Blondie “Blondie” 1976. Today, July 1st, is Debbie Harry’s 70th (!) birthday (b. 1945). This self-titled LP is their first release and our copy is likely the Chrysalis Records re-release (Canadian version) from 1977 after the band ended its initial record contract with Private Stock records after poor sales. Chrysalis released the single “In the Flesh,” a lovely ballad tinged with a hint of naughtiness (the word “flesh” just does not feel like it belongs in a sweet song). “In the Flesh” reached #3 in Australia and the album “Blondie” reached #14. It also charted at #75 in the UK in early 1979.

Blondie are routinely classified as punk rock, but I’ve never been able to figure out why: maybe their fashion, the musical company they kept and Debbie’s hair? Regardless, it’s powerful pop. I saw Debbie Harry perform on her birthday at Summerfest in Milwaukee in 1990, exactly 25 years ago today, along with The Ramones and Tom Tom Club. I remember she looked fantastic and played a great show (as did the Ramones; my recollection is that Tom Tom Club were kinda boring and we may have left before their portion of the show finished).