The Pretenders have reissued their first two albums Pretenders and Pretenders II, with the bands original lineup. This was arguably the best band The Pretenders ever had, with Martin Chambers on drums, James-Honeyman Scott on guitar and Pete Farndon on bass.
This record, Pretenders II was dismissed initially by some critics, as a carbon copy of their debut. Truth be told, nothing could hit that mark, maybe Learning to Crawl in 1984.
The record featured another Ray Davies written song, just like the first album in "I Go To Sleep." Chrissie Hynde was married to the Kinks frontman at the time.
The album featured classics "Message of Love" and "Talk of the Town," the killer balance that Hynde was so good at. Confessional lyrics were her strong point, but some felt they weren't as revealing on their second album, and that the music wasn't as driving.
While in the midst of touring, things for the band started to spiral downward, however. In 1982, Hynde was forced to fire Farndon over his excessive drug habit. Only two days later, Honeyman-Scott, who Hynde was rumored to have had an affair, died of a heroin and cocaine overdose. She would go into seclusion, as she was pregnant with Davies child.
Two months after having her baby Farndon would also be found dead from a drug overdose.
The album is a great reminder of how good The Pretenders were at being a rock band with punk muscle. As time went on, The Pretenders would go in a more rock direction, reforming to become one of the most important bands in rock and roll.
On the new reissue, you're reminded that not only was the record under appreciated initially, but you get an additional disk of live cuts and demos. Most have never been released, capturing a performance from 1981, with cuts from the first album Pretenders, as well as outtakes and demos.
The Pretenders-Kid (Live) mp3
The Pretenders-Message Of Love mp3
The Pretenders-The Adultress mp3 all from Pretenders II Reissue
This is an amazing, amazing record. Better than the first in my opinion. "The English Roses" is one of the best songs the band -- hell, any band -- ever did. I just wish the #!)%!%! thing wasn't $25!
Posted by: Vic Arpeggio | November 09, 2006 at 12:14 PM