In the space of a tune, the Pretenders capture that at which the band excelled: a great, poignant melody tied to touching yet tough lyrics, couched in a dynamic sound-scape of delayed guitars and a snappy beat. The song is a reaction to the death of original lead guitarist, James Honeyman Scott; but anyone who hears it and has lived a bit can relate to it. The appeal is universal. We can all relate to feeling as though old times were better times; that the world today is against us, out of control and oh so difficult to deal with. I love the plaintive little curlicues of the guitar that accent the rhythm guitar. I love the oh-whoa-ohs that Chrissie Hynde sings on top of them. And as she looks back on a relationship with someone she loved and lost, Chrissie sings from the heart. I admire the way she emphatically conveys her sadness without sounding like a sop.
Joe Keaton
Weird tales for the late crowd. And riffs on pop culture.
