Blondie – Plastic Letters

Blondie – Plastic Letters

Blondie – Plastic Letters is the second studio album from the pioneering New York band, originally released in 1977/78 on Chrysalis Records. Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios in New York during the summer of 1977 and produced by Richard Gottehrer, the album captures Blondie at the point where their raw CBGB-era punk energy was beginning to evolve into the eclectic pop, new wave and rock sound that would make them international stars.

The album opens with the punchy "Fan Mail", followed by Blondie's brilliant interpretation of "Denis", a reworking of the 1963 Randy & The Rainbows hit "Denise". Featuring Debbie Harry's instantly recognisable vocals, the track became a huge breakthrough for the band, reaching No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart.

Elsewhere, tracks such as "Bermuda Triangle Blues (Flight 45)", "Youth Nabbed As Sniper" and "Contact In Red Square" showcase the quirky songwriting and angular guitar work that remained rooted in Blondie's early New York underground sound. "(I'm Always Touched) By Your Presence, Dear" provides another standout moment and also became a UK Top 10 hit.

The second side continues with "I Didn't Have The Nerve To Say No", "Love At The Pier", "No Imagination" and "Kidnapper", before closing with the sharp-edged "Detroit 442" and "Cautious Lip".

Plastic Letters was an important stepping stone for Blondie. The album reached No. 10 in the UK, helping establish the American band as one of the first major New York new wave acts to achieve significant mainstream success in Britain. Its success also paved the way for the band's breakthrough Parallel Lines album and the worldwide success that followed.

For collectors of Blondie, Debbie Harry, New York punk, CBGB, new wave, power pop and 1970s rock, Plastic Letters is an essential early album and a fascinating snapshot of the band just before they became international superstars.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Fan Mail – 2:35
2. Denis – 2:15
3. Bermuda Triangle Blues (Flight 45) – 2:45
4. Youth Nabbed As Sniper – 2:56
5. Contact In Red Square – 1:56
6. (I'm Always Touched) By Your Presence Dear – 2:40
7. I'm On E – 2:12

Side B

1. I Didn't Have The Nerve To Say No – 2:50
2. Love At The Pier – 2:24
3. No Imagination – 2:54
4. Kidnapper – 2:34
5. Detroit 442 – 2:24
6. Cautious Lip – 4:21