Against The Odds 1974 – 1982 (Deluxe Edition)

I've been a Blondie fan for 30 since now, since their hiatus years when a reunion didn't seem like it was an option. Much of this isn't new to me - I had all the albums when they were remastered in 1994, as well as various collections and remix albums - so how exactly was I going to justify essentially buying it all over again? I settled on the deluxe CD edition after much deliberation (I'm sure the vinyl super deluxe set was spectacular but I just never get round to listening to vinyl...) and I'm happy with that choice.What surprised me with so many demos and alternative versions was how good some of them are and how worthwhile their inclusion is: the Private Stock single version of X Offender is a little more motown than the one you're used to, and you could argue that the first take of Bermuda Triangle Blues is better than the one that ended up on Plastic Letters. A few of the bonus tracks had appeared on earlier reissues and 1993's 'Blonde and Beyond', and it's a shame some other previous bonus tracks are omitted - extended versions of War Child and Call Me really added something to the originals beyond simply elongating them and showcased Clem's drumming to a greater extent for starters.The presentation hardback book is full of insights and interviews, though I was quite disappointed to find that some of the band's comments were recycled from historic interviews and some of the track-by-track commentary included general comments that didn't always relate to the track in question. It also seems to rush through the last two albums when compared to the first four.That said, it's a beautifully packaged set designed with care and detail. The eight discs sit inside the covers in their own slip cases and the remastering sounds great. I've enjoyed reading the book as I revisited each album I've heard many times before, and that I never seem to tire of. You're unlikely to be reading this as a casual fan looking for a greatest hits package - but on the other hand, that's how I got in to them all those years ago and I can well recommend this as a timeless collection.And if you are a big fan that already has these albums, it's still well worth picking up.

There has been several attempts at remastering the albums from Blondie's imperial phase over the years and these are far superior to any previous attempts - no doubt because the band themselves were involved. The sound quality brings new life to the tracks and it's great to have some outtakes and rarities. Admittedly, some I won't be playing more than once (Mike Chapman's vocals on the demo of "Hanging On The Telephone", "Die Young, Stay Pretty", and Jimmy Destri's vocal on the Giorgio Moroder demo of "Angels On The Balcony" or, any of the instrumental tracks) but it's great to hear how these songs were first presented and what they evolved into. The highlight of the demo's is "I Love You Honey, Give Me A Beer" with some of the lyrics being better than what made it to the final track ("Go Through It"). The book that comes with it is a great read with some stunning pics, some of which are previously unseen to me. The only thing that would have been nice to have had is the single edit of "Atomic" and the rumoured Mike Chapman remix of "Slow Motion", which was intended as the fourth single from "Eat To The Beat" before they recorded "Call Me". Speaking of which, the full-length version of said track from "American Gigolo" which was included on the 2001 remaster of "AutoAmerican" would have also been good to have here. That aside, this is a superb collection and well worth the price. Hopefully the remastered albums will be available to stream and/or download at some point in the future.

Blondie was the force that made the seamless, and respectful transition from the disco craze of the latter-day 1970’s into a comprehensible, “tasteful” punk rock genre. Frontlined by the most drop dead stunningly gorgeous lead vocalist barnone — Debbie Harry — this was very cool music, and still is.Now, this incredibly stunning set in silver foil is not only a beautiful package, but of exceptional sound quality never heard of in any of their so-called remastered compendiums. The 8-album collection well-nested into a beautifully-designed, and written coffee table book is an experience of pure joy. The set I received was manufactured in the E. U. — an all-important detail not even mentioned in the description of this listing. I just took a blind leap (so glad I did) and placed my quick-to-arrive order. Very few live up to all the hype given it; but, this goes beyond any expectation. It’s a compendium YOU shall never regret owning. This one sets the standard for me.

When I saw this was released I questioned if it was worth it. As I have a special birthday coming up I ordered it and I am so glad that I did.Reasons to buy it:- weighty 128 side book with new photos/ different versions of well known photos.- band commentary on tracks - even estranged members Frank Infante, Gary Valentine and Nigel Harrison have been allowed to comment.- 8 remastered CDs with much improved sound. Previous CD issues have sounded tinny but these have been well remastered with good bottom-end (no analysis, just used my ears). Credit to Michael Graves at Osiris Studio LA.A fitting epitaph for a great group that did not previously reap their financial rewards.

I'm not a die hard Blondie fan but like a lot of their hit songs so bought this and glad I did. Really nice quality heavy box set, I thought they'd actually sent the vinyl box set by mistake because of the size. The recordings sound brilliant, really nice crystal clear warm sound, they did a great job with them but I'm sure die hards will find something that's not right! The only disappointment for me was that they didn't include the 12" mixes and 7" versions but still very happy with what I got :) Def 5*****