The Curse of Blondie

Blondie’s 1999 reunion CD, No Exit, was a beta version of their comeback — a chance for them to warm up to the idea of functioning as a band again. Unfortunately, the material fell short. Version 2.0 finds the New York legends sounding more comfortable in their own skin. The songwriting has their old ebullience and craftiness (the booty-tech of ”Good Boys,” the swoony ”Rules for Living”), and Debbie Harry’s sexy impudence is in full effect. May the curse never wear off.