Chrissie Hynde, the iconic frontwoman of The Pretenders, recently shared her thoughts on the band’s groundbreaking debut album, emphasizing its raw energy and authenticity. In an interview, she described the band members—James Honeyman-Scott (guitar), Pete Farndon (bass), and Martin Chambers (drums)—as “rural thugs from Hereford,” likening them to characters from the film *Straw Dogs*.
Reflecting on her early days in England, Hynde admitted that she initially doubted her place in the music scene, feeling too old to start a band. Yet, upon meeting her future bandmates, she discovered a unique chemistry that fueled their sound. “We had this image of being a nice pop band, but really we were pretty hardcore,” she noted, revealing the duality of their musical identity.
The recording of the debut album was a surprisingly seamless process for the group. Hynde recalled, “It was never a problem making that first album. It was dead easy, in fact.” However, she acknowledged that challenges arose later, primarily due to struggles with addiction among some band members.
Creative Inspirations and Iconic Tracks
Hynde elaborated on the album’s songwriting process, highlighting the various influences that shaped its tracks. Many songs were crafted in her room in Tufnell Park, where she lived in a girls’ boarding house. “The landlord wouldn’t allow guys back there, and it was freezing cold, but that’s where things like ‘Up The Neck’ and ‘Tattooed Love Boys’ were born,” she explained.
The track “The Phone Call” was inspired by her experiences with a group of bikers, reflecting the gritty realities of that environment. “There were a lot of threats, and someone I knew got killed,” she recounted. The song’s spoken-word segment was intended to portray a death threat conveyed through the mail, illustrating the chaotic atmosphere of her surroundings.
Another standout track, the instrumental “Space Invader,” stemmed from her bandmates’ obsession with arcade games. While Hynde preferred pinball machines, she humorously described how the prevalence of Space Invaders in the studio became an unavoidable backdrop during recording sessions.
Though “Brass In Pocket” became one of their most commercially successful singles, reaching number one, Hynde initially hesitated about its release. “I’d never liked it that much and, frankly, I was a little embarrassed about it,” she admitted. Songs such as “Precious,” which captured her experiences growing up in Ohio, resonated more deeply with her personal narrative but were less radio-friendly due to their provocative lyrics.
A Unique Perspective on Success
When the debut album was finally released, it quickly rose to number one, sparking discussions about the role of hype in its success. Hynde remarked, “Yeah, that was the big scandal! I don’t know who hyped it in, but if someone did then I’m grateful.” Despite the accolades, she maintained that her primary motivation was simply to play music rather than achieve commercial dominance.
“I was just glad to be playing guitar in a band and not waitressing,” she stated, emphasizing her passion for making music. While she recognized the importance of selling records to sustain a career, she rejected the notion of striving for excessive fame.
Reflecting on her journey, Hynde’s insights offer a glimpse into the essence of The Pretenders—a band that blended melodic pop with an edge of punk and rock, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the music scene. The candidness of her recollections not only highlights the band’s artistic evolution but also underscores the complexities of navigating success in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
This article originally appeared in Uncut in August 2006, capturing the spirit of a band that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
