This little gem snuck into The Pretenders' discography after Chrissie took a latter day incarnation of The Pretenders on an A&E concert TV special. (That show is available as "The Isle Of View" DVD.) The surprise is just how effective and intimate Chrissie sounds in the "Unplugged" setting. She split the set between obvious songs and crowd pleasers ("Brass In Pocket," "Back On The Chain Gang") a surprise or two (I always thought "Sense Of Purpose," the best song on "Packed," was unjustly ignored -- and here it's the show opener), and some delightful reworks. In particular, the string laden version of "Kid" here takes on a greater sense of maturity some twenty years down the line. While I'd have a hard time recommending "The Isle Of View" as the most potent of Pretenders albums, it remains a personal fave of mine for more relaxing moments. If you're just getting into 80's or The Pretenders' music, start with their debut, "Learning to Crawl" or the updated (and import only, come on Warners) greatest hits. But if you're already a fan and this one slipped under your radar, "The Isle Of View" is a serious contender for your listening dollars.

This album is what I had been desiring for a long time. It features Chrissie with her unique and soothing voice backed by an incredibly talented orchestra. This "Storytellers-esque" live CD allows the listener to feel everything that Chrissie feels when she sings these stripped down Pretenders classics, and what she felt when she first wrote them. "The Isle of View" is a hauntlingly personal trip into the soul of Chrissie Hynde that will leave you breathless and amazed by her talent and passion. Only a brilliant songwriter would know that her hard-hitting, rock and roll songs could be delivered with such grace and dignity in this completely new orchestral genre. I highly reccomend this CD for all fans of truly great music.

The Pretenders have produced some real classic songs over time.This is really an acoustic greatest hits concert. Well played, well recorded and well sung. Being mainly acoustic/string orientated the interpretations of some of the classics may take getting used too, but with the basic tune of the song, they cant really make a mistake. For recording it gets 88% and music 92%.

I don't know how I missed this CD when it was first released, but I am so grateful to have discovered it now. Chrissie's voice is rich, the musicianship and the arrangements are stellar. Pure joy for my ears and my heart.

An overall fabulous album. If only all bands could sound this good live! Wait till you hear "Kid" - makes you shiver it is so haunting. Many, many great songs on this album - not just one or two. Superior song writing and arrangements. Beautiful. Thanks Chrissie!