New Wave music past, present and future

Tonight should be fun. I've got a ticket to see New Wave veterans and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Blondie at the House of Blues. The New York based band remain famous for fusing genres including rock, punk, reggae and rap. Though most identify the band by Debbie Harry's supple and sassy vocals on songs including "Rapture," "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "The Tide is High," I was drawn to the group by their formidable guitarist, Chris Stein and respected drummer Clem Burke. The band is touring behind a new album called Panic of Girls. I haven't heard it yet, but I hope to be introduced to several new songs tonight along with the hits.

To be honest, though, I'm most excited about seeing the opening band. The Handcuffs are local glam-pop heroes helmed by Chicago power-pop couple Brad Elvis (Elvis Brothers, Romantics) and Chloe F. Orwell. They're a hard-working band with great songs, and the Blondie gig is a perfect match for their sound.

The Handcuffs' third album Waiting for the Robot is still warm from the presses. Tonight's show should be an ideal means to introduce it to new hometown fans. Here are a few notes I took regarding Robot:

Principal songwriter Elvis knows all the right moves to drum the swagger and earthquake shake into the suitably titled “Dirty Glitter.” Orwell's purr is abetted by Ellis Clark, whose guitar work suggests glam and garage-rock heroes like T. Rex, the Spiders from Mars, and the Kinks. The clanging piano of “Miss You on Tuesday” nods to Mott the Hoople. “Vinyl Isabella” salutes a flashy drag queen. Orwell’s Debbie Harry sneer resurfaces during “I'm So Happy That You're Out Of My Life.” Don’t look too hard for heavy concepts here; this Robot's programming is all about stoking fires and cheeky fun.