- B - Blondie

Punk, New Wave or Pop? Blondie have been slotted into all of these categories. From the first exposure to the Rip Her To Shreds 12" single back in 1977 I was hooked. The Classic album is Parallel Lines: Deluxe Collectors Edition this version includes a dvd with Debbie at her peak. I caught the Parallel Lines tour when the band added an extra show at the Hammersmith Odeon.

All of the early Blondie albums are excellent, there are the odd tracks that can be forgiven (The Attack of The Giant Ants) on the debut Blondie: Remastered but redeemed by X Offender and In The Flesh. For a pretty definitive hits collection try The Platinum Collection (the packaging on the Amazon version is different from my American version, but hopefully still includes; Out in The Streets, Platinum Blonde, The Thin Line and Puerto Rico demos). So the challenge for Blondie fans - try and find Rodney & The Brunettes featuring Madame X.

Not long to wait for the latest slice of Ms Harry and the band, the new album is out soon Panic of Girls (Fan Pack) and they are touring this summer.