Against The Odds 1974-1982 (compilation album) by Blondie

From Brad1770 09/18/2023 05:53

Encompassing Blondie’s first six albums prior to their extended hiatus (‘Blondie’ 1976 / ‘Plastic Letters’ 1977 / ‘Parallel Lines’ 1978 / ‘Eat to the Beat’ 1979 / “Call Me” non-album single 1980 / ‘Autoamerica’ 1980 and ‘The Hunter’ 1982’ ), ‘Against The Odds 1974 - 1982’ is a wonderful collection of B-Sides, covers, demo’s and alternative versions. Many, if not most of theses tracks aren’t necessarily seeing light for the very first time having appeared on various expanded versions of the original albums and compilations over the years , however it’s exciting for Blondie fans to have these odds and sods finally in the one place and trust me when I say there’s some real gems to be found

Such as the startling evolution of “Heart of Glass” beginning in 1974 with “The Disco Song”, onto “Once I Had a Love” Demo, onto “Once I Had A Love” Mike Chapman Demo and finally a deconstructed Heart of Glass Lite courtesy of Mr Chris Stein. We also get the definitive “Rapture” version that being the 10 minute disco 12 inch single release with additional verses and transitions which is far superior to the abbreviated radio friendly version that shot to number one around the world. As well there are some very cool oddities such as “Yuletide Throwdown” (Fab 5 Freddy goes to work on Rapture in a Christmas theme), “Ring Of Fire” cover , a full Harry spanish version of “Call Me” , “Hanging On The Telephone” male vocals version and an amazing cover of The Doors seminal “Moonlight Drive”. Really I could go on !

Essential for Blondie and Harry fans