441. Pretenders - The Pretenders

Looking at the track listing I didn't think that I knew any of the songs on this album, but it later transpired that I knew Brass in Pocket, which is a fantastic song, and one you may well know too. Indeed, quite a few songs were familiar to others too. The band were created around the lead singer Chrissie Hyndes, an American who moved to London in the 70s, fully immersing herself in the burgeoning punk scene at the time, including associations with The Clash, Vivienne Westwood and writing for the NME. 

This is a fairly timeless album in that it could have come from any era post the late 70s. The recording is of an excellent quality, and there is an intelligence to the lyrics that mean they have not dated at all. Indeed, Private Life is morerelevant today than when released in 1980, railing against the use, and simultaneously abuse, of celebrity obsession. Given that this album was the band's debut, it is remarkable for its confidence; this swagger led it to a UK number 1 in the week of its release, and a top 10 in the US. 

The album is a riot of noise and energy, with great guitar sounds abounding. Precious kicks off the roller coaster, and you barely have time to draw breath from then on. Indeed, it is probably on the slower numbers where the album wilts slightly. There aren't quite enough ideas to sustain the group throughout the entire length of the record, with songs like Up the Neck and Lovers of Today sucking the momentum. The rolling bass of Space Invader brings a slightly proggy element to the punk band, backed up by its use of video game samples, and the angular sound of the guitar on The Wait foreshadows the entirety of early 2000s indie rock. Stop your Sobbing is a great post - break up song, with a tangible sense of guilt in Chrissie Hyndes' vocals. Brass in Pocket is an obvious stand out here, with a simple riff, some very catchy guitar licks, and a barnstorming vocal performance, complete with backing refrain. Mystery Achievement is one song where the instruments actually overshadow the vocals, which is no mean feat. 

This is another album that I think would be markedly improved if it were fifteen minutes shorter. It feels a bit like a greatest hits, which is indicative of both the high calibre of the songs, but also the slightly hotchpotch nature of the record as a whole. 

Chloe's rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 6. The Wait
Olly's rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 12. Mystery Achievement 

Next week is 951. The Streets - A Grand don't come for free. Yes, yes, oh yay.