Tunes Du Jour Presents Pretenders

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Pretenders are a band that has defied easy categorization while consistently delivering music that resonates with listeners across generations. Led by the indomitable Chrissie Hynde, their catalog is a testament to both resilience and innovation. Whether it’s the raw energy of “Tattooed Love Boys” or the introspective melancholy of “2000 Miles,” the Pretenders have a knack for balancing punk grit with pop sensibility, making their music both accessible and thought-provoking.

One of the band’s enduring qualities is its ability to blend vulnerability with strength. Tracks like “Back on the Chain Gang” and “I’ll Stand By You” showcase Hynde’s lyrical depth, where personal loss and steadfast loyalty coalesce into powerful anthems. Even a lighter, upbeat track like “Don’t Get Me Wrong” subtly hints at the complexity of relationships, never reducing them to mere surface-level emotions. This duality—at once tough and tender—is a hallmark of Hynde’s songwriting, giving their music a timeless appeal.

Collaborations further highlight Hynde’s versatility. Her work with UB40 on “I Got You Babe” and with Cher and Neneh Cherry on “Love Can Build A Bridge” demonstrates her ability to seamlessly move between genres, lending her distinct voice to reggae and pop singles with equal flair. These collaborations also underscore Hynde’s adaptability, as she continued to evolve without losing her core identity.

Songs like “Brass in Pocket” and “Precious” capture the raw defiance of the Pretenders’ early days, marked by punk influences and a DIY spirit. Yet, as the years went on, tracks like “Hymn to Her” and “Night in My Veins” show a maturation, both musically and lyrically, as the band embraced more layered compositions and reflective themes. Even amidst the evolving musical landscape, the Pretenders maintained their unique voice, never pandering to trends but instead carving out their own distinct path.

Ultimately, the Pretenders’ body of work is a reflection of Chrissie Hynde’s singular vision—fearlessly honest, emotionally nuanced, and always grounded in the realities of life. From punk-infused tracks to poignant ballads, they have built a legacy that remains as relevant today as it was in their early days. It’s this combination of sincerity and musical innovation that keeps their music fresh and vital.

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1980

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As the calendar turned to 1980, the music world stood at a fascinating crossroads. The year marked not just the dawn of a new decade, but also a pivotal moment in popular music, where established genres evolved and new sounds emerged to captivate listeners.

The influence of disco could still be felt, though its dominance was waning. Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” showcased his exceptional vocal talents and danceable rhythms, while Diana Ross’s “Upside Down” demonstrated the sophisticated production techniques that defined the era. These tracks, along with hits like Lipps, Inc.’s “Funkytown” and The Brothers Johnson’s “Stomp!”, proved that disco’s infectious energy still had the power to fill dance floors.

Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” further exemplified how established artists were adapting to the changing musical landscape, infusing reggae influences into his signature soulful sound.

However, 1980 also heralded the rise of new wave and synth-pop, genres that would come to define much of the decade’s sound. Gary Numan’s “Cars” introduced many listeners to the futuristic possibilities of synthesizer-driven music, creating an atmospheric soundscape that was both innovative and influential. Blondie’s “Call Me” further exemplified the genre’s versatility, blending punk aesthetics with disco beats to create a chart-topping hit that appealed to a broad audience. Pretenders established themselves with “Brass in Pocket,” a song that showcased Chrissie Hynde’s distinctive vocals and the band’s unique blend of punk energy and pop sensibility.

Rock and punk maintained a strong presence throughout the year. Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” dominated charts worldwide, its memorable chorus and biting social commentary resonating with listeners. The Clash’s “London Calling” and AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” brought raw energy and rebellious spirit to the airwaves. These tracks, along with Motörhead’s aggressive “Ace of Spades,” spoke to listeners seeking music that channeled their frustrations and aspirations. In contrast, Joy Division’s haunting “Love Will Tear Us Apart” showcased a more introspective side of post-punk, its emotional depth influencing countless artists in the years to come. The Cure’s “A Forest” further expanded the boundaries of post-punk, its atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics pointing towards the gothic rock movement that would flourish in the coming years.

The year was also marked by significant releases that left an indelible mark on popular culture. John Lennon’s “(Just Like) Starting Over” served as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy, released shortly before his untimely death. Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” demonstrated the band’s ability to blend rock with funk, creating an anthem that remains popular decades later. David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes” continued his tradition of pushing musical boundaries, seamlessly merging art rock with electronic elements.

Oh, a guy named Prince had his breakthrough hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” We’d hear more from him throughout the 1980s.

As the year closed, it was clear that 1980 had set the stage for the decade to come. The eclectic mix of sounds reflected a world in transition. It was a year where artists embraced both the past and the future, creating music that was as much a reflection of its time as it was a precursor to the trends that would define the 1980s.