February 1984— The Pretenders— “Learning to Crawl”
Coming after a hiatus and the tragedy of losing two band members to drug overdoses, The Pretenders third studio album was perhaps a surprisingly successful endeavor. The name “Learning to Crawl” pays homage to Chrissy Hynde's daughter, Natalie Rae Hynde, who was indeed learning to crawl at the time. There's a sense of loss that comes from this album in tracks like “My City Was Gone” or “Time the Avenger,” but there's also an acknowledgment of m...
February 1984— The Pretenders— “Learning to Crawl”
Coming after a hiatus and the tragedy of losing two band members to drug overdoses, The Pretenders third studio album was perhaps a surprisingly successful endeavor. The name “Learning to Crawl” pays homage to Chrissy Hynde's daughter, Natalie Rae Hynde, who was indeed learning to crawl at the time. There's a sense of loss that comes from this album in tracks like “My City Was Gone” or “Time the Avenger,” but there's also an acknowledgment of more mundane activities in songs like “Watching the Clothes.” This is a great album from one of Rock's strong female leads, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
“Middle of the Road”
This is the first track on the album, and has a bit of a new wave feel. This song was released as a single in 1983, ahead of the album release, as were several tracks off the album. Check out the guitar riff and the harmonica solo on this one.
“Time the Avenger”
This one has a Romantics feel to it. "No one is perfect, not even a perfect stranger." Hynde spent some time in London with groups like The Clash and The Damned.
“Watching the Clothes”
Here's a deeper cut inspired by the death of a friend and spending time in the laundromat.
“My City Was Gone”
Anyone who has heard the Rush Limbaugh program bump music has heard this track. The inspiration for this was Hynde's return to her hometown and the changes she saw over time. “And my pretty countryside had been paved down the middle by a government that had no pride.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Never Say Never” by Romeo Void, from the movie, Reckless
This cult classic was featured in the 1984 movie "Reckless," a movie with a soundtrack that was more popular than the film.
STAFF PICKS:
“What if I’d Been the One” by 38 Special
This Southern Rock track was off of 38 Special's album "Tour de Force." The lyrics are quite depressing despite the upbeat sound of the tune itself. Bruce went local as the album was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, GA.
“Take Me Away” by Blue Oyster Cult
Wayne doesn't disappoint with his rocking pick. This alien abduction track is from the later BOC days. "I lift my eyes and say, 'come on and take me away.'"
“Hyperactive” by Thomas Dolby
“Why don’t you tell me about your childhood...” Rob's staff pick drifts into the techno-pop new wave. Dolby had originally intended this song for Michael Jackson, but after getting no response from the King of Pop, he decided to do it himself.
“I Want a New Drug” by Huey Lewis & the News
Brian closes the staff picks with Huey Lewis's hit off the third album "Sports." This propelled Lewis and the band to super-stardom, and this track was on the top of the pop and dance charts.
INSTRUMENTAL OR LAUGH TRACK:
“The Attitude Song” by Steve Vai
Vai was the lead guitarist for David Lee Roth's band when he went solo. Vai is very well known among guitar artists as a virtuoso, and this instrumental demonstrates why.
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