Blondie set to release definitive box set: Against The Odds 1974-1982

Virgin Radio

8 Jun 2022, 13:30

New York legends Blondie are set to release an archive box set, which will be the first band-authorised collection in their 50 year history. 

Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982 is absolutely massive, with 124 tracks, 36 of which are previously unissued. It also comes with track-by-track commentary from band members Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Jimmy Destri, Nigel Harrison, Frank Infante, and Gary Valentine. Also in the box set are extensive liner notes, an illustrated discography, and loads of period photographs.

For nearly two decades, the bulk of Blondie’s audio and visual archive sat in guitarist Chris Stein’s barn just outside Woodstock, New York. One hundred reel-to-reel tapes, half-a-dozen cassettes, and storage tubs crammed full of records, promotional material, flyers, and the like. 

From this, the long-awaited Against The Odds project was born. Remastered from the original analogue tapes and cut at Abbey Road Studios, the expansive collection will be available on four formats (Super Deluxe Collectors’ Edition, Deluxe 4LP, Deluxe 8CD and 3CD editions).

The collection includes the band’s first six studio albums recorded for Chrysalis; Blondie, Plastic Letters, Parallel Lines, Eat To The Beat, Autoamerican, and The Hunter, as well as over four-dozen demos (including the group’s first-ever recording session), alternate versions, and studio outtakes. 

See the unboxing of the Super Deluxe Collectors’ Edition below:

Frontwoman Debbie Harry said, “It really is a treat to see how far we have come when I listen to these early attempts to capture our ideas on relatively primitive equipment. Fortunately the essence of being in a band in the early 70's held some of the anti-social, counter-culture energies of the groups that were the influencers of the 60's. I am excited about this special collection. When I listen to these old tracks, it puts me there like I am a time traveller. As bad as it was sometimes, it was also equally as good. No regrets. More music.” 

"I am hopeful that this project will provide a glimpse into the ‘process’ and some of the journey that the songs took from idea to final form,” guitarist Chris Stein said. “Some of this stuff is like early sketches; the old tape machines are like primitive notebooks.”

Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982 Box Set is released on 26th August. To pre-order, go here.