Pretenders - Pretenders II [40th Anniversary, 180g Black Vinyl LP]

The Pretenders followed up their legendary debut with Pretenders II, released in August 1981 and marking the final album recorded by the band's original lineup. This 40th anniversary reissue presents the album on 180-gram black vinyl, featuring 2018 remastered audio by the album's original producer, Chris Thomas. The record peaked at No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 10 on the Billboard 200, earning gold certification. With Chrissie Hynde, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon, and Martin Chambers captured at their creative peak, this pressing honors one of rock's most powerful lineups.

The album features UK hit singles "Talk of the Town" (which reached No. 8) and "Message of Love" (No. 11), both showcasing the band's ability to merge punk energy with melodic sophistication. The opening duo of "The Adultress" and "Bad Boys Get Spanked" delivers raw, confrontational rock, while "Day After Day" spins a narrative of sudden celebrity, with the album version ending abruptly mid-solo with a crashing plane sound. The band also included another Ray Davies cover, "I Go to Sleep," adding a tender counterpoint to the album's harder edges. Tracks like "Birds of Paradise" and "The English Roses" reveal Hynde's introspective side, balancing swagger with vulnerability.

This 180-gram vinyl pressing brings enhanced clarity to Chris Thomas's production, preserving the band's tight interplay and Honeyman-Scott's distinctive guitar work. The remastered audio honors the original sonic character while delivering improved dynamics across both sides of the record. As the last document of the Pretenders' classic lineup before tragedy struck, this 40th anniversary edition stands as both a historical artifact and a timeless rock record that continues to influence generations of musicians.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Talk of the Town," "Message of Love," "Day After Day"
• Pressing details: 180-gram vinyl, 40th anniversary reissue, remastered by Chris Thomas
• Genre/style: New Wave, Rock, Post-Punk, Power Pop
• UPC: 190296766138

A defining statement from one of rock's most vital bands, this reissue captures the Pretenders at a pivotal moment in their history.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. The Adultress
2. Bad Boys Get Spanked
3. Message Of Love
4. I Go To Sleep
5. Birds Of Paradise
6. Talk Of The Town

Side B:

1. Pack It Up
2. Waste Not Want Not
3. Day After Day
4. Jealous Dogs
5. The English Roses
6. Louie Louie