Blondie were one of the very best New Wave bands (late 1970s early 80s); with several first rate singles. Atomic is certainly one of their finest - an extraordinary composition and superbly performed, which repays repeated listening
What I like about this: The Duane Eddy style guitar riff repeating over modal harmonies, the driving hi-hat percussion, and superb bass playing - here and throughout. The unexpected key changes between sections. The subtle way that synthesisers are used - hardly noticeable early and coming forward throughout. The way that the everything drops-out to almost nothing halfway, merely synth keeping-time, before rebuilding via a bass solo, and drum break, leading back to the main riff and the full-on sound.
As usual, Debbie Harry's vocals are outstanding; especially her low register singing.
The general atmosphere projected is decadent, appropriate to that era and that stage of my life: partying on the verge of (perceived) annihilation - alluring but deadly.
'Baker Street' is another tune from that era which conjures up that decadent late-70s vibe, I think.
ReplyDeleteI think you mean "New Wave." "New Age" is more Mannheim Steamroller.
ReplyDelete@Wm - Yes, of course - corrected. Migraines give me a degree of aphasia, and I get lots of them; so plenty needs correcting.
ReplyDelete@Bruce.
ReplyDeleteI side of you I didn't know.......and definitely like!
What a woman!
I think that attitude was the same in the 90's and 2000's. Angsty teenage stuff. Even the cartoons and movies kids were growing up on seemed kinda dark, end-of-the-worldish.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your recommendations. I would have never heard Steeleye Span (except from your blog) or that Wuthering Heights song... sends chills.
ReplyDeleteI guess I must be in a Beautiful Doomed Youth mood, because I can't stop listening to this.
ReplyDelete@William it got me like that too - I even woke up singing it...
ReplyDeleteThis is the original BDY video version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tko1G6XRiQ