BLONDIE - PLASTIC LETTERS 12" LP Vinyl Album

BLONDIE's "Plastic Letters," the second studio album released on 12" LP VINYL in February 1978, is a New Wave masterpiece. Produced by Richard Gottehrer, it features hits like "Denis," a European sensation. The album's dynamic tracklist and iconic visual aesthetic solidify its place in the evolution of American New Wave.,

 

BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Plastic Letters" Album Description:

"Plastic Letters," BLONDIE's second studio album, released on a 12" LP VINYL in February 1978, captures the essence of American New Wave. Produced by Richard Gottehrer, this album solidified BLONDIE's position as pioneers of the genre and stands as a testament to their musical innovation.

Gottehrer's Second Act:

"Plastic Letters" marked the second and final collaboration between BLONDIE and producer Richard Gottehrer. His touch added a unique sonic flavor to the album, contributing to its distinctive sound and standing as a continuation of the successful partnership initiated with their debut.

"Denis" and European Triumph:

One of the standout tracks, "Denis," a cover of Randy & the Rainbows' 1963 hit "Denise," became a European sensation. The infectious energy and Debbie Harry's charismatic vocals propelled the song to hit status across the continent, establishing BLONDIE's global appeal.

Tracklist Dynamics:

"Plastic Letters" boasts a dynamic tracklist, ranging from the punk-infused "Fan Mail" to the infectious pop-rock of "I'm on E." The album showcased BLONDIE's versatility, blending punk grit with catchy melodies and laying the foundation for their future chart-topping success.

Visual Aesthetic:

The LP VINYL format allowed for impactful album art, and "Plastic Letters" capitalized on this. The cover, featuring a captivating image of Debbie Harry, captured the essence of the late '70s New Wave scene, creating an iconic visual representation of the album's sonic identity.

Legacy and Influence:

"Plastic Letters" remains a crucial chapter in BLONDIE's discography. Its influence can be heard in subsequent New Wave and punk-inspired bands. The album's timeless quality and infectious energy continue to resonate with fans, making it a classic in the world of American New Wave.

Music Genre:

 New Wave, 80s Pop 

Album Production Information:

The album: "BLONDIE - Plastic Letters" was produced by:Richard Gottehrer

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Rob Freeman, Greg Calbi

This album was recorded at: Plaza Sound Studios, New York City.

Album cover photography: Philip Dixon

Record Label Information:

 Chrysalis 202 632

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1978 Made in Holland / Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BLONDIE - Plastic Letters
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Deborah Harry - vocals
  • Chris Stein - guitar, bass guitar, vibraphone
  • James Destri - piano, organ, synthesizer, background vocals
  • Frank Infante - bass guitar, background vocals
  • Clement Burke - drums, background vocals
  • Dale Powers - background vocals on "Kidnapper"
Complete Track-listing of the album "BLONDIE - Plastic Letters"

The detailed tracklist of this record "BLONDIE - Plastic Letters" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Fan Mail" (James Destri) – 2:38
  2. "Denis" (Neil Levenson) – 2:19
  3. "Bermuda Triangle Blues (Flight 45)" (Chris Stein) – 2:49
  4. "Youth Nabbed as Sniper" (Stein) – 3:00
  5. "Contact in Red Square" (Destri) – 2:01
  6. "(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear" (Gary Valentine) – 2:43
  7. "I'm on E" (Deborah Harry, Stein) – 2:13
    Side Two:
  1. "I Didn't Have the Nerve to Say No" (Destri, Harry) – 2:51
  2. "Love at the Pier" (Harry) – 2:27
  3. "No Imagination" (Destri) – 2:56
  4. "Kidnapper" (Destri) – 2:37
  5. "Detroit 442" (Destri, Stein) – 2:28
  6. "Cautious Lip" (Stein, Ronnie Toast) – 4:24

 

Front Cover Photo Of BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album back cover

Close up of Side One record's label BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl Album

"Plastic Letter by Blondie" White and Light Blue Colour Chrysalis Record Label Details: Chrysalis 202 632

"Plastic Letter by Blondie" White and Light Blue Colour Chrysalis Record Label Details: Chrysalis 202 632
 
Index of BLONDIE & DEBBIE HARRY Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

BLONDIE's History

 Blondie is an American new wave band that was formed in New York City in 1974. The band was one of the pioneers of the new wave and punk rock movements, and is often cited as a major influence on many of the bands that followed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Blondie’s unique sound and style, which combined elements of punk, pop, and reggae, set them apart from the other bands of their time and helped to shape the course of popular music in the years that followed.

 The original lineup of Blondie was composed of lead singer Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, drummer Clem Burke, keyboardist Jimmy Destri, and bassist Gary Valentine. The band’s first album, “Blondie,” was released in 1976 and received critical acclaim, although it did not initially sell well. However, the release of their second album, “Plastic Letters,” in 1977 brought Blondie greater commercial success and helped to establish them as one of the leading bands of the new wave movement.

 One of the key factors that contributed to Blondie’s success was Debbie Harry’s charismatic and distinctive stage presence. With her bleach blonde hair, punk-inspired style, and powerful vocals, Harry quickly became one of the most recognizable figures of the new wave scene. Her on-stage presence and off-stage persona as a feminist icon also helped to make her one of the most influential women in popular music.

 Blondie’s early music was heavily influenced by punk rock and the new wave movement, and their songs often featured a mix of sharp, angular guitar riffs and upbeat, danceable rhythms. However, as the band evolved, they began to incorporate other styles and genres into their music, such as reggae, pop, and even hip hop. This musical experimentation helped to establish Blondie as one of the most innovative and eclectic bands of their time.

 The band’s commercial peak came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when they released a string of hit singles and albums that helped to define the new wave movement. Their most famous and successful song, “Heart of Glass,” became a worldwide hit in 1978 and remains one of the most recognizable new wave songs to this day. The band’s other hit singles, such as “Call Me,” “Rapture,” and “The Tide is High,” helped to solidify their status as one of the most important and influential bands of the new wave era.

 Despite the fact that Blondie disbanded in 1982, they have continued to influence popular music and remain one of the most beloved and enduring bands of the new wave movement. Their unique sound, style, and vision continue to inspire new generations of musicians, and their music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans all over the world.

DEBBIE HARRY Biography

 Deborah Ann Harry, also known as Debbie Harry, is an American singer, songwriter, and the lead singer of the new wave band Blondie. Born on July 1, 1945, in Miami, Florida, Harry was raised in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and later in New York City. She was interested in music from an early age and began singing in a number of local bands in the 1960s before forming Blondie in the mid-1970s.

Blondie’s unique sound, which combined elements of punk, pop, and reggae, quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. Harry’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive singing style made her one of the most recognizable figures of the new wave movement, and her on-stage persona as a feminist icon helped to make her one of the most influential women in popular music.

The band’s commercial peak came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when they released a string of hit singles and albums that helped to define the new wave movement. Their most famous and successful song, “Heart of Glass,” became a worldwide hit in 1978 and remains one of the most recognizable new wave songs to this day. Harry’s other hit singles with Blondie, such as “Call Me,” “Rapture,” and “The Tide is High,” helped to solidify her status as one of the most successful and influential female singers of her time.

In addition to her music career, Harry has also pursued a successful acting career, appearing in a number of films and television shows. She has also been a dedicated advocate for a number of social and political causes, including animal rights and AIDS awareness.

Despite the fact that Blondie disbanded in 1982, Harry has continued to perform and record music, releasing a number of solo albums and collaborating with other artists. In 1997, Blondie reformed and has since continued to tour and release new music, bringing their unique sound and style to new generations of fans.

BLONDIE's Illustrated Discography
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BLONDIE - Atomic 12" Maxi-single

Blondie's "Atomic" 12" Vinyl Maxi-single Disco version, released in 1980, epitomized the band's fusion of new wave and disco. Produced by Mike Chapman, the extended mixes turned it into a discotheque anthem, leaving an indelible mark on the era. With Debbie Harry's vocals and infectious beats, "Atomic" remains a timeless dancefloor classic.

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BLONDIE - ATOMIC BAD WARHOL 7" PS SINGLE

Blondie's "Atomic" European Edition, featuring Debbie Harry in her iconic "Andy Warhol's BAD" T-shirt, is a visual and auditory delight. Released in 1981, this 7" Picture Sleeve Single Vinyl not only adds a European touch to Blondie's global presence but also connects to the hits compilation "The Best of Blondie," making it a collectible gem for fans.

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BLONDIE Autoamerican 12" Vinyl LP

BLONDIE's AutoAmerican, released in 1980 and produced by Mike Chapman, is a genre-defying masterpiece. With hits like "The Tide Is High" and "Rapture," the album's fusion of rock, reggae, jazz, and rap showcased BLONDIE's versatility. Its groundbreaking sound and iconic album art have left an enduring legacy in the realm of musical innovation.n

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BLONDIE - Self-Titled

BLONDIE's self-titled debut, a 12" Vinyl LP born in Great Britain, is a cornerstone of the American New Wave movement. Released in 1976, The album's impact resonates through time, solidifying its place as a pivotal moment in music history.

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BLONDIE - Call Me American Gigolo

BLONDIE's "Call Me," released in 1980 on a 7" Picture Sleeve Single Vinyl, not only became the band's biggest-selling single but also a chart-topper in the US and the UK. Its role as the American Gigolo theme added cinematic allure, making it a timeless anthem that transcends generations.

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BLONDIE - Eat To The Beat

BLONDIE's "Eat to the Beat," the fourth studio album released on 12" LP VINYL in Germany in 1979, is a sonic journey that encapsulates the band's evolution. From the dynamic tracks to the production brilliance of Mike Chapman, the album remains a testament to BLONDIE's influential role in shaping the rock landscape.

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BLONDIE Heart Of Glass / Rifle Range 7" PS Single

BLONDIE's "Heart of Glass," released on a 7" Picture Sleeve SINGLE VINYL, is a genre-defying anthem that topped charts globally in 1979. From its melodic brilliance to chart-topping triumph, the song remains a cultural touchstone, embodying BLONDIE's innovative spirit and leaving an indelible mark on the New Wave landscape.

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BLONDIE - The Hunter 12" LP Vinyl

BLONDIE's "The Hunter," released on a 12" LP VINYL in May 1982, signifies the band's musical evolution into New Wave and 80s Pop. Born from the post-solo influence of Debbie Harry's "Koo Koo," the album's diverse tracks and visual aesthetic reflect BLONDIE's ability to adapt and experiment within the ever-shifting musical landscape.

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BLONDIE - Plastic Letters 12" LP Vinyl

BLONDIE's "Plastic Letters," the second studio album released on 12" LP VINYL in February 1978, is a New Wave masterpiece. Produced by Richard Gottehrer, it features hits like "Denis," a European sensation. The album's dynamic tracklist and iconic visual aesthetic solidify its place in the evolution of American New Wave.

Learn more

DEBBIE HARRY - Selected SOLO RECORDS

DEBBIE HARRY - Chrome / The Jam Was Moving ( 7" Single )

Thumbnail Of  DEBBIE HARRY - Chrome / The Jam Was Moving ( Single ) album front cover

Chrysalis 103 681 , 1981 , Germany

Blondie's 1981 7" vinyl single, "Chrome" b/w "The Jam Was Moving," epitomizes the band's musical evolution. Released on February 20, 1981, this iconic record reflects the dynamic transition from punk to new wave. With pulsating rhythms and Debbie Harry's captivating vocals, the single, encased in a collectible picture sleeve, remains a timeless symbol of Blondie's influence on fashion and music during that era.

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DEBBIE HARRY - KooKoo

Thumbnail Of  DEBBIE HARRY - KooKoo album front cover

Chrysalis 203 810 , 1981 , Germany

Debbie Harry's solo album "KooKoo" showcased her versatility and experimental spirit. The 12" LP vinyl album featured striking artwork by H.R. Giger, renowned for his surreal and macabre style. Giger's dark visuals perfectly complemented the album's eclectic sound, creating a captivating experience for fans. "KooKoo" stands as a testament to Debbie Harry's fearless exploration of artistry and her ability to push boundaries.

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