Album Review: The Pretenders – ‘Pretenders’ [Original Recording Remastered]

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 15, 2006, 16:58 GMT

The Presenters were a band that rose to prominence in the 1980s thanks to their front singer, Chrissie Hynde.  The group also included Pete Farndon on bass, James Honeyman Scott on guitar and keyboard, and Martin Chambers on drums.  Though two band members dying of drug overdoses tore the group asunder in later years (Honeyman Scott in 1982 and Farndon in 1983), Hynde has been the constant in the group.

She was lusted over by both sexes.  Not hard to imagine with her looks and some of the lyrics of the songs.  I had convinced myself that I’d never heard any of their songs.  That is until I listened to “Brass in Pocket” and went “Oh, that song.”

“I’m special, so special” is the chorus of the song and my imagined title for it.  I would’ve never thought of “Brass in Pocket” (though it is one of the first lines in the song, now that I listen to it more closely). 

Disc one reproduces the ‘Pretenders’ 12 track album, including “Brass in Pocket,” “Precious,” and “Tattooed Love Boys” (that last song title just amuses me).  The 16-track disc two is were all the purchase value lies.  It is full of unissued demo version and live performances. 

There are demos of “The Phone Call,” “The Wait,” I Can’t Control Myself,” “Brass in Pocket” (You’re so special), and “Tequila.”  The live performances include “I Need Somebody,” “Mystery Achievement,” “Precious” (complete with the F word), “Tattooed Love Boys,” and “Sabre Dance” (a rock version of the traditional classical tune). 

The CD is a must have for the fan of the Pretenders.  Sure, you’re re-buying an album that you already have, but the extra disc well makes up for the cash outlay.    I enjoyed familiarizing myself with some of the other songs and reintroducing myself to “Brass in Pocket.”

‘Pretenders’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.