The Pretenders' debut album was such a powerful, monumental record that its sequel was bound to be a bit of a disappointment, and Pretenders II is. Essentially, this album is an unabashed sequel, offering more of the same sound, attitude, and swagger, including titles that seem like rips on their predecessors and another Ray Davies cover. This gives the record a bit too much of a pat feeling, especially since the band seems to have a lost a bit of momentum -- they don't rock as hard, {$Chrissie Hy...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

The Pretenders' second album received a much-deserved upgrade in the fall of 2006, as Rhino reissued it as a double-disc set containing a remastered version of the original album on the first disc and a wealth of rarities on the second. If this bonus disc pales in comparison to the bonus disc on the reissue of The Pretenders, it's because it packs few revelations or unexpected rarities among its 18 tracks. Which isn't to say that there's a lot of familiar recordings here: all but two of the tracks...   [ read more ]

CD $23.73

The Chimes' sole album is proof that commercial dance-pop can have artistic viability as well as chart potential. A mixture of hip influences (Soul II Soul's Jazzie B. and Nellee Hooper produced two tracks, including the meaty acid house single "1-2-3"); the polish of soul and pop veterans (Pete Wingfield plays piano on most of the album, and other guests ranging from the Hooters' Eric Bazilian to '70s studio pro Ralph Schuckett lend a hand), The Chimes is a comple...   [ read more ]

CD $14.23