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Ghost Canyon

'Loose in L.A.' [Blu-ray]
(The Pretenders / Blu ray / NR / 2011 / Eagle Eye Media)

Overview: The Pretenders combine new tracks (from the then-new album Loose Screw) with all their classic hits and even some fan gems in this live show filmed in Los Angeles during their 2003 tour. Now available for the first time on Blu ray, this is the Pretenders tour to see!

Blu ray Verdict: Filmed live at the Wiltern Theatre, February of 2003, and with Chrissie Hynde telling anyone that would listen that she was fending off something that had led earlier to a cortisone shot before the show, 'Loose in L.A.' is still a cracking live shot of a band STILL enough in their prime that every song sung/performed brings a smile to any and all Pretenders fans.

In fact, here's a little tidbit of info for ya: 'Loose In L.A.' was the first, and until 2010 ONLY Pretenders concert on DVD/Blu ray to be ever be released! I know, I found that amazing too, especially as this was first direct-to-DVD way back in 2003! For the record, the 2010 release is a live show recorded in London, England and is ultra fab too!

The set list combines a number of tracks from the Loose Screw album they were hocking at the time, with favorite album tracks and a greatest hits selection included, of course. Decked out in a stylish cream jacket, a school tie draped over her right shoulder, her guitar slung; ready for action, over her left, Chrissie utters "Mr. President" before kicking off with 'Lie To Me.' That is quickly backed by 'Time,' the brilliant 'Message Of Love,' 'My Baby,' the always-fantastic-to-hear 'Talk Of The Town' and both 'You Know Who Your Friends Are' and 'Time The Avenger.'

Led by the always-charismatic Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders (Martin Chambers on drums, Adam Seymour on lead guitar, Andy Hobson on bass, and Zeben Jameson on keyboards and percussion) have done nothing wrong, in my eyes since inception. Their musical career one to be reckoned with for sure. Spanning some 25+ years in the business, the band (predominantly all dressed in some varying shades of blue - save for Chambers), continue onwards with tracks such as the jagged 'The Homecoming,' 'Up The Neck,' the rabid prophesying of 'Fools Must Die,' the ageless 'My City Was Gone,' and both 'The Losing' and 'Biker.'

Admittedly, even here on this crystal clear Blu ray remaster, the guitar, bass, keys and background vocals seem a little distant from Hynde's vocals. That did seem to improve later in the concert though. Another thing is, well, how to put it ... er ... well, I could have done without the vulgarities spewed out! In truth they were quite unnecessary. Also, if I'm playing Devil's Advocate here for the fans vs. the interested others, Chrissie's prancing got a little tiring as well!

OK, that all out the way, we move on through this seemingly never-ending set list with 'Complex Person,' 'Nothing Breaks Like A Heart,' and the corking classics 'Back On The Chain Gang,' 'Don't Get Me Wrong' and the guitar-slung 'Kid.' Channeling (to perfection) an early Elvis Presley on 'Rebel Rock Me' they then bring us 'Night In My Veins,' 'Tattooed Love Boys,' 'Precious,' and the anthemic 'I'll Stand By You.'

By now you would have imagined that the band would be covered in sweat, but no. Sure drummer Chambers (decked out completely in a camouflage outfit, for some strange reason!) is showing some glow, but that's to be expected. And yet Chrissie is still prowling the stage, covering it all come the final chords struck! Indeed, the band are SO tight and able to follow the fairly complex timing of Chrissie's songs, yet everything sounds totally spontaneous and new. And, with her game face in full-on mode, let alone her hips, Chrissie and the boys bring the show home with 'Middle Of The Road,' 'Mystery Achievement' and the uber classic, 'Brass In Pocket.'

And it's that last song that still amazes me, because even after all they've done on stage for the past near two hours, Chrissie (still) shows no sweat, no vocal exhaustion, no sense of wanting to even end the damn show! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, and has been remastered into a crisp Blu ray production, and also comes with the Special Features of:

The Full Length Video of 'You Know Who Your Friends Are'
Backstage Footage
Concert Montage

www.eaglerockent.com





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