Picture This: Debbie Harry and Blondie with DVD

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Book Reviews of Picture This: Debbie Harry and Blondie with DVD

Book Review: Brilliant book
Summary: 5 Stars

The main text consists of an opening consideration of blondes and their universal appeal, beginning with Jean Harlow and later Marilyn Monroe having set the ultimate standard. And Deborah Harry certainly possesses that Monroe-like quality, according to the photographer. Mr. Rock then proceeds to relate his experiences in 1970s New York City which was characterized by a wide-open, almost wild West anything goes attitude, and places Blondie and Debbie in this larger context by relating the various photo shoots he conducted with her and the band in the late '70s.

And as if that wasn't enough, an added bonus is an accompanying DVD, "Picture This Behind the Scenes," which captures the photographer in action. The year 2000-"back to the future," as it were: "We can still do it, Deborah. Just like it was before," Mick Rock exclaims.

In the DVD, the photographer relates anecdotes from the book such as the first studio session with the band to the last session he had with Blondie before their breakup in 1981 to a more recent outdoors session with Deborah sporting a striking blue leather jacket (yes, she does look good in blue). Mick also describes a late '70s photo session he had with Chris Stein and Debbie at home. ("It was just me and them"). Mr. Rock concludes that Chris and Debbie were "first and foremost artists" and that "she's just a little lady, but a very neat package" indeed whose vulnerability made her such an inviting subject for the camera. And, in turn, Debbie describes Mick as "a brilliant photographer."

I'd like to include a personal note at this point, if I may. Two of Mick's photos grace the pages of the book I compiled on Blondie, and I had the good fortune of having several phone conversations with Mr. Rock as I worked with him on that book project. I was impressed by the time he took with me (considering his hectic schedule), and the care he exhibited in making this two-page photo spread happen. I'll always remember that.

In the DVD, the photographer made an observation something to the effect that you can't let on having too much fun practicing your craft since you can get in trouble for that. And he also noted, regarding the New York City '70s scene that: "I was in the thick of it." This book certainly serves as a testimony to that.

Summary of Picture This: Debbie Harry and Blondie with DVD

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