The Crate
The Pretenders
Pretenders
Released in January 1980, "Pretenders" is the debut studio album by the British-American rock band The Pretenders. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it's known for its mix of punk attitude, new wave sound, and rock sensibilities. Here are some intriguing facts about the album:
1. Formation of the Band: The Pretenders were formed in 1978 by American expat Chrissie Hynde, who had relocated to the UK earlier in the decade. The initial line-up that recorded the album included Chrissie Hynde (vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals).
2. Producers with a Track Record: The album was produced by Nick Lowe, an influential figure in the UK punk and new wave scenes, and Chris Thomas, known for his work with the Sex Pistols and later with artists like Elton John and INXS.
3. Iconic Hit Singles: "Pretenders" includes several hit singles that have become classics. Notably, "Brass in Pocket," which was the band's third single but their first big hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK. Other notable tracks include "Stop Your Sobbing" (a cover of a Kinks song) and "Kid."
4. Fusion of Styles: The album is lauded for its eclectic fusion of musical styles. Hynde's songwriting brought together elements of punk, new wave, and rock, while her distinctive voice and Honeyman-Scott's innovative guitar work added unique textures to the music.
5. Critical Acclaim: "Pretenders" received widespread acclaim from critics. It was listed on numerous year-end best album lists and eventually earned a place on many "greatest albums of all time" lists. Rolling Stone magazine, for example, included it in their "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.
6. Tragic Backdrop: Despite the success, the band faced personal tragedies. Both Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of drug overdoses within a year of each other (1982 and 1983, respectively), deeply affecting the band's trajectory.
7. Lasting Legacy: The album's legacy endures, influencing a wide array of artists and bands. Chrissie Hynde’s frontwoman charisma and the album’s bold, genre-blurring approach paved the way for future generations of musicians.
"Pretenders" isn't just a debut album; it's a significant piece of rock history that showcases the raw talent and versatility of The Pretenders.