PRETENDERS FIRST COUPLE REACTION to Middle of the Road || The Dan Club Selection | Lex's FIRST

[@JKonstage]

Better late than never to finally introduce Lex! Glad you both liked it so much. Two things I want to underline with this song. First, the absolutely insane drumming of original member Martin Chambers. And second, maybe my favorite lyric in all of rock music - Don't harass me, can't you tell I'm going home, I'm tired as hell I'm not the cat I used to be I got a kid, I'm thirty-three!

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

ThX JK. Chrissie Hynde is the real badass.

[@garyarnett1220]

When you own a big chunk of the bloodie 3rd world, the babies just come with the scenery.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Great request, JK! "I can't get from the cab to the curb without some little jerk on my back!"

[@debrabrabenec3731]

"I can't get from the cab to the curb without some little jerk on my back!"

[@debrabrabenec3731]

"I can't get from the cab to the curb without some little jerk on my back!"

[@mikemiller3069]

About 5 years ago I was an Uber driver in the Minneapolis area and I picked up two members of the Pretenders. They had a concert the next day but had gotten into town a day early and wanted to check out vintage record stores so I took them from one to another store. On the way, I told them that I used to play in cover bands but the only song of theirs that I had played was, "Middle Of The Road". I said it was fun to play and one of the guys said, "it still is".

[@NicknLex]

That’s so awesome!! 😎 Thanks for sharing!

[@russejones]

The unfortunate part of the Pretenders is the line up for the first 2 albums which are probably the best debut albums in the history of rock n roll, is the deaths of lead guitarist James Honeyman-Scott in 82 and Bass guitarist Pete Farndon in 83. Chrissie said in interviews how lost she was after their deaths and didn't know how she would go on without them. They were such a big part of the pretenders' sound and the success they had in the beginning. The name of the album Learning to Crawl was the 1st album after their deaths and so named for how hard it was to put together a new band and sound after their loss.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Her autobiography, Reckless: My Life As A Pretender, is a really good read!

[@LeoTolstoy-j8u]

Saw them with their original line-up. Total powerhouse. Exceptional set.

[@garylewis9113]

The first beat of the first Pretenders album hits you, grabs you, and doesn't let go through the last note. Chrissie Hynde was driving a shiny new rock machine, and didn't hold back. Saw them on their first tour at Central Park, and they were beyond amazing.

[@cyclops60]

Good to hear the Pretenders on the channel, cheers JK! Their debut album 'Pretenders' is brilliant with a mix of styles. Chrissie is a great writer and singer and effortlessly cool! One of my favourites is 'Private life' it's a slower, atmospheric track which was covered by Grace Jones, well worth a listen.

[@Heathcoatman]

I was watching the episode of Friends with Chrissy Hynde on it and pointed it out to my 20 year old niece. "That's Chrissy Hynde!"......."Who?".........."Of the Pretenders!"....."is that another old guy band?" I give up 😄🤣😂

[@JKonstage]

Ouch!

[@that70slifetimetravel]

Chrissie Hynde is THE oozer of Rock & Roll! There is no female rocker better, imo. "Middle of the Road" has a great message and the song, even though it isn't my favorite Pretenders song, is tremendous! 👍

[@mcbeezee2120]

The Pretenders and The Cars. What a way to close out the 70s, and bring in the 80s.

[@santellanr]

Chrissy Hynde was tight with the McCartneys. Her and Linda were BFFs. For a killer bass line, you need to do "My city was gone".

[@JKonstage]

Nick reacted to that song alone, in an earlier marathon.

[@generoberts9151]

This is their banger. Cool harmonica solo. Dig it

[@rickhawk22]

My all time favorite Pretenders tune! Fantastic reaction!

[@peaceluv2009]

SUPER ALBUM! They're on TOUR now, as well! Go see them! Chrissie is SMOKIN!

[@BV-nx6vq]

Saw The Pretenders in '84, Learning To Crawl tour...drummer Martin Chambers had liquid (water?) on his floor tom at certain spots for splash effect - whole band was completely off the chain...one of my favorite shows ever...great, fun reaction guys 👍🔥🔥🔥🌋🌋🌋❣

[@sandraandmichaelfield1602]

Still have my 1983 turntable a Technics Direct Drive Automatic Player System Model No: SL-300 with a Sure cartridge holding a Ruby needle. The key feature is the platter is direct drive, instead of belt drive. Making it more quiet, with less rumble.

[@tcanfield]

They did a fine video for this song too, the one with Chrissie wearing a party hat. The excitement level is there to behold, especially when she caps it off with the cat meow and harp solo.

[@DanielFrost21]

I might be going out on a limb here, but I'd say Lex is now a fan of The Pretenders. Happy Valentine's Day, Nick and Lex.

[@mcolford]

Not just @JKonstage, I included Time the Avenger on a recent marathon! I'm glad enjoyed this. Chrissie Hynde is a badass rocker, and she plays guitar too (and handles the harmonica on this one). She really is Pretenders, along with drummer Martin Chambers. They have been the longest running band members.

[@harlanginsberg7269]

An interesting connection for you guys. Chrissie Hynde (lead singer, primary songwriter of the Pretenders) loved the Kinks as a child. The Pretenders covered 2 Kinks songs Stop Your Sobbing and I Go To Sleep. Chrissie Hynde eventually met Ray Davies and they actually were going to get married but the guy at the registry saw they were wasted and sent them away. There was a child from their union. Their split was not good.

[@stevemurrell6167]

Really enjoyed this. I love The Pretenders and have their first four albums on vinyl....and recently I viewed a previous reaction video where you again mentioned the movie "High Fidelity", so I checked the trailer and immediately bought the bluray via ebay, it should arrive soon. This song is off their third album which came after their lead guitarist died from a drug related illness and their bass guitarist was sacked due to escalating drug abuse....and with two new members, the band was 'learning to crawl' and it was such a brilliant comeback album. It is so well recorded too. Another tid bit: The singer Chrissie Hynde was American but the rest of the band was British.

[@jdbroders64]

One of my favorite bands and of their many great songs this one is my favorite. It grabs you with the drum intro and doesn't let go right to the end. From the driving beat of the drums and bass, to the great guitar both rhythm and lead, and of course the lyrics and Chrissie Hynde's voice and it's so well mixed and produced as well. It's just killer.

[@ericmeredith8754]

Oh man!! Totally forgot about this band! Used to listen to them a bunch back in the day. Weird to say that. Wow , i really am getting old.😂.. loved your reaction! Such a great band!!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Love this song, especially rhe lyrics and Martin Chambers' drumming! It was on a future request list of mine! Chrissie is such an icon of women in rock! I really admire her. Her autobiography, Reckless: My Life As A Pretender, is a great read! Great choice, JK, and fun reaction, N&L! 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie

[@JKonstage]

Thank you Debbie!

[@bradd8937]

Panasonic Technics was the industry standard when I first started my radio career in the late 70s when we actually played vinyl on the air. Make sure whatever brand you get, it’s direct drive rather than belt drive.

[@alwaysengines]

Amazing song! My favorite by the Pretenders and overall

[@bostonwhofan]

The Pretenders debut album is a masterpiece. I think their original guitarist James Honeyman-Scott would have become one of the all time guitar legends. Ditto Pete Farndon on bass. Sadly they both OD'd and died way too young. Thank God Chrissie Hynde persisted and found new band mates to carry on with the Pretenders. FWIW, the Pretenders most recent studio album "Relentless" was released in Sept of 2023 and the Pretenders are touring Europe his summer. Hope they do some US dates in the fall! With regards to the tragic deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon, you should check out Chrissie performing "Needle And The Damage Done" by Neil Young. The lyric "I hit the city and I lost my band" takes on a whole new meaning when you hear Chrissie sing it.

[@richeaton5752]

Their cover of Hendrix's "Room Full Of Mirrors", is my fav. (& "Brass...")

[@shiftingperception]

Love this band! They have a wonderful live album called Isle of View (once you hear all the studio albums). The live album is fantastic. Chrissie Hynde's autobiography is a must read, too. Thrilled Lex is finally introduced!!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Loved her autobiography!

[@williamholloway2564]

My 3rd cousin right here, Chrissie is from NEO, North East Ohio as we NEO people call it. Rock Hall Royalty.

[@glenndespres5317]

Pretenders! This song is great and Back on the Chain Gang, next song on the album is really good. There is a sweet transition at about 2:12 that culminates in Chrissy’s vocal harmonies and I can’t love it enough! Along with your new What Is Hip intro! 😊

[@danl.909]

The Pretenders! One of the greats of the New Wave era.

[@ForeverDC_]

Pretenders have always been R&B ROCK-N-ROLL WITH A SPLASH OF PUNK, COME ON BABY!! Love'em!!

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

Band formed in 1978: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pretenders

[@MauricioDelaRosa-db7rr]

Way to go JK more Pretenders! Also more Lex chair dancing! 🙏✌️❤️

[@annewoodard6803]

The first Pretenders album will always be one of my all time favorites. It came out at the time of the first B52’s album, the first Police album and many iconic bands more. Listen to the whole album in one sitting. It will blow your mind. 😁

[@robbierisinger689]

The Pretenders & The B-52s co headlined together in early 2000. I seen them in Nashville, great concert

[@davidzimmerli489]

I bought their debut album when it was first released, based on a review in Stereo Review magazine, praising Chrissie Hynde. Needless to say, I was thrilled with what I heard, and I've been a fan ever since.

[@michaelmalone3089]

Very good song selection JK .....love the pretenders😊Nick and Lex great reaction!!! Nick it's so good to see your beloved Lex enjoying herself so much❤Take care JK all the best buddy.

[@JKonstage]

Thanks Michael!

[@RushTrader]

What's really amazing is how Chrissie Hynde sounds exactly the same in 2024, the drummer is still there and they still rock, nice retro pick and reaction!

[@RushTrader]

@@kbrewski1 The Pretenders played the Taylor Hawkins Tribute in 2022, Glastonbury 2023 and she hasn't lost anything.

[@bmac1205]

Mar-Mar sighting at 1:11 !!!!!! 🐶

[@JKonstage]

Runaway dog, running wild!

[@scottmacdonald1826]

The whole album is insanely fantastic!!! Marantz turntables are high end. Some of them are super expensive, but even the less expensive ones are top quality.

[@dboss7239]

Pretenders have a fairly diverse catalogue, but a couple of iconic tunes are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZzZnWBvqNuniZI (The Pretenders - Back on the Chain Gang, live in London) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2quYmeVd95msK8 (Pretenders - Kid (Official Music Video)) And live Middle of the Road is pretty amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3S8pIJ9iaZjm9E (The Pretenders - Middle of the Road, live in London) And this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIrce3uNh9l1ftk (Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong (Live in London))

[@Upe-f9c]

Great band, perfect driving music - you get there so fast!

[@stephencaruso760]

JK I love Chrissy Hynde and the band! Brass in Pocket was 1st song 44 yrs ago I heard..

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

That's Robbie McIntosh on lead guitar. He played on a lot of other artists records in the 80s, including Paul McCartney, Talk Talk, Tears For Fears, and Tori Amos.

[@stephenreiner1523]

Crissy dear so glad you could make it.

[@61hink]

I suggested Blues Traveller for Alexia in a comment about a year ago and Nick responded with something like "OMG, that guy is like the Paganini of the harmonica!" It cracked me up 😂but it's so true. I saw them live once and John Popper is the most amazing virtuoso.

[@bostonwhofan]

Semi on-topic, if you've ever seen the video of The Who performing "Won't Get Fooled Again" live at Shepperton Studios near London for their 'The Kids Are Alright" film, a young and unknown Chrissie Hynde was in the audience and rocking out to one of her favorite bands that day. It was great to see the Pretenders as the opening band for The Who during their 2006 tour of America. I remember one night in Dallas when the Pretenders played "Day After Day"! I hadn't heard it in so long and it was so great.

[@omaramador4669]

HAPPY VALENTINES 💌 DAY

[@janetdelaportilla3670]

You gotta listen to the whole album. It was amazing!

[@jameswarner5809]

This is a great track, but for me, nothing beats Tattooed Love Boys, Mystery Achievement and Lovers Of Today from their first album. Losing the guitar greatness of James Honeyman-Scott so early was something they never quite replaced.

[@JKonstage]

Two of those are in an earlier marathon with Nick alone.

[@t.r.1708]

Thx! That rocked! Back in the day Technics made a great turntable!

[@61hink]

I had a Dual turntable back in the day (good German craftsmanship), which came with an Ortofon cartridge. The cartridge and stylus are really more important than the turntable. The turntable just spins the record, the needle translates the record grooves into sound.

[@twinkle2679]

I’ve been hoping you’d get around to this song!

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

Look into Kenwood , SanSui, Pioneer...all direct drive.

[@garyarnett1220]

Lovin Chrissy and the group, so great.

[@volkerthienenkamp9720]

The great Robbie McIntosh on guitar. Love it.

[@AntonyFleck]

'A punkier version of the B52s,' Love this description! I'm gonna use it! A Great track! and reaction!!!...

[@MisterWondrous]

People call them pretenders but I think they are serious as all get out. Not really sure what all get out means, but from the typical context in which it is heard, I assume it to be an amplificational device.

[@dalewilson1725]

I’d definitely look at Technics as far as brand names. And look into direct drive over belt!

[@Sandervideoclipsegames-or7ui]

I LOVE THIS SONG!

[@timothyjohnson4890]

Will agree with those here that the first Pretenders album is the best first album in rock. I will also say if you love this you'll love the Motels. Try "Mission Of Mercy"

[@bmac1205]

My fav is 'Back on the Chain Gang' Oooo-Aaaaahhh Ooooo-Aaaahhh

[@eloymartinez2780]

Gracias, Robbie (McKintosh) por tus impresionantes solos, por tu arte. La combinación con Chrissie es eléctrica, impresionante

[@richarddobson815]

One of the great new wave bands! This was their third album and first following the tragic deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farnden. Chrissie Hynde sure could pick great guitar players as Robbie McIntosh is so good on this album. All Pretenders albums are well worth listening to but this was a great choice to introduce Alexia to the band JK. Fellow scribes below mention a number of Chrissie's relationships but she eventually married Jim Kerr, the vocalist of Simple Minds, a band I don't think we have heard on the channel yet. That needs to be rectified! The marriage didn't last very long but they remain good friends.

[@JKonstage]

Thank you, Richard!

[@peaceluv2009]

The session bassist on this album was none other than Tony Butler, who turned down joining the Pretenders to co-form Big Country!

[@williamr3840]

5:37 It's post-punk new wave +. Suoer-connected as Chrissie Hynde used to go out with Sex Pistols' guitarist Steve Jones. :0)

[@maine420grow]

The Pretenders are awesome for many reasons. My favorite is that they discovered the Violent Femmes.

[@scottanderson8420]

At Last JK Pretenders and Alexia. The Dan club membership equals wish fulfillment center. ❤️What a great song to introduce Alexia to, off of a great album. NicknLex Just scratching the surface. Can’t wait to hear more. That little vocal trill followed by the harmonica. Da bomb 💣 This was a great lineup for the band. You can’t ever get enough of the Pretenders and Chrissie. As turntables go the cartridge and the arm are really important.

[@lewismaddox4132]

"When you own a big piece of the bloody third world the babies just come with the scenery". Some sick but authentic imagery. Makes you wonder about exactly what particular definition or metaphor the "middle of the road" is implying. If it's political, (and I suspect it is), it seems to focus on what the middle of the road is ignoring.

[@kennethcamilleri4678]

FYI…..Chrissie plays the harmonica in this song…..she is a talent and underrated singer songwriter……like her cat meow sound….

[@bobholtzmann]

I have a vintage Technics Direct Drive turntable - SL-1500Mk2, the similar models are all great, and have better tone arms than mine. The silent direct drive quartz controlled motor and anti-skate counterbalanced tone arm really make a difference. I would also recommend a Shure M44E stylus cartridge, but Shure stopped making them recently.

[@floorticket]

Unless you've done it and I missed it in my search, here's a few more: "The Wait", and "Stop Your Sobbing" (1980), "Message of Love", and "Talk of the Town" (1981), "Back on the Chain Gang" (1984), "Don't Get Me Wrong" (1986).

[@debrabrabenec3731]

"Don't Get Me Wrong" is permanently on my playlists!! It is such an upper and gets me dancing!!

[@AutomaticForTheCollector]

Don't forget "Kid".

[@garysunshine9643]

Just a great rockin' tune

[@richardconnolly4835]

Chrissy Hynde, one of the greatest female rock voices ever!

[@deborahpaley21]

40 years!

[@StephenDouthart]

Chrissie on the harmonica 👌

[@thomasmcdonough6642]

Saw them live in Portland Oregon

[@michaelstone5523]

Hey guys, love Chrissy and the pretenders. Duel out of Germany makes an amazing turntable, been using one for 30 years with a Shure cartridge, a little pricey, but a crappy turntable will give you scrappy dynamics. Don't waste your money on a piece of crap. Never had an issue other than replacing a belt drive. All quality turntables are belt driven. Avoid direct drive turntables that are gear driven. Keep rockin!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Good ol Rock and Roll.

[@jaimegarcia6114]

You'll find a pretty decent turntable at Best Buy, starting at around $150, maybe a Mark Levinson for about $8500.00 or hows about an Acoustic Signature Invictus Neo for only $199,995.00, you won't find the latter two at Best Buy though....

[@joelliebler5690]

Their style was a blend of punk-pop, New Wave. Very fresh exciting!Nick, good pick comparing this with The Blues Traveler. You could probably add some Neil Young songs that he did playing harmonica.

[@jaimegarcia6114]

Chrissy Hynde was married to James Kerr for a while, lead singer of Simple Minds.

[@johncampbell756]

Technics 1200 turntable. Must connect to a stereo system. Pretenders debut (1980) is nearly perfect. Singer Chrissie Hynde is from Ohio and was at Kent State in 1970 when the National Guard opened fire killing four students, immortalized in CSNY's "Ohio." She was a ro k journalist who moved to England and formed Pretenders. Orihinal guitarist Jamed Honeyman-Scott dued before Learning to Crawl and the original bassist died early in rrcording the album. The debut's closer, "Mystery Achievement," is my favorite by the band.

[@JKonstage]

Much of that album can be found in an earlier reaction with Nick alone.

[@johncampbell756]

@@JKonstage Thanks.

[@pairofpints]

When I think of The Pretenders, I think middle of the road.

[@deepthrow-jn8ij]

Cryssie Hynde the best female voice ever

[@richeaton5752]

Harmonica??? Saw this band half a dozen times in a little 75 seat venue called The Downhome Pickin' Parlor in Johnson City, TN during the 80's-90's. Awesome every time. Caroline Dahl (piano) and Rodney Hatfield (harmonica) have very few peers. Lonesome Pine Specials- Rodney Hatfield & The Metro Blues AllStars kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZPFdmh6jZp6rpo RIP Nick Stump. Thank You!

[@williamisenberger1073]

You should check out Time the Avenger and Message of Love from them

[@JKonstage]

Time the Avenger can be found on a previous marathon.

[@katiemanning3761]

Message of Love is my favorite of theirs.😊

[@donkunes8630]

Rabco turntables can still be found .. they were top end ..I liked Ortofon cartridges too

[@tonybaker55]

Chrissy has such a sexy fantastic voice and the rest of the band are not too bad either. If Pioneer still make turntables, they were really good in the 70s.

[@johndrx165]

1982! I know because I bought the album before my first daughter was born. Chrissie Hynde is the BEST!! I second the Dual Turntable. Technics Quartz lock are hard to beat.

[@richperkins6634]

Check out Tattooed Love Boys, or Brass in Pocket.

[@JKonstage]

You can find those in an earlier marathon with Nick alone.

[@AntonioSanchez-td6bk]

Chrissie Hynde es icónica Saludos

[@theplanetruth]

7:34 -I wanna see alexia win the Jack rabbit slim’s twist contest!

[@theplanetruth]

In the middle of the road, you see the darndest things…

[@williamr3840]

Jeez Nick, are you sure you've got enough guitars? I guess you'll be OK if there's ever a guitar shortage! :0)

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Chrissie on the Harp too

[@josecuesta4519]

Back on the Chain Gang

[@myfavoritedream2149]

I'm going to see Chrissy Hynde (again) July 23th, 2024 in Akron Ohio. She's a rock goddess. She and her band couldn't be farther from The Beach Boys. Her music references punk, ska, blues and rock. An American icon.

[@alwaysengines]

Technics has the best turntables, IMO

[@KawaTony1964]

I like the Pretenders. This album is their best IMO. Not a bad song on it. I don't think they're at all like the B-52s, though. The Pretenders wrote songs that were much more serious.

[@bashab3098]

This is pre B52s