

Here are two, non-hit bits from this perfect platter: