Union City Blue

You never forget where and when you bought your first records. I was ten years old and adored Blondie. I can't recall how much I paid for Union City Blue, from my hard earned pocket money, but feels like only yesterday I handed over the cash in Woolworths, East Kilbride. I still have the 7" to this day and still love it. The sheer unadulterated joy of coming home from EK town centre and popping the needle onto those grooves has never left me. There's something magical and timeless about the song. Doubtful I thought this at the time, but over the years I have come to realise it's a pretty melancholy tune. The song explores themes of urban disillusionment and the struggles of everyday life in a city that never sleeps and does so beautifully, with a melody to die for. 

There is always going to be something special about first records and this one for me is still very special. I was a tad too young to see Blondie live in their heyday but have been fortunate to have seen them a few times over the years and this track sends me right back to being that ten year old boy buying his first single. Nothing against downloads but does sadden me that many youngsters today will never experience that joy of buying their first records.