Great song. Love Chrissy Hynde, she's a rock goddess. I hope you next one will be "Middle of the Road"... Chrissy uses her trademark growl and the song employs some wicked harmonica!
Chrissie Hynde is an absolute legend! She still rocks it! "Middle Of the Road", "Message Of Love", "Talk Of The Town", "Stop Your Sobbing", "Back On the Chain Gang" just to name a few. The term "brass in pocket" just means they have money. It's British slang and The Pretenders started out an English band. They came right out of the punk scene in London in the late 70's and Chrissie was the only American in the band.
Jay n Amber The Southern Rock band BLACKFOOT has a song You have to react to The song TRAIN TRAIN From 1979 ,,... It will BLOW your hat off lol .The music you will like a lot i promise. ,, I wanna see the look on your faces when you listen to this butt kicking 70s song ,, Take care you two ,, Try the video with the snake head on the cover ,,
@@mjabqmanwk They’re still together. Only Chrissie and the drummer (Martin Chambers) remain from the original band. Two of the original members (guitarist James Honeyman Scott and bassist Pete Farndon) died in the 80’s though.
Jay and Amber, a great reaction, thank you. The term 'Brass In Pocket' is a British term meaning that you have enough money to do what you need to do. Chrissie is American but the band are British, in fact from Hereford where I used to live, this track is from the late '70s. In fact I got a snog (a passionate kiss) off Chrissie once in a pub called The Market Tavern in Hereford.
Lucky devil! I always thought brass in pocket meant brass knuckles, as in “resistance is futile.” She was going to get him no matter what. Your explanation makes more sense.
I never knew the band were from Hereford, I thought they were American, this is why these channels are great, I'm nearly 60 now so it's great to learn something new, and getting a kiss from CH, you lucky bugger
@@funkychicken370 I'm 62, so at the time I was in my late teens, my friend Pete was in the band before his untimely death. The band formed partly in London, Chrissie was in a band called 'The Moors Murders' with Steve Strange (before his Blitz and Visage days), and Jordan, they didn't last long though, and through someone she met at this time her and the other guy (I can't remember his name at the moment) formed 'The Pretenders'.
The Pretenders were awesome! Amber would really like "I'll Stand By You." It would make a great reaction video! It's a song that speaks to love and friendship.
I've always loved this song, and Chrissies voice is near perfection. Back On The Chain Gang is one of my favorites, but really, there's so many great songs from this band.
I went to the University of York in the UK in the late 80's. There was a brilliant "Real Ale" pub (bar) called the Spread Eagle on Walmgate Bar which alas (now) is nothing like it used to be - frequented by myself and two friends. As student's we couldn't afford for "go out" much so went on Wednesdays (Pub Quiz Night). We had pints - I had Theakston's "Old Peculiar" and my friends had Stella Artois and Ruddles County. I always put "Pretenders" - "Back on the Chain Gang", "Aha" - "Take on Me" and "ELO" - "Hold on Tight" on the jukebox.". We all had Kebabs on the way back. Such memories 🙂 I'm Vegan (Chrissie would approve) and Buddhist now but enjoyed what we did.
@@joannecunliffe8067 I love reading stories like this!! Little tidbits of the past, where we get a glimpse of someone's life back in their 'day'. 👍 I need to add, that whenever I hear Back On The Chain Gang, I immediately think of Allentown, by Billy Joel, and You Got Lucky by Tom Petty. For some reason with those 3 songs, when I hear one, I want to hear the other 2, too. 😁
@@gypsyrocker Me too Cindy. It's nice to hear about how people have enjoyed their lives (and music) in the past (and now as well). My favourite Billy Joel song is "A Matter of Trust" (I play guitar). I got into Tom Petty in my late 20's (Full Moon Fever - cassette!) on a holiday to USA Washington State. I like the usual songs (like "Learning to Fly") but LOVE "Zombie Zoo". So much great music - life's too short to enjoy it all properly 🙂
While studying abroad in London, UK in 1986, I stumbled upon a meet-and-greet at Virgin Records. Daniel Day Lewis, having just starred in "My Beautiful Laundrette" and "A Room With a View" was emerging as a notable actor. DDL was leaning on the counter and chatting with patrons when "Back on the Chain Gang" came over the PA system. He paused for a few moments and broke into song. Several patrons joined in. Hearing him sing along to "Oo. Ah. Oo. Ah." and crooning the line "For making us paaaarrrrtt" was enchanting. The song ended and he said, "Her voice touches my soul." He seems to have inherited the gift of lyricism from his Poet Laureate father, Cecil. I've adored and admired DDL since that day.
Chrissie Hynde is from Akron, Ohio and her song "My City was Gone" references how Akron used to "The Rubber City" but had changed so much after she briefly returned to visit family. In addition, the city was starting to decline and is still spiraling downward. She was a student at nearby Kent State in May 1970 when four students were killed in anti-war protests. She dropped out not long after and moved to England--which is why there's a number of British slang terms in this song. Also, Joe Walsh (who you've reacted to before and was with the Eagles) was also at Kent State on that sad day.
Love him or hate him, Rush Limbaugh used My City Was Gone intro to open his radio show for many years. For Conservative America that song will forever remind his them of the late talk radio icon.
I have lived in Akron my whole life and my dad built tires for Goodyear for 44 years. My brother built tires for them from the time he got home from Vietnam until they moved most of their jobs to Tennessee in the 80's. He moved down there and never came back. The city has never really recovered.
@@greglegakis4177 Hate Rush Limbaugh, but that was probably the best bumper music in radio history. He was a slime ball like so many who got rich making the world a worse place for everyone, but he absolutely knew what he was doing as a talk show host. When I was young, I would sometimes tune in just to hear that bass line.
She’s 71… and an edgy original female rocker who originated female from the punk-rock era. She’s still with us (thank God!) and you need you need to pull up a live performance.
J & Amber, you'll love their "Mystery Achievement" and "Message Of Love"!!! Their debut self-titled album was outstanding!!! edit- per Chrissie- The tradition of Brass in Pocket is that you're supposed to be kind of cocky and sure of yourself. This song is 1980, album released 12/27/79. Yes - its guitar!
Their debut album sounds like a product of a group that had been around for ages. It is the epitome of professionalism and polished musicians. Ot is easily one of top 10 debuts ever, and one of the best albums, period.
@@batmanforpresident9655 I agree 100 percent. Around the time this album came out, they played a small club near my home. Unfortunately, I was 6 hours away at school. Darn ! :(
Hynde wrote "Back on the Chain Gang" as a memorial to Honeyman-Scott and she dedicated it to him. (Wikipedia) James Honeyman-Scott was the band's lead guitarist who unfortunately died of a drug overdose at the age of 25. Ironically, the band had just fired bass player, Pete Farndon, the day before Honeyman-Scott's overdose because of his excessive drug use. All so sad.
I’m surprised no one else mentioned the iconic video to this song, as I really believe it’s one of the greatest music videos that ever aired on MTV. If you ever get the time and have the notion I’d highly recommend you check it out as it drives the seduction of this song home quite clearly. This was a massive hit when it came out, and for me, their debut album which this was on, is a shining example of the rare occasion I put in the category of a PERFECT record, as there isn’t a single bad song (or “filler”) on it. It’s really an absolute must-have for any record collector, squarely belonging among the likes of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of The Moon”., The Beatles “Abbey Road”, or The Stones “Let it Bleed”. I know you guys will likely do some of their more inferior radio “hits” that I see people keep requesting, but I’d like to throw out a couple of true 🔥tracks I hope you’d consider: “Tattooed Love Boys” (the official studio version music VIDEO, NOT LIVE, if possible). “Message of Love” (also, the official studio version music video, not a Live performance). Both of these are really upbeat and fun, though “Tattooed Love Boys” is a totally raging ROCKER. Another they never made a video for which is a really very amazing slower love song is “Lovers of Today”. All great stuff though, pretty much can’t go wrong with The Pretenders. As a long-time viewer, I love you guys, love your channel, and will definitely be “making somebody smile” as I try to do everyday. Also GO SOONERS!! Get ready to fire up that grill September 3rd!
Indeed, the video really tells the story: she likes him, but he likes someone else.. she's just trying to get him to notice her. A story played out a thousand times a day around the world.
As a 12 or 13 year old hearing this song for the first time when it came out, I was blown away by the mix of the vulnerability and confidence of her voice in this song! There was a cool video that went with it -- on what used to be MTV when they actually played music videos...! Chrissie was tough but you can hear the angst and longing in her voice.. She's amazing and I finally saw her live with the Pretenders, opening for the amazing Stevie Nicks a few years ago. Awesome show! : - )
"Brass in Pocket (I'm Special)" was The Pretenders' 1st single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking @ #14 in 1980. It also peaked @ #28 on the Dance chart. Pretenders charted 10 singles in the Hot 100 between 1980 -1994. 6 singles made the Top 40, 5 made the Top 20 & 2 made the Top 10. ("Back on the Chain Gang" (#5/1982) & "Don't Get Me Wrong" (#10/1986.)
“Been driving, Detroit-leaning…” 😊 Best song by The Pretenders, imo. Edit: It was released in 1979, which I actually did not know. I always thought it came out when I was in early elementary school, around 1985.
I remember when I read an article about this song and Chrissie Hynde was unsure about “Detroit Leaning” she said something like “Does anyone even know what that means?” Yes we do Chrissie, yes we do!
Glad you got back to Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders. You're right Jay, this song is 1979. Middle of the Road is one of my favorites, hope you give that a try.
A REAL Pretenders Classic! Always loved It, and Still Do! :) I always thought 'Brass In Pocket' just meant she has Spare $. Could be wrong though? The Music and her voice sounded like She Was Strutting Along!
Chrissy is basically Tom Petty with a bit more estrogen... Just a bit. She's a legend. Please check out the official video for Tattooed Love Boys. It's " FIRE ". I see many requests for Mystery Achievement, also a must watch. Total Jam. A deep cut from the underatted second album is Cuban Slide. so good. She can also croon if she wants. A later track I would suggest is I'll Stand By You... A gorgeous song.
The Pretenders are one of the best post Beatles groups. Their self titled debut album is one of the best albums in Rock history, and does not have a bad track., and includes, "Brass In Pocket". Also: " Back On The Chain Gang", My City Was Gone", "Talk Of The Town", " Middle Of The Road", "Message Of Love", are other classics by them. Chrissie Hynde is the best female lead singer EVER, bar none. Her voice defines what Rock and Roll is all about. Great legendary group.
I love their less commercial songs, "Up the Neck," "The Adultress," "Precious," and "Bad Boys Get Spanked" are off the commercial radar and are among my favorites
Tattooed Love Boys, The Wait, Talk of the Town are also great songs! Their first 3 albums are killer, Pretenders & Pretenders II both are closer to the punk/new wave sounds of the early 80s, whereas Learning to Crawl is more mainstream rock, but still with killer guitar licks & Chrissie's trademark growl! They put out a lot of great music after that, but IMHO, never quite matched those 1st 3! At the same time, she could make you melt with one of the most beautiful, sultry voices on some great ballads! Kid, Hymn to Her, and their Xmas song, 2000 Miles, as well as Sense of Purpose & I'll Stand by You are all really nice tracks, showcasing her sweet side!
@@MarlonDeNiro 1st time I saw R.E.M. was on their Chronic Town tour, 1982. Although I love their catalog of music, the Chronic Town EP has always been my favorite.
Amber, I think you would love Chrissie's song "Hymn to Her". :) What I love most about her voice is the confidence. She always sounds unapologetic and so much herself. She was one of my avatars of female ability when I was a teen. Love her always.
In my freshman year of college at a HBCU I lived in a dorm. One of best friends lived a few doors down from me. I don’t know if we were the only ones on our hall that liked rock, but no one else seemed to be pleased to hear this song. We listened to this song with the volume turned way up. We would play it back to back and sing along and dance with abandon. Maybe it wasn’t rock that they didn’t appreciate. It could have been our sketchy voices. 😂. GOOD TIMES
Akron represent! I adore Chrissie. Brass in Packet and My City is Gone (Live form the Concert for the Rock n Roll Hall Fame) are my favorites. Chrissie is just so cool.
I saw the Pretenders in October 1980 at Newcastle City Hall. It was about a week before I left for college. Brass in Pocket was in the charts. The whole first album was great. Brass, if you are talking British English, is slang for money. Loads of great songs. Although she also sung with UB40. A duet “You got me babe”.
Chrissy has one of those voices that you cannot mistake for anyone else. "Back On The Chain Gang" "Don't Get Me Wrong" "I'll Stand By You" Are also great songs by The Pretenders.🎵❤🇬🇧🇺🇸
I wish you had viewed the video because I've noticed the two of you have an affection for old cars and diners. But next up should be the blasting Pretenders burning down the house in MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. Chrissie Hynde is a force of nature whise dedicated her life to the music. She is fierce, articulate, strong, and not to be screwed with. The many battles she fought through personally and professionally have shaped a woman that has earned the respect of her fans a d peers. And she deserves all of it and more. MESSAGE OF LOVE & I GO TO SLEEP are very good reasons to listen to this great band. Enjoy.
'Brass' is an old term for money, referring to copper coins. Ex-punk Chrissie Hynde meets pub rock band, similar to The Clash a lot of other bands that decided to present themselves as punk. So this is a New Wave Rocker band fitting in with the wave of Punk-Pop bands from the UK and US, like their precursors Blondie, The Buzzcocks, Elvis Costello etc
Please keep going with the Pretenders!!! They have true bangers (Precious, The Wait) and sweet ones (Hymn to Her) and good softer rock songs (Middle of the Road, Talk of the Town, Cuban Slide) Chrissie Hynde is a Legend
You guys should react to more of The Pretenders… "Back on the Chain Gang", "My City Was Gone", "Talk of the Town", "Precious", "Middle of the Road", "Don't Get Me Wrong", "2000 Miles", "Night in My Veins", "Mystery Achievement", "Message of Love", "If There Was a Man", "Goodbye" 🎸🤘
Loved this track from The Pretenders. It was number one in the UK in the early 80's. My favourite track from them is '2000 Miles' which is played at Christmas time in the UK. It is such a beautiful song and the history behind it is even more poignant. A reaction to this song would be nice.
Their first album was one of the best debut albums of all time ,this song was different from the rest of the songs on it ,the most commercial. Give the entire album a listen you will not be disappointed .She changed her sound a bit after this album because two of her bandmates died soon after it's release ."The Wait "is my favorite song on it, it's an up tempo song sung in an absolutely original cadence with lyrics that can only be described as tragic.
I loved your reaction. Chrissie Hynde is in a class of her own! She left the US at 18, moved to London and the rest is history! I love “Talk of the Town” and “Back on the Chain Gang” as Selena Quintanilla loved the latter she got permission to use the music on her song “Fotos y Recuerdos”. I would love to see your reaction to both! Thank you Amber and Jay!!
I have a niece that is a big Selena fan. She played me some of Selena’s music quite recently. I recognized the melody of course and then played her the original which she was unfamiliar with.
@@clashfan2875 I love your profile name! I LOVE THE CLASH!! I find it interesting that the younger generation and sometimes our generation have no knowledge of exactly where the music comes from. Which is why I love Jay and Amber and their reactions.
This song, with its funky Disco-esque beat & rhythm, snuck in there in late 1979 just before the great Disco backlash. It was well received in both '79 & '80 due to its Rock/New Wave elements along with that funky groove.
Finally youre getting to the Pretenders. I can't say any more about Chrssy than all the other fine folks on this thread - just listen to their string of 80s hits - you have the 1st one there - plus that whole debut album is fire.
I don't think you can imagine how HUGE this song was. ALL OVER the radio. You nailed the time frame brother. Rock / New-Wave / Ska / Reggae ... it's all wrapped up in this damn near perfect song. This is the one that put them on the (top 40 radio) map.
Watch the video next time.... Yall need to check out more of their punkier new wave stuff . Lots of good ones. They were an '80s and "90s band. Chrissie is tuff , pretty, and talented lady. 🎸
Saw them at the Aragon "Brawlroom" in Chicago 1982. No seating just one big mosh pit. Great show-Martin Chambers had a clear lucite drum kit and they sprayed water onto them and was lit from the below in swirling colors as he hammered the drums and water spray flew.
Pretenders... one of my top bands of all time -- and often requested here. You still haven't tapped into Chrissie's very unique voice and vibrato. Definitely "Mystery Achievement" for her power -- and "When I Change My life" for a great mix of emotion. Plus... the band overall is mad talented!!! Stick in the Pretenders rabbit hole for a while. You'll be pretty amazed (and wondering what took you so long to get here).
Such a great song!! Knew you'd love it!! Saw her live opening for a Stones show... I normally want to rush the opener off to get the Mick party started😎 but I kinda didn't want it to end! Thanks for another great reaction!♥️✌
Chrissy did a funny cameo on the TV show "Friends" where she encounters Phoebe doing her 3 chord guitar/singing gig in the coffee shop. Phoebe asks Chrissy, "How many chords do you know?" Chrissy without blinking say, "All of them."
Brass in Pocket and Talk of the Town from the Times Square soundtrack were my introduction to The Pretenders. they were on Mtv regularly and were considered a rock/punk-ish band. Chrissie Hynde remains a major force in music. Her Name carries clout.
Next up from the pretenders should be Viedo Live from Dortmund ....Room full of mirrors. Pay attention to her lead guitarist showing how to use a Slide. Will impress you.
Their entire debut album is absolutely incredible. - Pretenders (1979 album). You can't go wrong with any song from this album but try "Mystery Achievement", "The Wait", and "Precious",
She rocks. If you want a completely different vibe, listen to Breaking The Concrete by The Pretenders. It’s a banger. A tidbit - Chrissie Hyde was at Kent State when the National Guard opened fire on student protesters. She left for England thereafter.
@@lisannebaumholz5028 They were revolutionaries calling for a violent overthrow of the U.S. government. That's a little more serious than mere protesters. The national guard didn't just randomly open fire on them; the "protesters" began pelting the guardsmen with bricks and rocks and continued the attack even after the NG retreated.
@@btgiv6009 Unfortunately, that's a time period which has had its history entirely rewritten. There is no convincing people that the hippie movement wasn't the majority of young people and that the anti-war sentiment wasn't actually universally felt by Americans. The truth was obscured by myths and the myths changed into history.
This was late 70s, as the UK was moving out of Punk. "Brass in pocket" refers to British coins. So many great songs to check out. Middle of the Road, Back On the Chaingang, Hymn to Her, Night in My Veins, Message of Love, My City Was Gone, Hollywood Perfume &, as I've been saying for months... I'm a Mother!!!
Pretenders is one of the best debut albums of the late 70s/80s but Jay needs some RAWK and Pretenders have it! The amazing album opener PRECIOUS, "The Wait", "Tatooed Love Boys" & "Mystery Achievement"🤘🤘
Message of Love, Birds of Paradise, Talk of The Town, My City Was Gone, Middle of The Road, Kid, Night In My Veins…& lots more! Christie is the First Lady of Rock!
Great tune. Great reaction. I think her singing in 1979 was the entry into ‘80’s women’s new wave/rock vocal style. As good as Debbie Harry was Chrissie Hynde was even better for me. I LOVE the way she sings “feeenGeerrrs”
The early Pretenders is the best of the Pretenders, fantastic rock and punk of the late 70's, Chrissie Hynde lead vocals, rhythm guitar are awesome!, James Honeyman-Scott, lead guitar, backing vocals are a perfect fit on the band, Pete Farndon, bass guitar, backing vocals added that foundation to this band, and Martin Chambers, drums, backing vocals, percussion was the gel of this band. Pretenders and Pretenders II are regarded as one of the best debut albums and follow up albums of all time by VH1 and Rolling Stone. Rob Squad Family please put on your list "The Wait", "Message of Love" and "Tattooed Love Boys"....... the best of the best..... The later Pretenders are good too but the early Pretenders are no match........
I got to see the Pretenders in concert twice. The second time was when they opened for Stevie Nicks. Chrissie came out and sang "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Stevie.
If there was a female Mount Rushmore of rock and roll, Chrissie Hynde would be on it. She's an important figure in music history. If you want to hear her and her band rock, try "Middle of the Road," "Time the Avenger," or "Message of Love."
Awesome reactions! Love the energy and the positive vibes you two are bringing to the show! The selections and variety in the oldies music is great . However, Don't sleep on some amazing music being made in the last 22 years! 'Wolf Like Me' TV On the Radio (Live on David Letterman if allowed) 'Like I Used To' by Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen 'Where The Devil Don't Stay' by Drive By Truckers 'Short Skirt Long Jacket' by Cake (Maybe the 1st Reaction video) 'Headache' by Frank Black 'Wild' by Spoon 'Diane Young' by Vampire Weekend 'Could Have Been Me' by The Struts 'Black Parade' by My Chemical Romance 'String of Pearls' by Soul Aslum (Fan Video is awesome)
Chrissie was working for a music paper in England and gave a band a poor review, Lemmy (Hawkwind and Motorhead) told her that if she thought it was that easy she should form a band a try it herself. So she did.
Love, love love. I still.have a mad crush on Chrissie.Hynde.. Precious, Back on the Chain Gang. She and Ray Davies from the Kinks have a child together. She is still performing.Thanks again for the smile.
I saw The Pretenders live only once. It was at William & Mary Hall in Williamsburg VA. They were the headliners , before them was The Alarm. The opening band was a then relatively unknown guy named Stevie Ray Vaughan ! I was lucky enough to see SRV 4 times before he passed.
Saw them twice. 1980, Heatwave, Mosport(racetrack) Park north of Toronto, and 1983 at the Cow Palace(?), CNE grounds Toronto. Friends opened, I fell asleep in the afternoon and missed them, arrived with the Pretenders' set underway. She was pleased with the fact that she was the first artist to play there since Jimi Hendrix in the late 60s. Her song 'Message of Love', also the name of a Hendrix song, is a fave from their 2nd album. 'Mystery Achievement', like 'Brass...', from their brilliant, killer debut, is another fave.
Man I can’t believe this came out wayyy back in 1979! I still remember where I was when I first heard this great tune! I was living in Puerto Rico at the time! Men memories start rushing back! I love the Pretenders!!👌🥰👍👉♥️and still sounds like it just came out today! This was the New wave music, punk rock that started coming out from the 70s British Invasion. Chrissy Hynde is from Akron Ohio, and the rest of the band from Britain.
MY CITY WAS GONE(from the album Learning To Crawl)is still my favorite song from them. Chrissie Hynde was originally from Ohio, and the song relates her unannounced visit home. The city of Akron had changed so much, and her family had even moved without telling her, so she stood on the backporch amazed and dumbfounded. The song has a driving beat and a Bass Line that won't quit! By the by, "brass in pocket" refers to plenty of time on your hands, so your brass pocketwatch can remain in the pocket without constantly checking the time.
One of their best and earliest hits! More Pretenders for sure. They're versatile. This one is mellow, but they kick up the tempo with Middle of the Road and Back on the Chain Gang (my faves by them).
the video is cool as well, Chrissie playing a waitress, lol .. the riff is a guitar, James Honeyman Scott,, i remember when it came out ,great tune, was all over the radio, stll played a lot today , any tune you choose by them will be great, peace
