Album Information:

About The Pretenders:

The Pretenders are an English-American rock band that formed in Hereford, England in 1978. The band initially consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Chrissie Hynde, lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers. The band's music blended elements of rock, punk, and new wave, and they quickly gained a following with their energetic, melodic sound.

The Pretenders released their self-titled debut album in 1980, which included the hits 'Brass in Pocket' and 'Kid.' The album was a commercial and critical success, and it established the band as one of the leading acts of the new wave movement. However, their success was marred by personal tragedy when both Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of drug overdoses within a year of each other.

Despite the loss of two members, The Pretenders continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Hynde became the driving force behind the band, and she worked with various musicians to create new music and maintain The Pretenders' distinctive sound. The band's most successful album during this time was 1994's 'Last of the Independents,' which featured the hit single 'I'll Stand by You.'

In addition to her work with The Pretenders, Hynde has also released several solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians, including UB40 and Frank Sinatra. She has been praised for her unique voice, her songwriting skills, and her strong feminist message.

Throughout their career, The Pretenders have received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They have also influenced countless other musicians with their innovative sound and uncompromising attitude. Despite the many challenges they have faced over the years, The Pretenders have remained a beloved and respected band, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of music fans.

About the album Get Close:

The Pretenders' 1986 album Get Close is a powerful and eclectic collection of rock songs that seamlessly blend elements of punk, new wave, pop, and even reggae and funk. The album was recorded during a period of creative upheaval for the band, following the departure of several founding members and the addition of new collaborators, including keyboardist Bernie Worrell and guitarist Robbie McIntosh.

The album kicks off with the energetic and infectious 'My Baby,' which features frontwoman Chrissie Hynde's distinctive vocals and catchy guitar riffs. Other standout tracks include 'Don't Get Me Wrong,' a poppy and upbeat number that was a major hit for the band, and 'Hymn to Her,' a haunting ballad that showcases Hynde's emotive and nuanced singing.

Throughout the album, the band's musicianship is at its peak, with standout performances from drummer Martin Chambers and bassist T.M. Stevens. The songs are expertly produced, with a rich and textured sound that makes use of a variety of sonic textures and effects.

One of the most striking aspects of Get Close is the range of styles and influences that are present on the album. From the propulsive punk rock of 'How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?' to the gentle reggae rhythms of 'Tradition of Love,' the band effortlessly shifts genres while maintaining a cohesive sound.

Overall, Get Close is an impressive and ambitious album that showcases the unique talents of The Pretenders. With a blend of catchy hooks, sophisticated arrangements, and powerful performances, it remains a highlight of the band's discography and a beloved classic of the era.

Members:

The Pretenders have had a few key members throughout their history. Here is a list of the most prominent members and a brief biography of their career:

1. Chrissie Hynde - Lead Vocals/Guitar: Chrissie Hynde was born on September 7, 1951, in Akron, Ohio. She moved to London in the mid-70s and became active in the punk rock scene. In 1978, she formed The Pretenders and has been the band's frontwoman and primary songwriter ever since. Hynde has released several successful albums with The Pretenders and has also collaborated with other musicians throughout her career.

2. Martin Chambers - Drums: Martin Chambers was born on September 4, 1951, in Hereford, England. He joined The Pretenders shortly after the band's formation and has been the band's drummer ever since. Chambers has also played as a session musician for various other artists over the years.

3. Pete Farndon - Bass Guitar: Pete Farndon was born on June 12, 1952, in Hereford, England. He was a founding member of The Pretenders and played with the band from 1978 through 1982. Farndon battled addiction issues throughout his career and was fired from The Pretenders due to his drug use. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 30.

4. James Honeyman-Scott - Lead Guitar/Keyboard: James Honeyman-Scott was born on November 4, 1956, in Hereford, England. He was a founding member of The Pretenders and played with the band from 1978 through 1982. Honeyman-Scott was a talented multi-instrumentalist who wrote many of The Pretenders' most memorable guitar riffs. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 25 due to an overdose.

5. Robbie McIntosh - Lead Guitar: Robbie McIntosh was born on October 25, 1957, in Dundee, Scotland. He joined The Pretenders in 1982 following the departure of Farndon and Honeyman-Scott. McIntosh played on several of the band's most successful albums, including 'Learning to Crawl' and 'Get Close'. He left the band in 1988 to pursue other projects.

6. Malcolm Foster - Bass Guitar: Malcolm Foster was born on April 3, 1956, in London, England. He joined The Pretenders in 1982 following the departure of Farndon and played with the band through 1987. Foster played on several of the band's most successful albums, including 'Learning to Crawl' and 'Get Close'.

7. T.M. Stevens - Bass Guitar: T.M. Stevens was born on October 26, 1951, in New York City. He joined The Pretenders in 1987, following the departure of Foster. Stevens played on the band's album 'Packed!' but left the band shortly afterward to pursue other projects.

Track List for Get Close:

1. 'My Baby' - 3:53
This upbeat track kicks off the album with a catchy guitar riff and Chrissie Hynde's signature vocals about the ups and downs of a relationship.

2. 'When I Change My Life' - 3:40
A mid-tempo song with a driving beat and a sense of determination in the lyrics about taking control of one's own life.

3. 'Light of the Moon' - 3:58
A slower, more atmospheric track with dreamy guitar lines and poetic lyrics about the mystery of love.

4. 'Dance!' - 4:43
An infectious, danceable tune with a funky bass line and upbeat lyrics encouraging listeners to let loose and dance.

5. 'Tradition of Love' - 5:21
A more melancholic track with acoustic guitar and contemplative lyrics about the difficulties of maintaining love over time.

6. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' - 3:47
One of the album's biggest hits, this pop-rock anthem features jangly guitars and catchy lyrics about a rocky relationship.

7. 'Hold a Candle to This' - 3:55
A bluesy, soulful song with a driving beat and powerful vocals from Hynde, paying homage to the power of music.

8. 'Hymn to Her' - 5:07
A ballad with acoustic guitar and strings, featuring beautiful harmonies and poignant lyrics about the strength of love.

9. 'Room Full of Mirrors' - 4:39
A cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic, this rendition features the Pretenders' signature sound with a hard-rocking guitar riff and powerful vocals.

10. 'Death Is Not Enough' - 3:27
A driving, punk-inspired track with aggressive guitars and dark lyrics encouraging listeners to embrace life.

11. 'Satellite' - 4:27
A slower, atmospheric track with haunting vocals and poetic lyrics about the isolation of modern life.

12. 'How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?' - 3:47
The album's closing track features a more stripped-down sound with acoustic guitar and sparse instrumentation, and introspective lyrics about the price of success.

Discography for The Pretenders:

Here is a complete discography for The Pretenders in chronological order:

1. Pretenders (1980) - LP
2. Extended Play (1981) - EP
3. Pretenders II (1981) - LP
4. The Singles (1987) - Compilation LP
5. Get Close (1986) - LP
6. Packed! (1990) - Compilation LP
7. Last of the Independents (1994) - LP
8. The Isle of View (1995) - Live Acoustic LP
9. Viva el Amor! (1999) - LP
10. Loose Screw (2002) - LP
11. Break Up the Concrete (2008) - LP

Singles

1. 'Stop Your Sobbing' (1979)
2. 'Kid' (1979)
3. 'Brass in Pocket' (1979)
4. 'Precious' (1980)
5. 'Talk of the Town' (1980)
6. 'Message of Love' (1981)
7. 'Day After Day' (1981)
8. 'I Go to Sleep' (1981)
9. 'Back on the Chain Gang' (1982)
10. 'My City Was Gone' (1982)
11. '2000 Miles' (1983)
12. 'Middle of the Road' (1984)
13. 'Hymn to Her' (1984)
14. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' (1986)
15. 'My Baby' (1986)

Other Releases

1. The Pretenders - The Extended Play (1981) - 7' EP
2. 'Fast or Slow (The Law's the Law)' (1982) - B-side of 'Back on the Chain Gang' 7' single
3. 'Thumbelina' (1984) - B-side of 'Middle of the Road' 7' single
4. The Pretenders with Friends (1987) - Live LP
5. 'Room Full of Mirrors' (1987) - from Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: The Hazards of Love Compilation LP
6. 'Windows of the World' (1990) - from Red Hot + Blue Compilation LP
7. 'Only You' (1994) - from Friends Soundtrack LP
8. 'Angel of the Morning' (1995) - from Higher Learning Soundtrack LP
9. 'Human' (1999) - from Runaway Bride Soundtrack LP
10. 'Boots of Chinese Plastic' (2008) - digital single

Note: This discography includes only official releases by The Pretenders, and not any unauthorized or bootleg recordings.