Blondie Releases ‘Pollinator’
Album Rich with Songs from Sia, Charli XCX, Johnny Marr
Blondie is back and sounding great on its aptly named 11th studio album, Pollinator, which is rich with songs contributed by Sia, Nick Valensi, Dev Hynes, Charli XCX, and Johnny Marr. In fact, only two of the disc’s tracks — album opener “Doom or Destiny” (featuring Joan Jett on backing vocals) and the outstanding reggae-tinged “Love Level” — are Chris Stein/Deborah Harry compositions. The disco-fied dance hit “Fun” is the album’s standout track, a worthy successor to “Heart of Glass” and “Rapture” that brings to mind Blondie’s late-’70s/early-’80s heyday. “Gravity” is a close second, harking back to a New Wave aesthetic in free fall. “Too Much” and “My Monster” also hit the sweet spot. The buzz surrounding Blondie’s return to form proves to be true on this honeypot of a record. Blondie plays the S.B. Bowl on Friday, July 7, along with Garbage, and John Doe & Exene Cervenka.
