🎵 The Pretenders - My City Was Gone REACTION

[@emilymartinez6961]

I always wanted to grow up to be Chrissie Hynde, especially after seeing her in concert. The way she plays her guitar and not to mention her awesome voice 🤟LOVE The Pretenders🥰✌

[@georgezissis9244]

And the harmonica.

[@richardsmith5477]

What’s stopping you?

[@richardsmith5477]

@@NMBlancoHombre She spelled it right

[@emilymartinez6961]

@@richardsmith5477 ,LOL!!!!🤣✌TIME!!!

[@emilymartinez6961]

@@NMBlancoHombre ,yes indeed and Thank you for that, l appreciate it 👍

[@batmanforpresident9655]

The Pretenders are one of the best bands in the past 40 plus years. Chrissy Hynde is the best female lead singer in rock history. Her soulful, unique voice is what rock and roll is all about. Their hits include: "Middle Of The Road", " Talk Of The Town", Message Of Love", "Back On The Chain Gang". Their self titled debut is one of the best albums in rock history, and does not have a bad track: 1. " Precious 2. "The Phone Call 3. " Up The Neck 4. "Tattooed Love Boys" 5. "The Wait 6. " Stop Your Sobbing " 7. "Kid" 8. "Private Life" 9. "Brass In Pocket" 10. "Lovers Of Today" 11. "Mystery Achievement" A stunning classic.

[@MrThumbs63]

Time the Avenger

[@musicairplanes4884]

I love Chrissy Hynde but to say "best female lead singer in rock history". Not sure how you can say that with so many great ones. Janis and Stevie Nicks come to mind.

[@rossneuman2078]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Pat Benatar?

[@rossneuman2078]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee LOL

[@Chris.Davis.2]

There is cool then there is Chrissy Hynde. 🙏💙❤

[@michaelbaucom4019]

A rock song addressing the perils of urban blight/bad planning/bad government...who says rock can't address serious issues? A bit of nostalgia mixed in too. The bass line is insane, great guitars. I love Chrissie Hynde singing too

[@MrThumbs63]

so was the bassist

[@chrisa4695]

Urban blight or urban sprawl?

[@michaelbaucom4019]

@@chrisa4695 both do work

[@crowrage8929]

No one

[@mdean3445]

de-indistrialization, when the company closed shop. You had to be there.

[@jasonremy1627]

This song grooves so hard. I watched this video while working out on the treadmill today, and by the end of the first bar of that bass intro, I had already changed my pace to match the groove. So freaking catchy.

[@Monica-sw9ld]

I used to work out on a cross country ski machine to this entire album on vinyl. Side 1, then a quick break, then Side 2. Perfect workout album.

[@chickendinner9219]

Chrissy Hynde is one of my favorite female vocalists of all time . Totally unique voice . When you hear her you know it's her . If you watched the show Friends she played the singer who was hired to replace phoebe at the coffee shop in one episode. Most recently she sang with Paul McCartney at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in London

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Yes indeed! My favorite song from The Pretenders. That Bass Line will really grow on you. It's reportedly based on a real life experience Chrissie had when returning to Akron and found her family had moved and didn't bother to tell her - so she ' stood on the backporch stunned and amazed ' , so it's not just about urban blight and malls killing downtown businesses (which was common in the '70s), but personal pain from "Progress".

[@kylewoolsey6635]

That great bass line was played by none other than Tony Butler of Big Country. I think he was offered to join the Pretenders at one point.

[@ziggystardog]

I think her vocals echo the sort of hiccups that Rockabilly singers and Buddy Holly would do, but in a sultry punk girl way.

[@jackgilchrist]

I always dug the Pretenders. Rock with bit of jazzy, bluesy soul, a bit of punk and a lot of cool. Since Lex wasn't sure of the singer's sex, I guess you guys must have heard this before Brass in Pocket.

[@MsAppassionata]

I don’t get that. She doesn’t sound like a man to me.

[@joesmith8725]

Chrissy is a hottie! lol Awesome voice, and tough lady as well that hung with the guys. She's like Joan Jett, Wendy O (punk rock band Plasmatics), Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs!), Debbie Harry (Blondie), etc. She plays guitars and harmonica as well. They were a cool band. The Pretenders were a great late '70s, '80s and early '90s new wave, post-punk, dance-punk, alternative rock band. Many cool videos/songs from them. Check out more of their stuff! Yall have done 4 songs from them so far: "Middle of the Road" (on an '80s alternative stream awhile back), "Back on The Chain Gang" ('80s) . "I'll Stand by You" ('90s), and "Brass in Pocket" (late '70s), and this song (early '80s). Next videos to check out from them, "Tattooed Love Boys" (very punky), "Talk of the Town" (very post-punk/new wave), "Kids" (very post-punk/new wave), "Message of Love " (very new wave/post-punk), "Don't get me Wrong", "Precious" (very punky/new wave) , "Space Invader" (very post-punk, new wave), "Bad Boys get Spanked" (very punky/new wave), and many more! Yall need to check out 2000s band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well. Karen O (awesome voice like Chrissy) is their singer. Modern new waveish, post-punk, garage rock band. Many good songs from them. The Pretenders/Chrissy Hynde is one of their bigger influences. '90s/'00s bands No Doubt (Gwen Stefani), Elastica, The Breeders, Throwing Muses, L7, Garbage, PJ Harvey, etc were also influenced by The Pretenders. Lot of alt rock bands from the '90s and '00s were influenced by The Pretenders. BTW, this song here has some blues and rockabilly mood to it mixed in with post-punk (usually has strong good bass guitars) /alternative. A little new wave. Yes, classic rock (it's from the late '70s/early'80s lol) . They were a very versatile band. Would definitely be played at bars and some night clubs.

[@johnstjohn6658]

Yeah, they keep listening to the wrong songs. "Tattooed Love Boys", "Message of Love", "Bad Boys Get Spanked" "Mystery Achievement",... would be better choices.

[@MsAppassionata]

Were? They are still together.

[@mrkelso]

This is one of those songs that checks all the boxes-- swaggering rock with a killer bass, lyrics that are meaningful but also fun, and a knockout "boba tea" vocal. Love this song.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Chrissy is all rock and roll. Thanks for more Pretenders. Maybe try “middle of the Road”.

[@kennethgrainger1112]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGZZpivoMSip8U&ab_channel=Brad%26Lex

[@tom222boy]

Or check out Tattooed Love Boys.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@tom222boy I was going to suggest that one but could not remember the title. Thanks

[@mkmstillstackin]

Don't recall myself, but someone suggested they've done "middle of the road" already. Great song though.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@mkmstillstackin thanks.

[@samuelgates5935]

My FAVORITE PRETENDERS SONG...THAT BASS..THAT BASS LINE IS CRAZY😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@oscarantoniomoreno5247]

That bass line is the work of Tony Butler of the Big Country. Edit:. In a Big Country.

[@mkmstillstackin]

One of the most recognizable basslines there ever was!

[@darrylcarden1851]

If you’re stockpiling songs for the holiday season, The Pretenders have a great song called “2000 Miles” that is one a lot of people think is a Christmas song but it really is not. The live version of it floating around KZbin is a great watch and listen.

[@anthonyv1719]

You want rock-ie? Check out the Pretenders doing "Tattooed Love Boys" you will see Chrissie Hynder at her ultimate street punk biker girl - ----- this record you reviewed is more settled down in life.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Yes that’s the one to do. I couldn’t think of the title

[@scottstewart5784]

The Pretenders have punk roots.

[@toddwhitley442]

This was the bumper music for the late Rush Limbaugh.

[@steveyoung2317]

Love this album. Had everything you could want.

[@VikingMom1970]

🙌🏻❤️

[@michaelwhite6740]

Other bangers by them: "Tattoo Love Boys", "Cuban Slide" "Mystery Achievement"

[@korybeavers6528]

They are from Akron Ohio, And that city was hit pretty bad in the late seventies in early eighties, Along with the rest of the American rush belt the deterioration

[@vinman5432]

You will absolutely love "Mystery Achievement" by The Pretenders.

[@anslivallario4447]

This was a come back after her bassist and guitarist both overdosed within months of each other. It was devastated by fans. They are in the Brass in Pocket vid.

[@MBighk]

Chrissy was way ahead of the curve on this one, writing about suburban sprawl and urban decay even before many urban planners understood it. And she managed to do so without the slightest bit of nerdyness. I grew up east of Cleveland, bicycling the many country roads outside of town as a teen, and now I work in urban transportation planning, so this song has particular resonance for me.

[@chuckhunter77]

Bro, you got a friend here in Medina County who can hook us up with some bike lanes?

[@MBighk]

@@chuckhunter77 Not a real fan of bike lanes. In most cases they prevent me from using time-tested defensive cyclist strategies. Besides, I live in Florida.

[@brianbowie2551]

I played this on a jukebox at Pizza Hut in the eighties. Not an interesting story but this is what I think about every time I hear this.

[@TheRealMirCat]

Pretenders are "Alternative Rock". Used to listen to them on 97X WOXY in Oxford (Also Ohio, also gone) back in the 90s

[@BringItMAGA]

I have to admit, after seeing her live, playing the guitar 20 feet from me at the Fox theatre in Bakersfield CA, I was amazed. She has a presence few have.

[@kylesage-clontz]

The Pretenders are a British band, but lead singer Chrissy Hynde is from Ohio. That can put this song in a more specific context.

[@billacikalin8108]

When you are trying to describe her voice, the word you are looking for is swagger. Chrissie Hynde exuded such heavy rock n roll swagger. It's like her voice is strutting.

[@brainscott8198]

Chrissy Hynde grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, once a thriving industrial city on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, with Ford and Chevrolet assembly plants, steel mills, etc.. In the mid 70's when a confluence of world events, like the oil embargoes and the Chinese and Japanese undercutting American labor with cheap steel and automobiles, respectively, closed many of the manufacturing plants in Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago, turning those cities int wastelands, a "rust belt" of America.. This is her ode to Cleveland, saying way to throw in the towel...My city was/is gone.

[@jasonremy1627]

She also literally left. She moved to the UK where she started her music career, and when she came back so much had changed.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

She grew up in Akron, made it in the London music scene, and returned home for a visit and found her family had moved and didn't bother to tell her. She "stood on the backporch stunned and amazed", quite literally. Not just urban blight, malls displacing downtowns and the best farmland in the world torn up for subdivisions and industrial parks, but a real sense of abandonment.

[@tjhunger8644]

This is an authentic telling of her return home to Akron Ohio her hometown the song is about Akron Ohio and not Cleveland although the very same blight is evidence in both cities; I know first hand I live on the outskirts of Cleveland

[@tjhunger8644]

When she sings from Seneca to Cuyahoga Falls it confused me because the city of Seneca and the City of Cuyahoga Falls are so far away from each other and has nothing to do with downtown Akron until I realize she was talking about Seneca Road to the Cuyahoga Falls River which makes more sense the Cuyahoga Falls River Runs past the city of Akron

[@kennethlaw5216]

@TJ Hunger because she is also singing about all of Ohio. It was all changed not just her home town

[@ROG958]

From my hometown. She came back to play a show. She asked me for directions and having recognized her, I led her where she wanted to go. Reason being, it was different from when she left. Roads, buildings and such. Confused her. Months later this song came out. It was surreal to me to be part of that history. The song spurned a feud with the mayor. They later buried the hatchet.

[@epistte]

Wow. that's a great story about Akron. Now the innerbelt is being torn up and Rolling Acres mall is now an Amazon warehouse. Chapel Hill is dead. Downtown is coming back somewhat.

[@chrissiegle1065]

Chrissie Hyndes... My first rock and roll girl crush in the eighties... Wicked eyes, played a dirty telecaster guitar and harmonica... she was so cool... Great reaction.

[@billdCT97]

Great Telecaster sound in this one. Chrissy has that sexy sultry undertone

[@davidkulmaczewski4911]

The opening riff was used as theme music for Rush Limbaugh for years and years.....

[@jollyj3285]

Chrissie Hynde is a total legend!!! Try Precious (banger)or Talk of the Town next...this band has so many great song...Cuban Slide is awesome too

[@robertevans2450]

This is Rock! Not too soft, not too heavy, not crazy beats and syncapations...just a groovy rock beat. This is the type of music you can listen to at work, or in the car, or on the beach, or in the bar, or at the pool or ball game, or tending the BBQ in the backyard, or even just chilling in the garage or at computer desk...it fits everywhere and all the times. Love me some good ol Pretenders.

[@robertbagley9199]

Mellow Pretenders here, take another visit to the first album and try 'Tattooed Love Boys' (Based on an incident that actually happened to Chrissie) 'Precious' 'The wait' which you will need a lyric sheet for lol.

[@salmuscles]

I saw the pretenders in nyc January 1982 ...

[@bminturn]

This straddles classic and alternative, but classic is a good description. The guitar vamps are fairly bluesy.

[@mkmstillstackin]

Agreed, bluesy for sure!

[@robertfindley921]

Chrissie Hynde said when she was a teenager, all of her friends wanted to sleep with Jimi Hendrix. But she wanted to *be* Jimi Hendrix.

[@johnsmith2046]

I grew up on them. And I can tell you that this song is about a city right here in my state of Ohio.

[@ddrissel]

I bought this vinyl album in the 80s soon after it was released. I had been a huge fan of the Pretenders since the late 70s when I was in college. In terms of musical genres, the Pretenders was most often labeled “new wave.” These were bands with punk roots that were more melodic or quirky or jangly folky or synth based with power pop influences in the late 70s and 80s. Other examples of new wave bands include Blondie, Talking Heads, Devo, the Ramones, the Police, Flock of Seagulls, B-52s, the Knack, Modern English, etc. In the 80s, many new wave bands also became part of the “new romantic” scene - such as Duran Duran, ABC, Spandau Ballet, etc.

[@lorianne7031]

"....and muzak filled the air from Seneca to Cuyahoga Falls .... " way to go, Ohio"

[@jimbrentar]

I am from NE Ohio. When Chrissie Hynde grew up, the were lots of farms and small towns between Cleveland and Akron. Then urban sprawl happened. That's what the song is about.

[@mditt7]

Chrissy came from Ohio but went to England in the 70s to be a part of the burgeoning punk scene, eventually The Pretenders emerged and grew from her explorations. She was married for a time to Jim Kerr, lead singer of Scottish band Simple Minds

[@ericsmith6615]

Wife here..This Bass is always a "Banger".!!!.Christy Hynde an AMAZING singer..I remember my Dad having a Big "Celebrity Crush" on her..☺

[@amandarooney932]

40 years later this song still gets my juices flowing, which it has absolutely no evolutionary right to do

[@anthonyv1719]

This is the second reincarnation of the band - while good to okay this record - anything from the first two records blows everything else away.

[@fuckamericanidiot]

The second album isn't so hot, strong singles though. First album is where it's at

[@anthonyv1719]

@@fuckamericanidiot Agree completely. Second Album is still their 2nd best album and head and shoulders above anything they would ever make again.

[@easyrolling]

Love the second album..

[@michaelk1449]

I love this record even though it’s a pickup band. The songs are fantastic.

[@jimflores9098]

Time the Avenger...probably my fave Pretenders song

[@MsAppassionata]

I love that one. Fun fact: I am pretty sure that it was influenced by an oldie but goody 60’s song called “Time Won’t Let Me” by The Outsiders.

[@accam6734]

Another great song by the Pretenders is 'Don't Get Me Wrong.'

[@geoffsimpkins7650]

In college at that time and just before. So many of the girls idolized Chrissy Hynde.

[@jhamler1]

What a swinging rhythm section/bassline, right? And the lyrics are sung well and meaningful. Fantastic song. You guys need to react to Concrete Blonde. Preferably The Vampire Song but they got plenty of bangers.

[@wboyd4330]

Chrissie Hynde is from my hometown Akron, OH so this really hits home for me.

[@DreamyCardano]

Saw the Pretenders in 1987. Iggy Pop opened. Check out Iggy Pop!!!

[@leannmacquarrie2110]

I feel like all of my favorite artists have their own unique sound and you always know when they start exactly who they are.....

[@brainscott8198]

Sick, sick bassline...drips like honey.🎸🎸🎸

[@joekuul8769]

I love this song very much. It really hits home with me, because I moved a lot as a kid, so when I go back to one of the cities (or towns) I lived it, so much has changed, and usually not in a good way.

[@tjhunger8644]

If you are keeping with bands originating in Akron Ohio you've covered on your Channel Devo, Christie Hines from The Pretenders so now it's high time you play The Black Keys

[@davidsweet9163]

I lived in the place she is singing about. I saw her and the band when she returned from England. A long time ago???

[@jtf2dan]

Had this on Cassette when it came out......great memories...so many good songs on it!

[@kookiemonster3261]

Chrissie=Rock Goddess!

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

Another cool Pretenders song to check out is "Mystery Achievement".

[@chrisb9577]

Pretenders were considered New Wave at the time of their peak in the early 80s because of its progressive nature, but they incorporated a lot of old styles, particularly rockabilly and blues.

[@garyschill7923]

HER voice is Sexy!! The best way to describe it! Glad you are not reacting to a video, just kick back and listen. This is a great band!! Sort of laid back post-punk on this song and album

[@jhamler1]

They say, and have been saying for more than a century, that you can never go home again. Period... YOU CAN NEVER GO HOME AGAIN. Another good song about a city changing it's face from one's childhood is THRICE ALL AMERICAN by Neko Case. It's specifically about Tacoma, Washington (where I resided for quite a while and a great place to live, actually; right outside of Seattle) but the bittersweetness of the tune could be applied to any medium/large American city of industry.

[@brainscott8198]

Sadly, I think of the late, great radio personality, Rush Limbaugh, and his opening theme music when i hear this song. i believe it was his from day one, August, 1988 until his death last year. R I P, Rush.

[@mrsteveM]

No.

[@ginalolajupiter2942]

Absolutely not.

[@stevemd6488]

agree with Rush or not, he shook up MSM for the first time. He paid Chrissie a royalty yearly to use this music, and while she's not conservative at all, she said sure, her parents were big Rush fans

[@davidb5864]

Love Rush and miss him everyday 🙏🏼

[@chrisb9577]

Loved the Pretenders. This my favorite by them along with Middle of The Road. Mystery Achievement is another good one.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Ms. Chrissy Hynde has a very unique delivery, that defies categorization. I guess it is Ohioan.

[@laurabrevitz3944]

Love this song, and have some it came out. This song will always be a driving on a sunny day, windows down, blasting for everyone to hear song to me.

[@johnsrensen3366]

The coolest rock chick in the 80s

[@bramcurtis6900]

True story. Was at a dance club. Was good friends with the DJ. Known him years. One night I suggested this song. He was mega sceptical. But he played it. The dance floor was packed. Told me he was gonna add it to the rotation.

[@melod7670]

This happened to a lot of rust belt towns after industry left in the early 80's..

[@coodermo5263]

This is one of my favorite Pretenders cuts, along with "Tattooed Love Boys", "Brass In Pocket" and "Back On The Chain Gang".

[@johnpalmer5367]

Such a perfect blues song. It's always been one of my top ten favorites. Pretenders were part of the New Wave of the 80s. The were initially part of the UK Punk scene in the late 70s and then debuted with the pop "Brass in Pocket" which I loved as a 7th grader (hah!) but their actual sound from the rest of their debut album is way more punk. They went more mainstream rock in the mid 80s with Learning to Crawl, but My City was Gone is unique and timeless.

[@kurtsaxton823]

Check out their song Middle of the road, a little faster pace, or mystery achievement

[@kennethgrainger1112]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGZZpivoMSip8U&ab_channel=Brad%26Lex

[@ITPalGame]

FYI Rush Limbaugh used to use the opening tune to his intros etc on his radio show.

[@A5JDZK]

Her name is Chrissie Hynde....she's the lead singer. She has a very unique voice. *** I think they call that genre of music Indie Rock.

[@surlechapeau]

), Brad & Lex, you will love their "Mystery Achievement", "Talk of the Town", "Message of Love" and more!!!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Those are all great suggestions.

[@Roh_Echt]

*Another Great one by them...and yes, Chrissie Hynde is awesome and she does Rock!* ♥ ...and Lex...I got one to go with your shirt, try: Drown by The Smashing Pumpkins (1992).*

[@cadirector]

How could you two miss the great bass line, drum beat and lead guitar 🎸 that along with Chrissies voice make this a complete awesome song.

[@mariaakcelik8559]

"Don't Get Me Wrong" - Pretenders

[@kevincaulder96]

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD with video please. You can see the band burn down a venue with their energy and Chrissie Hynde reclaiming her gang after a few tragic and emotional distressing years. Fierce vocals backed by the full tilt of the Pretenders. Enjoy.

[@wendyduehr8086]

Love this song and this band. Their first album is 🔥🔥🔥

[@88pjtink]

the Pretenders are essentially a ROCKABILLY BAND, that was so freakin good they went mainstream. listen to their first charted song , "THUMBALINA"- and you will see exactly where they are coming from. And still are. It is a gem of a song anyway. one of the best bands of the era, hands down. you can tell they don't know what rockabilly is....ha

[@Steve_With_a_D]

It had to drive Chrissy Hynde crazy that Rush Limbaugh used that base line for his intro to his radio show.

[@xy4188]

Her dad was a Rush fan and she did it for him.

[@ianbarnhurst4450]

Chrissie Hynde, top drawer, great voice, great stage presence and great song writer, love that girl. Saw her a few years back and she was brilliant, still rocking

[@ryanjsgrandma2009]

Can’t help but think of Rush Limbaugh. He used this song forever to open his radio show. He explained that although Chrissie had different politics then him that she give him permission to use it because when her father was alive he always listened to Rush and he made him happy. Shows how music can bring folks together no matter their differences.

[@nickface55]

Rush made several offers to her but she didn't feel like she could take money from him. Yet she couldn't follow the admonitions of her friends and take away his rights to use it as his intro because her father was a fan. So the compromise was that he (Rush,) make a large contribution to PETA, which of course Rush accepted.

[@yourebusted5786]

'then' him? REALLY?? Don't be a follower. Rush would tell you that.

[@charlesking4780]

DITTO!!!!

[@loisrogers2511]

Love this quirky song!😃 Maybe it's partly because I lived in Cleveland in the late 70's, but definitely like her voice and delivery.

[@NoBSchannel313]

Precious or Tattooed Love Boys for some real rockers by them.

[@RenoConley]

Love the laid back pocket, groove, bluesy rockabilly vibe. This bast is criminally underrated. Chrissy was that chick!!

[@AntonyFleck]

A Great song, one of many!! Chrissie Hynde an American lady who's lived in England for decades! She was a music journalist back in the 70s, mixed with the British punk scene, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, then made her own music! She and the Band are pretty Awesome!!...

[@Bekka_Noyb]

singer's from my neck of the woods

[@lancecornell9978]

Pretenders can rock. As noted, the first album is superior. Tattoo Love Boys

[@vicprovost2561]

Chrissie was awesome and they had a bunch of great tunes. Next try Middle of the Road, a true banger, especially live. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎶

[@chrisa4695]

Thank you! This is my favorite Pretenders song.

[@leowalless9328]

Wow! Never heard this particular song before! Sounds like 70's or 80's Rolling Stones, like something from Under Cover Of The Night

[@kestrelle5345]

Chrissie's song "Kid" about her child is well worth a listen.

[@flyingburritobro68]

😂 Kid is not about her child. It was released in 1979 and her first child wasn’t born until 1983!

[@spiderbass65]

You always cover the hits. Try branching out a little. They have a lot of awesome music, like Tattooed Love Boys or their cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Room Full Of Mirrors”.

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorite bands. Love Christie hynes

[@debbrown6664]

Your "cool bass line" during the instrumental was used as "bumper music" for Rush Limbaugh's radio show. Take a listen to Walk Like a Panther, Chrissy at her finest. Also, the entire debut album, it was what The Pretenders were before having to reinvent a couple of times due to losing band members to drugs. To help you nail down Chrissy: if Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Alice Cooper had a girl.