The Pretenders - The Pretenders . 1980
Probably the coolest album cover featuring a band, the Pretenders' self-titled 1980 release is one of my favourite debut albums... it starts off with no bullshit: four stick hits and then a killer balls-to-the-wall guitar riff; 'Precious' sets the tone well.
This album is full of gritty, garagey guitars, softened by Chrissie Hynde's sweet but savage vocals... kinda like if Kim Gordon sang for a grungier Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
The quiet lyrical desperation in songs like 'Up the Neck' ("a wish is a shot in the dark/when your coin’s down the well") creates a haunting dichotomy when they take place within energizingly catchy chord progressions.
And what can I say? 'Brass in Pocket' is fucking awesome... it's a sign of a great album when the most radio-friendly song is as cool as the rest.
Standout tracks: 'tattooed love boys', 'up the neck' & the instrumental 'space invaders'
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