Ep. 83: Blondie - Parallel Lines

"Blondie is a Group" was a pin campaign put together by Blondie's manager as a way to cover his own screwup by picking the iconic photo for this week's album - "Parallel Lines." (PS: It didn't work and he was fired shortly after. Oops.)

We all know Blondie is a group, and we also know the core of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry have given us some absolute bangers. After two records, the label wondered how they could put this group of meddling kids (loosely defined) on the top of the charts.

Their solution was producer Mike Chapman. Does he come across as a bit of a jerk? Yes, resoundingly. Did the band turn in their most critically and commercially successful album to date under his production? Also, yes, resoundingly.

With classics such as "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass," it would be hard for the label to go wrong picking a single...Find out how they did just that, and a ton more about "Parallel Lines," on this week's episode of EarWax!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

• Instagram: @earwaxpod
• TikTok: @earwaxpod
• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
  • @amoebasf
  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis