The Pretenders are a band that's easy to take for granted, yet every time one of their excellent singles--and there are lots of them--hits the radio, the response is invariably, "Oh my God, I love this song." When you begin to peel back the layers of the band itself--the alternately jangly and punchy guitars, the hard-as-nails rhythm section, and Chrissie Hynde's impeccable songcraft and unbelievably sensual alto--it's easy to make a case for the Pretenders as one of the best American rock bands of the post-'60s pop landscape.
PIRATE RADIO, the comprehensive, long overdue Pretenders box set, helps support that case. Spread out over four CDs are studio recordings, demos, live material, and alternate versions recorded between 1979 and 2005. In addition to the obvious inclusions ("Brass in Pocket;" "Back on the Chain Gang"), the full range of the Pretenders is represented, from rip-it-up rockers ("Precious") to gorgeous balladry ("2000 Miles"). And, finally, a bonus DVD of television appearances makes the case complete.
This set is their first ever boxed set featuring over 5 hours of career-spanning music on 4 CDs, including many previously unreleased cuts, plus a bonus DVD including never-before-released performances from 1979-1995 including hot early BBC Top of the Pops performances, and material from NBC's The New SHow and the 2003 Montreux Jazz Festival.
The Pretenders: Chrissie Hynde (vocals, guitar); James Honeyman-Scott, Robbie McIntosh (guitar, background vocals); Adam Seymour (guitar); Malcolm Foster, Pete Farndon (bass guitar, background vocals); T.M. Stevens, Andy Hobson (bass guitar); Martin Chambers (drums, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Johnny Marr , Billy Bremner (guitar); Paul Carrack (piano, background vocals); Bernie Worrell (keyboards); Pretty Tony (bass guitar).
Rolling Stone (p.71) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "From a punky 1978 'Precious' demo to adventurous LOOSE SCREW cuts from 2002, Hynde radiates both erotic vigor and uncommon sensitivity." Uncut (p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t's a surprise that such a vagabond, itinerant existence lead to a group that would prove a model of classic consistency for the best part of three decades." Mojo (Publisher) (p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Chrissie Hynde is the quality control. With her scabrously soulful voice and punchy songwriting, she ensured her band survived several line-up changes and the tragic death of two original members..."
Outstanding Box Set If you are Pretenders´fan you will love it! If you are not a Pretenders´fan yet you will start to love them. Its value for money!!! Submitted by r.pascale (São Paulo,Brazil) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Very good Box Set It actually consists of 4cd's and 1 dvd. I would recommend this to any Pretenders fan. Nice book layout and good song choices. The dvd is pretty good. 3 of the videos are kinda low budget but the rest are hi quality. But anyways it's the music that counts. I'm pretty happy with the purchase. :) Submitted by J.Weber (Osseo,Mn) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
All you could ask for! I'm a huge Pretenders fan so I have many cds, however I need only to carry these 4 in my cd holder. Some of the recordings I'm hearing for the 1st time and Chrissy still blows me away with her beautiful voice. She trully has a unique style!!! Submitted by aramirez (San Diego usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Loved This Collections of Pretenders!!! I highly recommend this collections for Pretenders lovers. This box set is very well oraganized and enjoy the added songs never heard over the air waves. Submitted by maems2 (Columbia, Ms, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Pretenders - Pirate Radio I like it. However the DVD skips on two of the video's Submitted by bcotariu (Castro Valley, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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Outstanding Box Set
Very good Box Set
Pretenders - Pirate Radio
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