Description

At the turn of the 80s, Pretenders announced themselves to the world with what is widely regarded one of the greatest debut albums of all time. They solidified their status as one of the most exciting bands around with their follow up album Pretenders II, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Consisting of their most famous lineup with Chrissie Hynde vocals and guitar, James HoneymanScott guitar, Pete Farndon bass and Martin Chambers drums, Pretenders first two albums created a rock sound that perfectly blended glistening guitar hooks, striking vocals with undertones of punk that still sounds fresh to this day.Curated by Chrissie Hynde, both Pretenders and Pretenders II are each presented in striking 12×12 3CD deluxe sets, featuring a highquality book with brandnew liner notes by acclaimed journalist Will Hodgkinson. They also include a myriad of rare and unseen photos of the band, by turn both beautiful and candid. Pretenders Deluxe Edition contains the original album remastered by Chris Thomas, alongside demos, rarities, and many live performances. These include BBC sessions on The Kid Jensen Show, and performances at The Paris Theatre, London and Paradise Theater in Boston. Pretenders II Deluxe Edition also features a remastered version of the album by Chris Thomas, demos, and alternates alongside two live performances one from Central Park, New York City in 1980, and an electric show from The Santa Monica Civic in 1981.During the year between Pretenders and Pretenders II, the band continued their momentum releasing two singles in the UK, Talk Of The Town and Message Of Love, with the former reaching 8 and the latter 11 in the UK singles charts. The appetite in the US maintained too, with Pretenders releasing an EP simply named ldquoExtended Playrdquo, containing five tracks that would later be on the Pretenders II album. With a clamouring for more Pretenders material, Pretenders II was released on 15th August 1981 to great fanfare. The album would end up peaking 7 in the UK, and 10 in the US, being certified Silver and Gold respectively in the process. Further highlights of the album include another cover of The Kinks, in the form of I Go To Sleep The Pretenders CD is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £35