The Pretenders

"Originally released in 1980, The Pretenders' eponymous debut album is a stylish fusion of Stonesy rock & roll, and pure punk aggression with pop sensibilities. Teeming with sharp hooks and a viciously cool attitude, few popular records rock as hard or with as much sleek originality as this one.

Exploding onto the post-punk scene over twenty-five years ago, The Pretenders took the musical path less taken. They forged a distinctive sound with singer / songwriter Chrissie Hynde's trademark tough and tender vocals, framed by a guitar-driven melodic approach. This winning combination proved to be irresistible and timeless.

'The Pretenders' album showcases the special songs of Ohio-born Hynde and the rhythmically complex performances of her English band. In fact, the original group only recorded two LPs - by 1983 guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon had died of drug overdoses.

The quartet pounds through the sexual aggression of "Precious," "Up the Neck" and "Tattooed Love Boys"; plus there's the classic pop cuts like "Kid" and two highly memorable hit singles ("Brass in Pocket" and their unique cover of the Kinks' "Stop Your Sobbing").

After this impressive appearance on the music scene, The Pretenders went on to have further success, becoming a household name with tracks such as "Message of Love", "Don't Get Me Wrong", "Talk of the Town", "Hymn to Her", "Back on the Chain Gang", and more."
- GEOFF