the Pretenders : Releases >>
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Break Up the Concrete >>
Think of this long awaited studio album as if it were the first Pretenders record: musical turf that's defined by attitude, lyrical and melodic mastery, and the unexpected...and Chrissie Hynde's voice as you've always known it. "Break Up The Concrete" is an authentic slice of rock Americana, ranging from blistering punk to the most delicate storytelling as told by the queen of rock royalty herself.
Pirate Radio >>
Holding the Pretenders' Pirate Radio box set in your hand, you may be tempted to ask: What took you so long? Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, the Pretenders' impact on popular music goes without saying, and for a quarter century Chrissie Hynde has remained one of the smartest, sassiest, sexiest, and shaggiest women in rock. So this in-depth collection seems, if not overdue, at least a long time in coming.
At 81 tracks, Pirate Radio will satisfy die-hard fans with more fully remastered big hits and deep cuts than the earlier Singles and Greatest Hits compilations, as well as some previously unreleased gems--covers of "Angel of the Morning" and Warren Zevon's "Reconsider Me" are both standouts. The career-spanning live DVD is also a treat, with many performances featuring the original lineup. Add in a 60-page booklet jammed with chronological liner notes and reflections from band members, and you've got a powerful package. What's striking is how coherent this set sounds throughout all four discs, largely due to Hynde's unmistakable voice: From the punk swagger of their immortal 1979 debut to the reggae-informed sounds of 2003's Loose Screw, and after more personnel changes than Spinal Tap's percussion section, it all sounds like no one other than the Pretenders. --Ben Heege
Learning to Crawl >>
The Pretenders - Greatest Hits >>
While Sire's U.S. collection 'The Singles' concisely represents the best from 1980-87 by Chrissie Hynde & co., this import-only retrospective is sure to be treasured by fans as it contains most of that discs cuts (13 of the 16), plus all of the group's best ever since, (including gems like 'I'll Stand By You', 'Night In My Veins' and 'Human' (Tin Tin Out Remix), PLUS Chrissie Hynde's smash collaboration 'Spiritual High (State Of Independence)' with Moodswings! Listeners are treated to a total of 20 classics from The Pretenders 20 year career with this set, which also includes favorites like 'Back On The Chain Gang', 'Don't Get Me Wrong', 'Brass In Pocket' and 'Middle Of The Road'.2000 release. Standard jewel case.
The Pretenders >>
A Very Special Christmas >>
When was the last time you heard collard greens being sung about in a Christmas song? Probably never, unless you're a Run DMC fan, or were wise enough to hop on the Very Special Christmas tip. The rappers' contribution to this benefit collection is probably the highlight, although traditional songs covered by now-traditional artists like the Pretenders ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") provide the majority of the material here. Eurythmics turn in a suitably chilly "Winter Wonderland," Stevie Nicks sings a beautifully haunting "Silent Night," and Whitney Houston proves again that she's every woman with "Do You Hear What I Hear"--that is, every woman with a voice strong enough to do the song justice. "Santa Baby," Madonna's contribution, isn't as sultry as it could be, but there's more fun thanks to hell-on-heels, the Pointer Sisters and Bon Jovi. --Steve Gdula
Last of the Independents >>
The Singles >>
Ignoring the "Precious" side of Chrissie Hynde's rocking and writing, The Singles still captures a good bit of what was special about her in the '80s. Bopping assertions of strength ("Brass in Pocket"), wistful dreaminess ("Talk of the Town"), flat-out weepers ("2000 Miles"), her tough-mom attitude ("Middle of the Road")--the many sides of her seven-inches are generously surveyed herein. --Rickey Wright
Pretenders II >>
Get Close >>
This Iovine/Clearmountain production features hits like "Don't Get Me Wrong," "I Remember You," and "Room Full of Mirrors." Bonus content includes an alternate version of "Hold a Candle to This" and a take on "Thumbelina."