The Pretenders - Chrissie Hynde

It's the night of the Pretenders, In the inauguration of the festival of Porta Ferrada, in Spain. The whole band came onto the stage, with Chrissie amongst the musicians, without any hullabaloo. There was no ceremonial presentation, simply 'One, two three' for the music to begin playing.

In tight jeans, boots, a sleeveless top, waistcoat; and the same hairstyle of the last 40 years, Chrissie Hynde began to sing. An hour and a half and 20+ songs later, the audience left drunk with happiness, nostalgic but comforted and contented. Most of the songs were as old as her hairstyle, so familiar as meeting up with a beloved old friend, the memory once more reminded and strengthened. A perfect summer evening; better not possible.

First of all because Chrissie is far from transcendence. She doesn't want to change the world if she can't add something good to it with her songs. Secondly because her songs are the type that gains value with time, as time always respects and treats well good music and well composed songs. Third, because Chrissie has conserved splendidly her incredible voice. Fourth, because her charisma too has increased with time, that just her image alone fills the entire stage, with a mixture of authority and fragility so endearing as well as captivating; her personality and comportment of an uncomplicated woman is amiable and reachable.

Lastly because, although she looks remarkably youthful, she never tries to appear in any of her concerts what the passing of years can't conceal. She values her artistic quality, not biological plus and minus..

Chrissie could have sung in whatever style but she wishes to stick faithfully to classics, the good and the perennial. From her 'Don't get me wrong' to 'Middle of the road'; versions like 'Forever young' of Dylan and themes like the recent work 'Boots of Chinese plastic' and 'Rosalee'.

Tag:pretenders

Current Mood: Artistic