This collection (spanning 1979 to 1986) shows how The Pretenders grew as a band within a short span of time and how bandleader Chrissie Hynde, even after the overdose deaths of two band members, drew wisdom from experience. And time itself has been more than kind to The Pretenders; their cover of “Stop Your Sobbing” and the tender power of both “Kid” and “Talk Of The Town” are as transformative as ever. The shuffling confessional “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” the adult-contemporary swing of “Hymn to Her,” and the self-effacement of “My Baby” all translate into beautiful telling tunes of young adulthood that you can sing to.

The Pretenders burst on the scene in the early '80s with one of the most compelling presentations of rock & roll ever seen. This collection, which highlights their A and B sides up until the mid-80s, shows that Chrissie Hynde and co-conspirators were true masters of the rock single. Tracks such as "Brass in Pocket“, "Middle of the Road“, and the highly underrated "Message Of Love" are spectacularly performed, written, and produced. The early band, especially with James Honeyman-Scott's hook-laden guitar playing, was capable of miracles, and you'll find examples of that on virtually every cut.