The project initially stemmed from a conversation a few years back about teaming up with Rufus Wainwright for fun. Most of the songs here contain a stripped-down musical presentation, which allows the vocals to shine through. And Hynde often lets her guests take a first verse before she chimes in.
Opening the physical formats is a luxurious take on “Me and Mrs. Jones,” the 1970s R&B hit popularized by Billy Paul. Boasting a small, smoky lounge atmosphere, Hynde lured Canadian adult pop/country chanteuse kd lang out of semi-retirement for their sublime version, which is leavened by organ and strings. It is the first of many highlights.
The late Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees/Queens of the Stone Age) brings an uncharacteristically high, measured delivery to the intimate, Elvis Presley-popularized “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with bells and simple instrumentation.
Another standout is Fred Neil’s “Dolphins,” which has been covered by Tim Buckley, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg and The The over the years. Hynde tackles in wonderfully with Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode for a laid back and dreamy interpretation.
Perennial classic “Always on My Mind” was the perfect choice for Hynde and Rufus Wainwright. Utilizing piano, pedal steel and unobtrusive drums and aching vocals from both singers, it’s definitely a stunner.
The same holds true with 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love,” where Brandon Flowers of The Killers joins Hynde. Bolstered by distant treated piano and synth, it retains some of the original’s billowy vibe. Hynde reprises the original's whispered bit at the end.
A tasteful take on “It’s Only Love,” an early Beatles tune penned by John Lennon, is made even more special with Lennon’s son Julian Lennon singing with Hynde.
Shirley Manson of Garbage turns up on a gorgeous “Love Letters,” first popularized by Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. Manson and Hynde’s soft vocals are so interwoven that they’re almost undistinguishable. That’s not a slight – they mesh perfectly together.
Hynde recently told the UK’s NME that she wanted to spotlight the voice of past Pretenders producer/collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys on The Righteous Brothers’ hit (via Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil) closing track “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration.” Another highlight here, the understated drama works well. Hynde also adds the brief spoken word section in addition to her trademark breathy delivery.
Elsewhere, Hynde pairs with Lucinda Williams (The Rolling Stones’ “Sway”); alternative female artist Cat Power (Morrissey’s “The First of the Gang to Die”); soul singer Carleen Anderson (“Every Little Bit Hurts”); Debbie Harry (Low’s “Try to Sleep”); and Low’s Alan Sparhawk (Cass McCombs’ “County Line”).
