Record of the day – 002: The Pretenders

As I mentioned yesterday, in collaboration with Supreme Acoustic Systems and Bergmann Turntables, we begin our quest to play a record every single day (though we usually do more than that) start to finish, and share it with you.

Today’s record is the Pretenders’ debut.

And while we’re at it, why not the Mobile Fidelity remaster? This version is available on MoFi SACD and Original Master Recording LP (MFSL-1-372). If you can find them, expect to pay about $50-$80. Side note: there was also a Nautilus Super Disc done (NR-38) from the mid 80s I think that is not half bad either.

But this is not a pressing shootout. And there are 208 different versions of this album. Including 8-track!

Released January 11, in 1980 the Pretenders self-titled debut found me working behind the counter in a hifi shop. Our manager burst through the door with a copy in hand, proclaiming “you have to hear this.”

He wasn’t wrong. Chrissis Hynde picked up the baton for women that really rock from Patti Smith and never looked back. It still has the same energy and urgency it had on that sunny January day. The sleeve instructs you to “play it loud,” and that’s all you need. Put this one on, crank it up, and enjoy this hard rocking record that the title classic is hardly enough praise.