Pretenders front woman, Chrissie Hynde, has a new album, Duets Special, featuring an eclectic mix of song selections and singing partners. Soul music classic “Me and Mrs. Jones” kicks things off and is a perfect blend of kd lang’s velvety voice and Chrissie’s floating vocals in response. Chrissie’s long time friend, Debbie Harry of Blondie, is also on hand, crooning along on the band Low’s “Try to Sleep.” The list of music greats from various genres goes on with Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) “Dolphins,” Shirley Manson (Garbage) “Love Letters,” and ”Always On My Mind” with Rufus Wainwright. Chan Marshall (Cat Power) and Chrissie take on Morrissey’s “First of the Gang to Die”, Lucinda Williams joins Madame Hynde on The Rolling Stones “Sway,” and the late, great Mark Lanegan contributes his smokey pipes to Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
As for Ms. Hynde, her voice hasn’t lost one once of it’s prowess and emotional effect. Present day singers should take notice and understand that nuance and phrasing are stronger and more powerful than that forced American Idol style belting. In the end, Chrissie Hynde’s unmistakable voice proves that true collaboration isn’t about blending in, it’s about lifting everyone higher.
Image Via Rhino Records
