PRETENDERS
RELENTLESS
PARLOPHONE
★★★★
Forty-five years after forming in London, Pretenders are showing no signs of rust. Summer brought a triumphant Glastonbury set featuring a reunion with Johnny Marr, while Paul McCartney nodded in approval offstage.
We can credit this longevity to Chrissie Hynde. Her voice sounds remarkably just like it did during the band’s 80s heyday – empathetic but uncompromising, a perfect balance of tough and tender – and her, well, relentless creativity ensures the music she’s making always surprises, whether solo (a collection of Dylan covers) or with her band.