Pretenders 1/ 29/09

The Pretenders opened their "Break up the Concrete" tour here in Albany at a nearly sold out Palace Theater. They played a good mix of their classics and a lot of songs from the new record, (which surprisingly I loved right out of the box). The band sounded great, and of course what can be said about Chrissie Hynde that hasn't already been said? She is the quintessential rock and roll girl...Who doesn't still want to grow up and be her? She seemed like she was enjoying herself up there, and it was also good to see Martin Chambers back with the group on drums. There are a couple clips from this show up on youtube.

Set list:
Boots of Chinese plastic
Talk of the town
Don’t cut your hair
Message of love
Don’t lose faith in me
Love's a mystery
Back on the chain gang
Rosalee
The last ride
Stop your Sobbing
Day after Day
Don’t get me wrong
Tequila
Thumbelina
Break up the concrete
Brass in pocket
Bad boys get spanked
Tattooed love boys
Kid
Precious

the Wait
Up the Neck

They had opening band that I wasn't familiar with 'American Bang', who were good and loud, perfect for an opening act -I think they are based out of Nashville - They have a couple albums out, the latest is called "Move to the Music". Their web page bio calls them 'unruly Southern-fried Garage-Rock' I guess that sums them up pretty good (?!).