Chrissie hynde and the pretenders3/12/2023 “As soon as I heard them running through things they were thinking of doing, I was sold,” producer Stephen Street recalled in the Pirate Radio box set’s sleevenotes. In retrospect, the performance was executed with aplomb, but the way Hynde and her team recalibrated the reggae-tinged Private Life was truly inspired. Though stripping their sound back to a largely acoustic set-up, the group showcased a few of their hits (Brass In Pocket, Kid, 2000 Miles) but also resurrected some of their best-loved deep cuts for the occasion, which was broadcast live from London’s Jacob Street Studios. Swiftly released in order to capitalise on the success of Last Of The Independents, and to take advantage of the then in-vogue MTV Unplugged format, Pretenders issued a live album of a different stripe with 1995’s The Isle Of View. Holding its own among the very best Pretenders songs, though, is the record’s first single, The Buzz: a vintage-style outing showcasing Walbourne’s stylish guitar filigrees and a sublime Hynde vocal.ġ7: Private Life (from ‘The Isle Of View’, 1995) This latter-day outfit were responsible for Hate For Sale: a high-quality collection ranging from the sneering, Damned-esque title track to the soulful ballad You Can’t Hurt A Fool. Pretenders’ current line-up, featuring Chrissie Hynde and original drummer Martin Chambers, plus bassist Nick Wilkinson and guitarist James Walbourne, may just be their best since the quartet formed. ![]() We reveal exactly why they’re special – so special – with the 20 best Pretenders songs.Ģ0: The Buzz (from ‘Hate For Sale’, 2020) Thanks to her singular songwriting talents and staunch support from some well-chosen collaborators, her band have amassed a formidable catalogue and remain a force to be reckoned with. The deaths of original members, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon, threatened to derail the group, but leader Chrissie Hynde is nothing if not resilient. But, at the same point, her core following of monied grey-beards are precisely the people who buy every last recording of favored old soldiers.By melding punk aggression with a classic pop sensibility, Pretenders came up with a truly unique sound which propelled them towards major stardom during the early 80s. The difficulties of keeping crowds captivated during an old artist's new songs shouldn't be underestimated. Her vocal talents are so rich, their effect so immediate, she managed to hold the sold-out Roseland crowd spellbound during even those lengthy dips into a 21 st century oeuvre familiar to absolutely no one in attendance. 12, she sped through the chorus of "Stop Your Sobbing" at giddy double-time, while an impossibly elongated pause between the first and second words of "I'll Stand By You" drew a few mystified chuckles from the crowd. ![]() And, as was said about peak Sinatra, her thrillingly sui generis interpretations of songs you know by heart defies attempts at singing along. With powers undimmed and technical proficiency assured, she indulges her genius for phrasing with a confidence and wit and unquestioned command that ranks with the old gods of American popular song. ![]() ![]() She has brass in pocket-and a higher register of burnished steel, effortlessly soaring atop incandescent trills belted to the rafters and intoning fuck-or-fight flirtations of roiling carnality-but, like the adage says, it's mostly about the notes you don't play. However goofy her tight tee and Tina Turner-nudging fright wig might seem when glancing through concert photos, the 65-year-old cuts an impressive figure. Always transcendent, her voice has somehow grown stronger and lovelier with age. By Jay Horton Decemat 10:18 am PSTĪmong our aging legends of rock some decades past relevance, Chrissie Hynde enjoys a perhaps unique distinction.
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