Live - Blondie

The late '90s saw a multitude of reunions take place among rock favorites from the '70s, and one of the leading reunions from the original punk/new wave era was undoubtedly the return of Blondie. Touring in support of their first album in 17 years, 1999's No Exit, the group (which included four familiar faces from their original go-round: singer Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, keyboardist Jimmy Destri, and drummer Clem Burke) focused primarily on the classics, but also included a handful of then-current tunes. The same year, the group issued its first-ever official live release, Live in New York, which in 2004 was reissued on the Eagle label as Live. While it sounds in spots like the band is still working toward regaining the on-stage chemistry of yesteryear, Live is a fun memento overall, especially such party classics as "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "Atomic," as well as such wild cards as "Sunday Girl," "X Offender," and "Rip Her to Shreds." While you obviously won't be getting the youthful exuberance of a late-'70s/early-'80s live set here (for that, check out the Live: Philadelphia 1978/Dallas 1980 release), if you attended Blondie's reunion tour, Live will serve as a worthwhile souvenir. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide