The hard stuff albums

THIS FEBRUARY 23, George Harrison would’ve turned 82. But, as is often the case, the universe had a different plan in mind, and — instead — the former Beatle left us at age 58 way back in 2001. But de

Fierce, tender and defiantly independent, The Pretenders are rock’s rebels without a clause in the contract. Four decades and dozens of huge hits into their career, they still do exactly – and only – what they want. Chrissie Hynde ’s high-wattage charisma and breathtaking voice are part of the equation. But so are a fistful of effortless, irresistible guitar hooks that make you reach for rewind every time a Pretenders track plays to the fade. With a stripped-down, rock ’n’ roll live album, Kick ’Em Where It Hurts , set for release in the coming weeks, we join Chrissie and guitarist James Walbourne to find out why ‘holding the fort for bands’ remains their mission

Three decades after Sparks asked, a touch forlornly, When Do I Get To Sing My Way?, it seems we may finally have an answer. No, pop’s favourite Dadaist siblings haven’t suddenly decided to give us the

IQ

Radiohead singer and electronic producer collaborate to spin bleak yarns for the modern age.

DUOPHONIC UHF DISKS/WARP