Brass in Pocket

Pretenders recorded “Brass in Pocket” during the 1978–1979 sessions for their debut album in London, with the song centred on James Honeyman-Scott’s guitar line and Chrissie Hynde’s vocal. Chris Thomas produced the recording, with Bill Price recording and mixing the album sessions and Mike Stavrou credited with mixing “Brass in Pocket.” Released by Real in November 1979, it became Pretenders’ first major hit and reached number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart in January 1980. Its relaxed groove, Hynde’s self-possessed vocal and early MTV-era video made it the band’s defining breakthrough single. The track remains Pretenders’ best-known song and a landmark of their original Chrissie Hynde, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon and Martin Chambers lineup. It has endured through classic-rock radio, compilation placements and later covers, including Suede’s version for Ruby Trax.