Once More Into The Bleach

by Alex HendersonThough Debbie Harry has generally worked in a pop/rock vein, she's had her share of exposure in dance clubs thanks to hits like "Heart of Glass," "Rapture," and the Chic-produced "Backfired." In 1988 -- a few years after she had left Chrysalis -- the label set out to exploit her club/dance appeal with Once More Into the Bleach, a generally decent, though not exceptional, collection of remixes. Those singles were obvious choices for this CD, which ranges from Blondie classics (including "Call Me," "Sunday Girl," and "The Tide Is High") to such solo material as "Feel the Spin" and the humorous "French Kissin' in the USA." The most interesting remixes here include a house-influenced version of "Backfired," and a Europop recasting of "Denis." But despite its strong points, Bleach is a collection that only the more devoted Blondie/Harry fanatics and club/dance DJs should look into. Those checking her out for the first time would be much better off with 1976's Blondie or 1978's Parallel Lines.