Valve Bone Woe [Box Set] (7")
Chrissie Hynde , The Valve Bone Woe Ensemble
Amoeba Review
08/04/2020
At 67 years old, punk rock Zelig and Pretenders mastermind Chrissie Hynde releases what is only her second solo album with Valve Bone Woe. In an uncharacteristic move for the sharp-witted, charismatic rock ‘n roll lifer, it’s a covers album that heavily favors jazz and traditional pop standards. Yet despite the stuffy premise, the results are anything but. Perfect example: Hynde’s rendition of the Beach Boys’ “Caroline, No,” delivered in a narcotic jazz shuffle overlain with dub-influenced production quirks, echoing drums and psychedelic keyboard effects aplenty.