Description
Incredibly, the follow-up album would likely occupy a more elevated place in the hearts and minds if not for the fact that it had an impossible act to follow. And yet, in many regards, Pretenders II is not only a worthy successor, it’s highest highs — of which there are several — are equal to anything from the first album. And, like the debut, it is not the tunes you hear on the radio that make this an essential addition to any serious and self-respecting rock fan’s collection.
All the songs are strong and the band is sharp, stretching themselves (including tastefully subtle employment of brass on certain tracks, particularly the very un-punk French horn on the aforementioned “I Go to Sleep”): where Hynde and Honeyman Scott fairly dominated the first album, that versatility is evenly distributed on the sophomore effort. Martin Chambers (drums) and Pete Farndon (bass) keep the beat and (once more) lay the groundwork of a groove it would have been delightful to hear them develop in the years ahead. Thankfully the cup truly does overflow, as these restored releases get the remastered treatment-reason enough to snatch them up – but also contain generous, and revealing bonus tracks.
