Album of the Day

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS marked a strong return to form for the Pretenders. The baker's dozen songs include originals ranging from tough (“Rebel Rock Me”) to tender (the classic anthem “I'll Stand by You”), with a couple of great covers to boot (the performance of Dylan's “Forever Young” is particularly stirring). Cut in London, the album was helmed by Smiths producer Stephen Street, Tears for Fears' Ian Stanley and the venerable Chris Thomas, who'd done the honors on three previous Pretenders collections. Also returning to the fold is original drummer Martin Chambers (and for one track, guitarist Robbie McIntosh), though with her commanding vocals, the record undoubtedly belongs to Chrissie Hynde. The final Pretenders set for Sire Records, the gold-certified LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS brings the initial chapter of the band's history to a terrific close.