Precious

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Precious" by The Pretenders from their iconic debut album, Pretenders. This track, the opening song on the 1979 album, is a raw, punk-infused anthem written by Chrissie Hynde. It’s got that gritty edge, with Hynde’s fierce vocals and James Honeyman-Scott’s phased guitar riffs driving the song’s intensity. One juicy piece of trivia: "Precious" was the very first song Hynde, bassist Pete Farndon, guitarist Honeyman-Scott, and drummer Martin Chambers played together during their initial rehearsal in 1978. Talk about a explosive start! The song’s climax, where Hynde delivers the line, "But not me, baby, I'm too precious/I had to fuck off!" is legendary for its fearless attitude. Rolling Stone critic Bud Scoppa noted that Hynde deliberately swallowed the words "I had to," making the phrase nearly inaudible, adding a sly, rebellious vibe. This moment, as critic Ariel Swartley wrote in Mother Jones, became a cathartic rallying cry for women in dance clubs, who’d stop and mouth along to that iconic line.

Another cool tidbit about "Precious" is its connection to Hynde’s hometown of Akron, Ohio. The lyrics reference East 55th and Euclid Avenue, a real Cleveland intersection, and the Hotel Sterling, tying the song to her roots. AllMusic’s Stewart Mason called it Hynde’s "true calling card," praising its restrained menace that explodes in the chorus. The song wasn’t just a studio hit—it was released as a single in places like Spain and the Netherlands, and a medley featuring "Precious" hit number 28 on the US Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. A live version from 1981’s Extended Play EP got high praise from Village Voice critic Robert Christgau, who argued it outshone the original. For Zoo Freaks curious about the song’s raw energy, a 1978 demo version on the 2006 Pirate Radio compilation shows its early, gritty charm, described by critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine as "nearly as tough" as the final cut.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Pretenders came to be. Chrissie Hynde, born in Akron, Ohio, on September 7, 1951, was a rock ‘n’ roll dreamer who felt stifled by Midwest life. After studying art at Kent State University—where she witnessed the infamous 1969 shooting—she tried her hand in Cleveland’s music scene but found it lacking. In 1973, she took a bold leap, moving to London at age 22. There, she dove into the punk scene, working at NME and at Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s punk clothing store, SEX. Hynde briefly played in early versions of bands like the Damned and the Clash, and even formed short-lived groups like Masters of the Backside and the Moors Murderers. But it wasn’t until 1978, after a demo tape caught the ear of Dave Hill at Anchor Records, that she formed The Pretenders with Hereford musicians James Honeyman-Scott (guitar), Pete Farndon (bass), and Martin Chambers (drums). Hynde named the band after The Platters’ song "The Great Pretender," a nod to a former boyfriend’s favorite tune. Their first single, a cover of The Kinks’ "Stop Your Sobbing," dropped in January 1979, followed by "Kid" and the chart-topping "Brass in Pocket," cementing their place in rock history.

Want to keep up with The Pretenders? Check out their official website for tour dates, videos, and discography. They’re active on social media too—follow them on Facebook (with over 276,000 fans), Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and X for updates and fan chatter. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans can join groups like the Pretenders Fan Club on Facebook, a lively spot for sharing memories and news. For deep dives into their music, fan-run sites like Studio Discography offer detailed album breakdowns and cover art. So, crank up "Precious," let the Zoo Crew keep the vibes flowing, and celebrate the enduring legacy of The Pretenders!