Classic Pop
1st September 2022
Chris and Debbie good-natured bickering about barns.
The press release of Against The Odds states that the boxset's 50 extra tracks were mostly sourced from demo tapes Chris had kept in his barn in upstate New York. It's that info which Stein disputes.
Chris Stein: "I don't know how the word 'barn' has got out there, I don't have a barn: the tapes were in a garage next to my studio. In my eyes, a barn is a much draughtier affair."
It's at this point that Debbie Harry joins proceedings. She's missed the first two minutes of our conference call, because, well, she's Debbie Harry.
She's warm, inquisitive about people and laughs a lot, a delighted and uncontrolled burst as infectious as her vocals.
But also: you're talking to Actual Debbie Harry. Don't mess this up, now.
Debbie doesn't introduce herself, instead immediately out to make mischief with her eternal right-hand ally.
Debbie Harry: "Yeah, but what you're talking about could be a barn,"
She points out, to Stein's frustration.
Chris Stein: "No it's not! What I've got is sealed off and temperature controlled."
Debbie Harry: "Sure, but some of those modern barns are really well designed, you know?"
It's at this point that Chris - friendly, jokey, but also with the imperious air of a man who knows full well he's been one of the coolest people in New York for 45 years and counting - admits defeat.
Chris Stein: "I guess so, he mutters. "I just picture barns with grass, straw and cracks in the wall. My image of a 'barn' is different to yours."
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