Pretenders

2.16

Such Fun! Good times. This seems like the origin of the '80's' sound

Good stuff. Brass in pocket is a classic.

The whole album is kind of lo-fi. It doesn't have a huge amount of bite to it in general. Is it just mixed a bit weird? Everything seems so far back and just a bit bleh. It's not grabbing me at all, sorry.

You do get a sense of Chrissie Hynde as a personality, and she seems to have a bit of attitude which comes across. Brass in Pocket is about the only stand-out track. 'Stop Your Sobbing' was done way better by the Kinks.

I'm not going to fall-out of love with the Pretenders as a result of this, as 2000 Miles remains my favourite Christmas song and I'll be singing along to that with gusto come December (probably November).

50% Fleetwood Mac pop, 50% punk attitude.

Chrissie Hynde's voice is great - just effortlessly cool. Tattooed Love Boys is a classic - I love the 7/4 (?) time signature giving it an unsettling vibe. Interesting to compare Private Life with the Grace Jones cover (I like both).

I knew I had heard of Pretenders before today, but none of the songs on this album looked familiar. Upon listening, the song I knew was Brass in Pocket. Pretenders are a new wave band from UK/America. I have a history of not particularly enjoying new wave, so signs aren't looking good for this record.

Sure enough, I wasn't particularly a fan of the pop style guitar playing, weird time signatures, and nonsensical lyrics (and also that washed out 80's pop sound that was done to death by so many other one hit wonder bands of the era).

Overall, kind of bland. Not bad, but not my favourite. I wouldn't rush out and buy this record. I can't see myself wanting to listen again. Walmart brand 80's pop punk.

Favourite songs: Brass in Pocket, Mystery Achievement, Tattooed Love Boys, Lovers of Today, Precious

Least favourite songs: Private Life, The Wait, Stop Your Sobbing

3/5

I really love the variation in this album. You'll be getting a punky jam at first, then a new wave bop, and just moments later a ballad, all with really excellent singing and instrument playing. I mean, listen to those meter changes on Tattooed Love Boys. The thing holding this record back is perhaps a little too many instrumental only parts and a couple songs that aren't that notable, but this was super ahead of its time in pretty much all fields.

I really like this album. It's fun, had a bit of a hard edge, and was pretty original at the time. It also has a few timeless songs on it so doesn't feel like it's aged poorly. I never really get tired of "Brass in Pocket" for some reason.

Really enjoyed this

Such a nostalgic album for me. My dad played them a ton as I was growing up. Still rips to this day.

Good, but not great, aside from brass in pocket of course.

Love this sound! Precious is tight, great jagged guitar tones! This is everything I love about punk in the 80s. Personality. Great songs. A real great ear for how to orchestrate something as simple as 2 guitars, drums, bass, and vocals. Brass In Pocket is a great tune. I had so much fun listening to this album!

Me gusta como empieza con "Precious". En general suena bien, "Tattooed Love Boys", "Lovers of Today" y sobre todo "Brass in Pocket" que es una canción de 10.

This is what 1001 albums is for. I had only heard the radio hits and kind of written the Pretenders off for some reason. Just never took the time to listen further. This is way edgier than what I was expecting. Like the punk energy with the catchy pop hooks. Chrissie Hynde has instantly shot up into my top female performers of all time list. Had no idea she was the lead songwriter and rhythm guitarist. Love her vocal style. Like some kind of hybrid of Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith. Super impressed. Have to say, though I love Nick Lowe, I'm glad he only produced the one single and not the rest of the album. His track is too thin and bright and kind of sticks out awkwardly in the mix of the album. I think I'll be going through the rest of their catalog now.