The Borneo Post

Blondie plans star guests for new album ‘Pollinator’

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NEW YORK: New Wave pioneers Blondie on Wednesday announced a new album that will bring in stars from across generation­s including Sia and Joan Jett.

Entitled “Pollinator,” the album will come out on May 5 and mark the fi rst release in three years by the New York band fronted by 71-year- old Debbie Harry.

The band released the album’s fi rst track, “Fun,” which harks back to the disco era but with more contempora­ry electronic beats.

Blondie, which also features guitarist and co-writer Chris Stein, teamed up for the album with a diverse range of artistes including groundbrea­king female hard rocker Jett, prolific pop songwriter Sia and young electropop star Charli XCX.

Guitar collaborat­ors include Johnny Marr of The Smiths, the defi ning 1980s alternativ­e band highly influenced by Blondie, and Nick Valensi of The Strokes, which led a revival of New York post-punk in the 2000s.

The album also features the experiment­al rock composer Laurie Anderson and is produced by John Congleton, who has worked with some of the most critically acclaimed names in contempora­ry rock, including Sigur Ros and St. Vincent.

Blondie was at the forefront of the New Wave scene that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, expanding the energy of punk rock to bring in elements of dance music and reggae.

Harry pursued a solo career through much of the 1980s and 1990s before Blondie returned.

Blondie — whose best-known songs include “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me” and “One Way or Another” — plans a global tour in 2017 starting with Australia and New Zealand in April. — AFP

 ??  ?? Blondie’s Harry and guitarist Stein pose for a portrait in New York May 12, 2014. — Reuters file photo
Blondie’s Harry and guitarist Stein pose for a portrait in New York May 12, 2014. — Reuters file photo

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