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

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 15, 2006, 18:12 GMT

'Pretenders II’ (not particularly original title that) is the follow-up to the band’s self- titled debut.  The band was touring and cementing their popularity, especially the popularity of their lead singer.

Again Reprise lays on the special features to make this album a must buy for fans of the band.  Disc one replicates the 12 track original album, including “The Adultress,” “Bad Boys Get Spanked,” “Message of Love,” “I Go to Sleep,” and “Louie Louie” (not a remake of the Kingsmen classic). 

Again, as with Reprise’s first disc, the 18-track disc two is full of unissued tracks.  Most of disc two was sourced from a live show performed at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 4, 1981.  Tracks 1 through 15 represent that show.  They perform live versions of the songs above and also add some songs from their first album, including their hit “Brass in Pocket.”  Track 16 is an unissued demo version of “Talk of the Town,” track 17 is a unissued guitar version outtake of “I Go to Sleep,” and track 18 is a radio mix outtake of “Pack it up.”

I’m going to take a moment to grouse about something that annoyed me about both albums.  I’m not a fan of the paper cases that they come in (and some of Reprise’s other releases as well).  They make the album “feel” cheap.  It does not reflect the treasures that the Pretenders fans will find inside.  I’m also thinking that the discs will get scratched with use. 

This is a very minor complaint however.  Looks like all the industry is moving this way to keep costs down, que sera sera.  This and the other set will make excellent stocking stuffers for the Pretenders fan.  The casual fan may want to start with the first album.

‘Pretenders II’ [Original Recording Remastered] is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.