https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onM4cR7-DqM&feature=player_profilepage
Over the next few nights I'll be unveiling the results for the Pet Shop Boys tracks poll.
There were 32 voters, who voted for 136 tracks. Tonight I'll do 50-31, 30-16 tomorrow and finally the top 15 on Wednesday.
Hopefully, you'll find it as enjoyable to read as I did compiling it and relistening to their work. There's several gems I was blissfully unaware of so if nothing else it was worth doing it for that reason. There's a few surprises (to me anyway) and as you'll see some of the results are a bit nip and tuck.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 19:35 (twelve years ago) link
going to miss this tonight because of US independence day festivities but have fun!
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 19:39 (twelve years ago) link
We don't even start with them...
50. I'm Not Scared (Eight Wonder). (1988, Collaboration. 69 Points, 4 votes, 0 number ones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN3eEzLSlKY
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6ffj9gcxAThomdhLW6HiNd
Random Internet Fact. #1 in Italy.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 19:46 (twelve years ago) link
49. Do I Have To? (1987, B-Side, 76 points, 4 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arYohGJkyQISpotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/1Wu8EqeV0JfLl3hcezx9bhRIF:Inspired by Chris Lowe's frequent complaining when on a promo tour in Japan.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 19:52 (twelve years ago) link
I forgot to mention at the start, if there are any ties they will be decided as follows; by number of number one votes, number of voters, which track gets the highest placing in individuals ballot, alphabetically.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 19:55 (twelve years ago) link
Love that this thread has it's own PSB name. A good one too! The boys would approve.
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 19:56 (twelve years ago) link
48. To Face The Truth. (1990, Behaviour, 77 points, 3 votes, 0 number ones)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbdtlP0gt7wSpotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/78GoyurUrxm4X2kG6pnp5T
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:02 (twelve years ago) link
47. Liberation. (1993, Very, 81 points, 4 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtlM1F8guPcSpotify:http://open.spotify.com/track/2DnvlQI1kYMTBaxJpfAMz8
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:07 (twelve years ago) link
46. A Red Letter Day (1996, Bilingual, 83 points, 4 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-2TaT8dPns
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3XQTpx2DHsBE3xuXZCFJdW
RIF: Single debuted at #9 in the UK, but fell to #42 the following week, at the time the largest drop in chart history.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:15 (twelve years ago) link
probably beaten every week since
― Ismael Klata, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:19 (twelve years ago) link
LOL at their clothes in that To Face The Truth screenshot.
Liberation made my "short"list of ~70 but that's the only one so far.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
I'm feeling very sheepish, incidentally - I couldn't sing a note of these so far.
― Ismael Klata, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
You'll definitely be able to sing this one..
45. Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You). (1991, standalone, 87 points, 4 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt2j79pca7c
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2TNRmSMJzsweYzWXHi28r2
RIF: Following the release of the single, U2 issued a statement saying "What have we done to deserve this?"
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:22 (twelve years ago) link
I completely forgot to vote for Where The Streets Have No Name, one of the greatest cover versions of all time.
All good songs so far, I'm wondering if this maybe the first poll I like every song that places.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:31 (twelve years ago) link
44. Love etc. (2009, Yes, 94 points, 5 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBiaRBUjUs
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/58aYg1HRp6muVAWaSPLLKD
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:33 (twelve years ago) link
Bono has ended a simmering feud with the Pet Shop Boys over their cover version of one of U2's best-loved songs.
He was appalled after they turned the 1987 hit "Where the Streets Have No Name" into an instant camp classic by adding their own vocals and a pumping disco beat.
The Irish rockers issued a statement soon after the Pet Shop Boys version was released, declaring: "What have we done to deserve this?" But speaking about the spat for the first time this week, singer Neil Tennant insisted he had managed at long last to patch things up with Bono.
Peace was declared after a bizarre encounter at Elton John's mansion in the south of France, which ended with Bono and the English pop duo jumping into the swimming pool from a first floor balcony.
Asked about claims that Bono and Edge had been gunning for him, Tennant told music magazine Q: "I'd read things in the press.
"Anyway, we met Bono at Elton's and he was a bit funny at the beginning but he was really friendly. It all ended with a competition. He kept saying, 'It's rock versus pop.' At the end of the meal he jumped into Elton's swimming pool from the terrace and to his evident surprise I jumped in as well. So he said, 'OK. Rock one -- Pop one.' It ended as a draw -- quite rightly so."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:33 (twelve years ago) link
43. Some Speculation. (1993, B-Side, 4 votes, 0 number one votes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBmAw9eoRJU
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3SiFFfmFac2OEM51SEKQbt
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:39 (twelve years ago) link
I was really underwhelmed with Love etc. when it came out but it grew on me so much and I love it now. It was the exact opposite of what happened with I'm With Stupid which I can't even listen to now.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:39 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, agree with that. 'Yes' has really grown on me as an album.
― oppet, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:42 (twelve years ago) link
42. It Must Be Obvious. (1990, B-Side, 98 points, 5 votes, 0 number one votes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO9tJlvC9ro
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/5zlTMICphPXPL9n7k585KV
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:43 (twelve years ago) link
Oh, only saw this thread now due to Gubke mentioning it in the nomination thread!
― Frogbs Day Afternoon (Le Bateau Ivre), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:49 (twelve years ago) link
41. It Couldn't Happen Here. (1987, Actually, 105 points, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq72QbwOhoU
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2QqPaaNdbpgNMot5WKw9y5
RIF:The title is borrowed from Sinclair Lewis's 1935 novel 'It Can't Happen Here'.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:49 (twelve years ago) link
Love etc. is a solid track. The only thing I don't like is the melody in the first verse which follows the synth motif and totally doesn't work. Strange, considering how Neil Tennant described Xenomania as somewhat obsessed with finding the best melody for a song.
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:50 (twelve years ago) link
First of my picks to appear!
― oppet, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
and here's your second:
40. Miserabilism. (1992, B-side, 106 points, 6 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPBmzTvKsmw&feature=related
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/20GBfHqwta4csdKTDVjZ9F
RIF: The song is sung from the viewpoint of cheeky chappy Morrissey.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 20:57 (twelve years ago) link
Thought this one might be higher. I thought it would be the highest B-side to place.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 20:58 (twelve years ago) link
39. Losing My Mind (Liza Minelli). (1989, Collaboration, 109 points, 0 number one votes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtR_eyyrn9g Scroll to 8:45 to avoid Wogan.
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2loMPlz3JWjFGF6fPoiSoo
RIF: Minelli's biggest chart hit in the UK, #6 in August 1989.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:11 (twelve years ago) link
I've a big fan of "Some Speculation" - that galumphing Patrick Cowley bassline that comes in alongside the brisk percussion (esp. around the three minute mark), married to the dreamlike menace of the synths and Neil's vocal ... they've written some fantastic songs about gossip, but unlike the bitchiness of others this captures an ambient dread. "What's your game? What's his name?"
― etc, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:18 (twelve years ago) link
Love etc.: Enjoyed it greatly at the time and if anything it has grown on me. The space around those soft bass thumps is massive - it's like they found a whole new layer of sound to play with, using the same old tinkly stuff at the top to the super low bass. Miserabilism has a similar sonic palette but everything feels crammed into the midrange by comparison. The "Yes" bonus disc version of this is also solid.
Some Speculation: also voted for this, not exactly the biggest dancefloor banger in the world but I love the main riff, and the lyrics are about as biting as they come.
Miserabilism: I was expecting this to be in my top 10 but it ended up not even making the ballot. Not sure what's missing - maybe the verse is a bit weak, and the backing track too one-note. Can't take anything away from the chorus though.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:24 (twelve years ago) link
The full length commentary they recorded for Yes was really funny and interesting too. Definitely made me enjoy the album more.
― oppet, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
38. My October Symphony. (1990, Behaviour, 116 points, 5 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-c7A500Po0
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/23jXBMOpIlhh3yH4ySSBPC
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
Where can I find that? Didn't know it existed. (xpost)
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:33 (twelve years ago) link
So far, two Behaviour tracks I wasn't expecting to appear. I wonder if the "obvious" ones will show up too.
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:34 (twelve years ago) link
commentary on spotify here: http://open.spotify.com/track/7w9AsZpoehCjItgDZwJ7TG
― oppet, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:36 (twelve years ago) link
My ballot was full of obviousness (only one thing I've voted for has shown up so far).
I really love the lower regions of these polls—especially for bands with which I'm not already a know-it-all—because I get a really good setting to check out songs I've only ever heard a couple times or not at all and appreciately them differently.
― Alpaca Lips (Johnny Fever), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:37 (twelve years ago) link
37. It's Alright. (1988, Introspective, 118 points, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r0pISqCDRw
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/5qhZObqAsOcnKWvknSPSfA
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:39 (twelve years ago) link
Thanks opplet.
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:39 (twelve years ago) link
Don't know if I've ever sat down and listened to this track closely. Very similar to a lot of the Release stuff that people love to slag on... [xpost to My October Symphony]
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:39 (twelve years ago) link
xxpShould be 118 points, 4 votes, 0 number ones.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:40 (twelve years ago) link
Was it news to anyone else that It's Alright is a cover?
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:40 (twelve years ago) link
Nope! I read the Discography liner notes when I got the tape in '93.
Most of these B-sides were on my ballot.
"Love Etc" and "Minimal" are the best of this their autumnal period.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:41 (twelve years ago) link
Should have voted for It Couldn't Happen Here. Wonderful song.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:44 (twelve years ago) link
Didn't vote for this, but pleasantly surprised how high it is.
36. The Truck Driver and his Mate. (1996, B-Side, 120 points, 6 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHI7OHqKzW8
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2LHGm35sLk2yfQ6HdLjCKg
RIF: This is based on the slogan for 'Yorkie' chocolate bar, "Big enough for the truck driver and his mate."
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:45 (twelve years ago) link
^^^ one of mine. Love the guitar riff (played by Tennant).
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:48 (twelve years ago) link
great guitar line in this one. My #16.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:48 (twelve years ago) link
35. One More Chance. (1984/1987, Actually, 123 points, 5 votes, 0 number ones.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-6gZExiOno
and the original Bobby O mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vfszNwfGRE
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/28h0GZFHrgVZ0WWiOHSZCU
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 21:52 (twelve years ago) link
Truck Driver was my number 3, really happy to see it has other fans.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:52 (twelve years ago) link
Truck Driver is an extremely complex song - goes from minor to major multiple times and has some seriously screwy chord progressions and seeming key changes. Somehow everything ties together but it has B-side written all over it. It kind of reminds me of "Cold Sweat" by James Brown, which is probably ridiculous but there you go.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 21:53 (twelve years ago) link
34. Your Funny Uncle. (1988, B-side, 124 points, 6 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn_uWqlbdOM
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/05ohJ9ImZinFRQt4ZBpSWm
RIF: The song is inspired by the funeral of Neil Tennant's friend Chris Dowell whose death also inspired their song 'Being Boring'.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:02 (twelve years ago) link
the highest b-side on my ballot. kind of expected it to be higher, tbh.
― Gukbe, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:03 (twelve years ago) link
33. I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Any More. (1999, Nightlife, 129 points, 6 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNAtsYFRRbM
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/5EBSLmkX5qsuCrWAooatKL
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:06 (twelve years ago) link
^^^^^ LOVE that tune.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:13 (twelve years ago) link
Amazing single, was shocked at the time how badly it did. It's still their lowest charting lead single from an album which is tragic.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:15 (twelve years ago) link
I go back and forth on whether Nightlife or Fundamental is their best post-Very album. Nightlife is one of those period albums whose importance in my life squelches its chart record.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:16 (twelve years ago) link
32. Try It (I'm In Love with A Married Man). (2003, Disco 3, 136 points, 5 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F9yfAcnXk8
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/4y0OgNrR076xLFSZWSuCa9
RIF: This was debuted in their only session for John Peel in October 2002, which can be downloaded from here.
It's also a cover of a Bobby O production from 1984.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_rmlzgGX3A
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:17 (twelve years ago) link
Is "You Only Tell Me You Love Me..." going to outrank this? "Don't Know What You Want" is more profound both lyrically and musically. great track.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:18 (twelve years ago) link
'It's Alright' higher than 'My October Symphony'? First WTF moment in this poll. 'My October Symphony' was my #02! Sheer pop perfection.
― Frogbs Day Afternoon (Le Bateau Ivre), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:19 (twelve years ago) link
I voted for "Drunk". Might have even been top 10.
― Gukbe, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:20 (twelve years ago) link
Both are career peaks: "I Don't Know What You Want..." has a marvelous disco vocal and "You Only Tell Me" is perfect acoustic singer-songwriter melancholy.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:21 (twelve years ago) link
I go back and forth on whether Nightlife or Fundamental is their best post-Very album.
The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn)
That's exactly the same with me they are both really good records, easily ahead of the other three albums.
― Kitchen Person, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:21 (twelve years ago) link
^ Oh I think I had to leave "Try It" out of my ballot. :( It's so great!
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:24 (twelve years ago) link
oops
31. We All Feel Better In The Dark. (1991, B-side, 138 points, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFylULoa70w
Spotify:http://open.spotify.com/track/2wqs78KoxpDHR0JgWA0bJx
RIF: The song is inspired by a tape titled 'The Secrets of Sexual Attraction'. which Chris Lowe bought at a health food store.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:24 (twelve years ago) link
The Pitchfork review that forced me stop reading them for four years.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:25 (twelve years ago) link
Going back to 'Try It', I wasn't aware it was a cover at the time, but they do a fantastic job of turning a fairly routine hi-nrg piece into something quite strange and magical.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:27 (twelve years ago) link
not really feeling "Try It". nice production though.
I think of DJ Sprinkles when I hear "We All Feel Better in the Dark". And those have to be some of the most obviously 'dirty' lyrics in the PSB catalog.
― skip, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:27 (twelve years ago) link
Anyway, that's your lot for the night. 30-16 tomorrow.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:29 (twelve years ago) link
Did everyone hear "Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man)" off Disco 3 - one of the best later PSB songs I've heard, very hypnotic and melancholy.― Tom (Groke), Thursday, 14 August 2003 13:53 (7 years ago)
I'm always amazed at how terrible the Oh Romeo original is, considering how much er questionable Bobby 'O' productions I have time for (his James Brown ripoff, etc).
― etc, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:29 (twelve years ago) link
I find both Fundamental and Nightlife disappointing. A couple of very strong tracks but everything ranges from so-so to kind of awful.
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:29 (twelve years ago) link
*everything else
― daavid, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:32 (twelve years ago) link
Glad "One More Chance" got some other votes - love the original mix to bits'n'pieces; Neil is still singing with a slight goblinoid/Almond sleaziness, and there's some fantastic synthesized "Streets Of Cairo"-esque public domain motifs garnishing the track.
― etc, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:33 (twelve years ago) link
I love "Your Funny Uncle" to pieces, though it always wrongfoots me - to me the title suggests it'll be about a black sheep in the family, the bachelor relation that "never married" etc; instead it's a straightlaced uncle in the military behaving decently at the funeral of his gay nephew.
... oh dear, it seems like one of Keane are covering it on YouTube.
― etc, Monday, 4 July 2011 22:42 (twelve years ago) link
god the 'admit you love me and you always did' part of Red Letter Day never gets old
― I'm A Genius, Too! (Jamie_ATP), Monday, 4 July 2011 22:54 (twelve years ago) link
Wow, a goodly chunk of my ballot was taken care of in the lower reaches (Liberation, It Must Be Obvious, It Couldn't Happen Here, Miserablism, My October Symphony).
Re post-Very records, I like both Nightlife and Fundamental a hell of a lot more than I did a week ago. I suspect that had something to do with relative under-exposure, so I have this poll to thank for rehabilitating them in my mind. On the other hand Bilingual and Release now still seem weaker than I had remembered.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Monday, 4 July 2011 23:01 (twelve years ago) link
Release has three songs and the rest is filler.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 23:02 (twelve years ago) link
Elton John said this song saved his life (tonight).
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 4 July 2011 23:03 (twelve years ago) link
I really should have voted for "Your Funny Uncle". The actual verse about the funny uncle is deeply affecting today.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Monday, 4 July 2011 23:19 (twelve years ago) link
Recap of 31-50.
31 We All Feel Better In The Dark B-side 138 6 132 Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man) Disco 3 136 5 033 I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore Nightlife 129 6 034 Your Funny Uncle B-side 124 6 035 One More Chance B-side 123 5 036 The Truck Driver and his Mate B-side 120 6 037 It's Alright Introspective 118 4 038 My October Symphony Behaviour 116 5 039 Losing My Mind (Liza Minelli) Collaboration 109 6 040 Miserabilism B-side 106 6 041 It Couldn't Happen Here Actually 105 5 042 It Must Be Obvious B-side 98 5 043 Some Speculation B-side 98 4 044 Love Etc Yes 94 5 045 Where The Streets Have No Name(I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) Standalone 87 4 046 A Red Letter Day Bilingual 83 4 047 Liberation Very 81 4 048 To Face The Truth Behaviour 77 3 049 Do I Have To? B-Side 76 4 050 I'm Not Scared (Eighth Wonder) Collaboration 69 4 0
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 09:46 (twelve years ago) link
I remember playing my pop-hating grandma Your Funny Uncle when it came out and even she was moved. It might have been the lines from Revelation that did it.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 11:33 (twelve years ago) link
lol, of course I was the only one to list "We All Feel Better In The Dark" as #1
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 11:56 (twelve years ago) link
I had it as my #3, and almost ranked it higher
― I DIED, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 12:29 (twelve years ago) link
I think I might have cut it from my last 25
― undeɹrated ærosm?th b∞tlegs I have pwned (sic), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 13:06 (twelve years ago) link
Can we post our ballots when it's all done?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 13:13 (twelve years ago) link
I don't know if I should be concerned that so much of my ballot is showing up or psyched that I am so clued into the ILX PSB hivemind
btw if "Domino Dancing" is the highest-placing single I will hate all of you all day all day
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 13:31 (twelve years ago) link
I was going to post a link to the google spreadsheet if no one objected, anyone who's keen and a bit more spreadsheet savvy could then have a play about with the figures.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 13:32 (twelve years ago) link
btw thank you all for reminding me that "I Don't Know What You Want But This Song Title Just Isn't Long Enough" is fucking great, I often overlook it in the sea of "For Your Own Good"/"Closer To Heaven"/"New York City Boy" that surrounds it
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 13:35 (twelve years ago) link
The "For Your Own Good"-"Closer To Heaven"-"I Don't Know" sequence is so good that I stop listening at this point. I'm helped by the fact that "Happiness is an Option" is a fucking dog.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:24 (twelve years ago) link
yeah, 4th track on that album is an instant fast-forward. But what a group of first three tracks.
What does everyone think of "In Denial"? I am kind of partial to it despite the obviousness, sentimentality etc.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:41 (twelve years ago) link
Love In Denial. Almost voted for it. I may be in a minority there.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:43 (twelve years ago) link
It's okay at best. I'm more taken with "Boy Strange."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:44 (twelve years ago) link
I dig it's way-over-the-topness.
― Gukbe, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:44 (twelve years ago) link
my favorite parts are the line "who in his pathetic own way denies he's gay" to describe the boyfriend and the turnaround at the end when the daughter asks if HE can still love HER. Very sad situation and thankfully increasingly less common.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 14:52 (twelve years ago) link
On the later albums, I'm drawn to the more overt storytelling - I Get Along is another favourite. In Denial is such a wonderful, economical character study.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:00 (twelve years ago) link
Running Spotify playlist here ppls: http://open.spotify.com/user/dalzinho/playlist/727ciD0cHSADIUd8tircRX
― scotstvo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:24 (twelve years ago) link
4 of mine so far (one more chance, losing my mind, i'm not scared, i don't know what you want etc). amazed there was only 32 ballots tho, thought that if there was one poll on ilm that would see a big turnout it would've been this.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:26 (twelve years ago) link
Is "In Denial" the only PSB song that explicitly uses the word gay?
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:34 (twelve years ago) link
wow a lot of Nightlife love on here, i thought i was on my own with that. easily their best album after the early 90s i think. massively under-rated.
― piscesx, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:37 (twelve years ago) link
I agree with that; it certainly sticks in my head more than subsequent albums, which all contain songs I like but rarely go back to.
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:40 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, expected a few more ballots, especially since Pavement got 60+. Nothing from Geir which surprised me.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 15:45 (twelve years ago) link
Been listening to Actually today and struck by how great the rhythm programming is. The beats on Rent and What Have I Done to Deserve This are so unusual and distinctive. I think they lost something when the pumping 4/4 became their default setting. I voted for Was That What It Was not for the songwriting or Tennant's weird, out-of-tune vocal but the programming. I used to listen to that over and over. Giant drums! Orchestral stabs!
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 16:47 (twelve years ago) link
was THAT what it was?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:07 (twelve years ago) link
what are ppl's guesses for highest-charting single/b-side/album track?
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:12 (twelve years ago) link
PANINARO OH-OH-OH-OHHHHHHHHHHHHH
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:13 (twelve years ago) link
Album track - King's Cross? Dreaming of the Queen? This Must Be the Place?B-side - PaninaroSingle - I can see Being Boring being the consensus choice. Is there any PSBs fan who doesn't rate that?
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:20 (twelve years ago) link
I like "Being Boring" a ton but it didn't make my ballot
personally I'm hoping for "Rent"
I agree with "Paninaro" and "King's Cross"
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:23 (twelve years ago) link
people don't like Liberation?
― gospodin simmel, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:25 (twelve years ago) link
I don't. Their first really bland song.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:28 (twelve years ago) link
One moral I've drawn from this wretched record: don't have high expectations of pop stars. Despite their protestations, they'll never fail to let you down. Despite myself, I'll seek solace in my beloved Gay Dad album.
— Paul Cooper, November 2, 1999
― omar little, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:28 (twelve years ago) link
I've learned to like it over the years. I love his falsetto and the line about his lover sleeping on his shoulder.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:28 (twelve years ago) link
tbh I first "Liberation" as an excerpt from the E-Smoove remix on Disco 2 and have never been able to reconcile that monster stomper with the gentle album track
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:29 (twelve years ago) link
Wither Shameless?
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:32 (twelve years ago) link
I'm sure "Shameless" will pop up later (although I'm bummed that if it does appear, it will be higher than "We All Feel Better In The Dark", "It Must Be Obvious" and "Some Speculation")
really hoping others are as infatuated with "Don Juan", "Jack The Lad" and "You Know Where You Went Wrong" as I am
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:34 (twelve years ago) link
I ended up going for Absolutely Fabulous and Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend over Shameless, though neither of the latter two made my final ballot.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:35 (twelve years ago) link
You know what track we missed at first?
"Decadence."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:35 (twelve years ago) link
I cut Shameless, Don Juan and YKWYWW at the last minute, regrettably. Problem is PSBs have so many unfuckwithable singles that I didn't have enough space for B-sides.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:36 (twelve years ago) link
I've said this before but I really really really really wish "Domino Dancing" and "Don Juan" had been flipped on the single
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:37 (twelve years ago) link
I mean not enough space for all the B-sides I love - I still voted for 5.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:37 (twelve years ago) link
haha I voted for 9
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:39 (twelve years ago) link
My #1 is a B-side.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 17:50 (twelve years ago) link
I'm glad someone else voted for "Was That What It Was?". Don't expect it to make it though. I'm still hoping the other "I'm Not Scared" charts though. The "cannons" sample intro is incredible.
My top predictions:
B-Side - PaninaroSingle - Being BoringAlbum track - 2/0
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 18:53 (twelve years ago) link
surprised that no one is picking West End Girls for top single.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 18:58 (twelve years ago) link
Paninaro was a single, wasn't it?
― Gukbe, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:01 (twelve years ago) link
I think WEG IS their best single. But "Being Boring" has always been the fans' favourite.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:01 (twelve years ago) link
xpost - Sort of. Paninaro '95 was.
TS: Paninaro '95 vs Freedom '90
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:02 (twelve years ago) link
The Paninaro I love was never a single.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:02 (twelve years ago) link
I may be the only PSB fan who never wants to hear "West End Girls" again.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:03 (twelve years ago) link
I always think that until I actually hear it.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:03 (twelve years ago) link
I'd rank the Please singles "Love Comes Quickly" > "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)" > "West End Girls" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Suburbia (single remix)"
Had they used the album version of "Suburbia" as the single, that would have been my favorite.
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:05 (twelve years ago) link
I like it but for many years it was the only single I heard on the radio; when I finally heard the rest of their catalog I never returned. I prefer "Opportunities" and "Loves Comes Quickly." The latter I've criminally underrated over the years until it snuck up on me recently and just made me cry.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:05 (twelve years ago) link
LQC is such an astonishing song, it angers me that it never took off in the US
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:07 (twelve years ago) link
"West End Girls" = best song ever recorded (by anyone)
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:07 (twelve years ago) link
Now I think, "This is how falling in love sounds like."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:08 (twelve years ago) link
Hello I just got here. I'm glad some of my selections already showed up ("Do I Have To?", "Liberation", "Your Funny Uncle") and some cuts I really love but couldn't vote for made it as well ("A Red Letter Day", "Some Speculation", "IDKWYWBICGIA").I voted for 7 B-Sides. I'm pretty sure the #1 will be a single. It's one of two choices.
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 19:10 (twelve years ago) link
30. In The Night. (1985, 157 points, 7 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aClPCqzVyFg&feature=player_detailpage#t=3s
http://open.spotify.com/track/5BCAYcnudrhGaasMSgfTqa
RIF: Written by Tennant after reading David Pryce-Jones' book about Paris during the German occupation of World War II and in particular 'les Zazous', the young non-conformist sub-culture who were inspired by jazz and swing music.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:20 (twelve years ago) link
hott
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:20 (twelve years ago) link
lots of great remixes of this one.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
For the full version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsuA3NAgK0c
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
This might be their sexiest song.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:26 (twelve years ago) link
I love the version on Disco
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:27 (twelve years ago) link
29. Jealousy. (1990, Behaviour, 158 points, 9 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chq885RKXAI
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2fllZbKFjKd2jSpsjsHnL6
RIF: This was the first song Tennant and Lowe wrote together.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:31 (twelve years ago) link
For some reason I always thought In the night was a cover. Didn't make my ballot but came close.
― oppet, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:32 (twelve years ago) link
man, these guys have a great great catalog
I am pretty certain only one song I detest will appear on this list
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:32 (twelve years ago) link
The uploader has not made this video available in your country.
first time I've seen that message on youtube
― Josef K-Doe (WmC), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:35 (twelve years ago) link
I see that all of the time, mostly because 90% of the official Cure videos throw it up
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:35 (twelve years ago) link
28. Flamboyant. (2003, Standalone, 161 points, 7 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gYW6V4UrIo
http://open.spotify.com/track/7vo6qo8LPbxE1R4cijH2Dp
RIF: Is featured in the skiing film 'Turbo', (nope, me neither).
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:40 (twelve years ago) link
27. I Want To Wake Up. (1987, Actually, 162 points, 6 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj6zSmayyeQ
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3UVVJpL04BCkJhDY56NXwO
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:44 (twelve years ago) link
Yes! Didn't have room for it in my ballot, but I think it's great. Especially the Scissor Sisters remix. (x-post)
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:48 (twelve years ago) link
My friend was all "wtf" when he saw "I Want To Wake Up" on my ballot. Guess he was wrong.
― Gukbe, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:49 (twelve years ago) link
26. I Want A Dog. (1988, B-Side/Introspective, 169 points, 7 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5BsMNTwbY
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/7lu2tLkqGZe3lRAV1J6ZX1
RIF: Tennant's homage to Iggy Pop.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:49 (twelve years ago) link
and Johnny Marr's favorite PSB song!
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:50 (twelve years ago) link
25. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing. (1993, Very, 189 points, 9 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnwREox5JrU
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/0drsf7gl9GaqXH9Ry5gv7s
RIF: The only video to feature the Boys running.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 20:55 (twelve years ago) link
My #2. Such a great happy song. The album version is my favorite.
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:00 (twelve years ago) link
I had no idea I Want a Dog was so popular.
Good to see Flamboyant make it, I wonder if that will be the highest of the later Pet Shop songs? Maybe Minimal will make it, I'm hoping The Way it Used to be will be in here somewhere.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:01 (twelve years ago) link
Next up, my number one.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:02 (twelve years ago) link
I voted for quite a few later songs, including "The Way It Used To Be".
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:03 (twelve years ago) link
I'm still hoping Fugitive will make it.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:03 (twelve years ago) link
24. Young Offender. (1993, Very, 194 points, 7 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNdfweCLbws
http://open.spotify.com/track/2mW9NoDYvVCz4wxixsGYjf
RIF: This pisses over the track with the same title by New Order.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:04 (twelve years ago) link
This almost made my list, really love this song but I already had five songs from Very in my list.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:06 (twelve years ago) link
So far, only 3 songs from my ballot.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:10 (twelve years ago) link
I'll do what you want if you want me enoughI'll put down my book and start falling in love
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:12 (twelve years ago) link
Next up, a song we've already had.
23. I'm Not Scared. (1988, Introspective, 195 points, 8 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dj3ymyCl3s
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/1nBb2RD977IqXEY3yWxjBW
RIF: Written by Tennant after successfully overcoming his agoraphobia.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:12 (twelve years ago) link
daavid, I put Fugitive high on my ballot so you never know.
Only paid attention to Young offender after people were hyping it for the poll. Like it a lot.
― oppet, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:14 (twelve years ago) link
Awesome. I voted for most of this batch. But... inexplicably, I'm not sure I've ever even heard "Flamboyant" before!!!
xpost: would never have guessed there was this much love for "I'm Not Scared" in any of its incarnations.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:15 (twelve years ago) link
I'm Not Scared my number 5, Young Offender my number 2.
― Gukbe, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:15 (twelve years ago) link
xxpost fingers crossed!
"I'm Not Scared" so far my favourite song on the list
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:16 (twelve years ago) link
Dan, look away now.
22. Domino Dancing. (1988, Introspective, 195 points, 10 votes, 0 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik2YF05iX2w
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/2ttsl8yf9YJhlHEUKobmeJ
RIF: Their last US Top 40 single.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:17 (twelve years ago) link
The version of "I'm Not Scared" on Introspective is majestic in the right way. Love the rising and falling sequencer line.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:18 (twelve years ago) link
Lots of Introspective in the last few tracks. My favorite PSB album but I think I only voted for WEG and Domino Dancing.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:19 (twelve years ago) link
omfg
it didn't make the top 20
really really really happy (because I knew it was going to show up; I was dreading a top 5 finish)
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:19 (twelve years ago) link
I didn't think DD would make it! Pleasantly surprised.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:19 (twelve years ago) link
Domino Dancing is my favourite PSB video.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:21 (twelve years ago) link
I wanna BE in that video!
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:22 (twelve years ago) link
21. Suburbia. (1986, Please, 205 points, 9 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VCqAjYO3NM
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/5pe3YdqFq6jUc4WardZgto
RIF: Inspired by the Penelope Spheeris film of the same name.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:22 (twelve years ago) link
such pretty people
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:23 (twelve years ago) link
20. Se A Vida É (That's the Way Life Is) (1996, Bilingual, 215 points, 9 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6dV59MEc_o
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3CDWeAFgNs5lUsPCySDSxK
RIF: The translation is incorrect and should be 'If Life Is'.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:26 (twelve years ago) link
can I just say the Deep Dish Liquid remix of this is FANTASTIC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exv_HdcnU6o
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:28 (twelve years ago) link
think I Want To Wake Up was my number one vote... TOO LOOOOW
― I'm A Genius, Too! (Jamie_ATP), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:29 (twelve years ago) link
Domino Dancing RIF (#2): Title inspired by Chris being upset from losing at dominoes. Never thought of this before but the line "...or are you just a bad loser" is probably a reference to that.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:30 (twelve years ago) link
19. Home And Dry. (2002, Release, 216 points, 10 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ossii9Ipiv4
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/0ZlVW64JVzh7QXKAwfza1t
RIF: Chris's spoken "We're going home" near the end of the song is a conscious nod to Paul McCartney's matching spoken words at the end of the Beatles track "Two of Us."
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
3 mins into this deep dish rmx and...woah.
― oppet, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
yeah! tbh this was the first version of "Se A Vida E" I heard and is what I always think of when I think of the song
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:34 (twelve years ago) link
At this point it seem very likely that all tracks on Introspective will chart.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:35 (twelve years ago) link
Huh. Only three of my songs have placed so far. Seems to be the way with me and polls - my choices either make up most of the top 20 or don't appear at all.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:36 (twelve years ago) link
18. Go West. (1993, Very, 223 points, 10 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNBjMRvOB5M
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3kkwL9s48fjogUXKfbLgqx
RIF: This song is played whenever SSC Napoli win a home game.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:38 (twelve years ago) link
Glad to see something from Bilingual show up. I never knew people rated "Se A Vida É". Was it it's inclusion on the last tour that helped it? (x-post)
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:39 (twelve years ago) link
Always loved it. Wasn't it their biggest Brit hit from the album?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:40 (twelve years ago) link
Nice video too, filmed in Florida.
I rank Se A Vida E behind the first three songs on Bilingual but it's a solid track. Funny how closely the first few tracks on Bilingual mirror Nightlife, with #4 being a total dud.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:41 (twelve years ago) link
IIRC ppl have been all about "Se A Vida E" since it came out (that was why I originally sought it out, which lead me to that Deep Dish remix)
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:41 (twelve years ago) link
"Home and Dry" was one of only 3 21st century choices for me. One-phrase-repeated choruses always have the potential to annoy but this keeps on giving. Hadn't seen this video until this week though. Fabulousness.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:41 (twelve years ago) link
That's your lot for tonight. I'm up early tomorrow and need my beauty sleep. 17-1 tomorrow evening.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:42 (twelve years ago) link
tbh I have never really "gotten" "Go West"
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:43 (twelve years ago) link
Se A Vida É is a lovely song and so much better than Before which is a contender for my least favourite single of theirs.
I really don't understand the appeal of Home & Dry, it's the first song in the list I'm pretty disappointed to see place.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:43 (twelve years ago) link
This is worth checkinhg out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M10gkdP6tt4
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:45 (twelve years ago) link
who voted for "It Always Comes As a Surprise"?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:45 (twelve years ago) link
OK here goes my top 10 prediction and back to work:
10 - King's Cross9 - What Have I Done To Deserve This8 - Left To My Own Devices7 - Love Comes Quickly6 - Rent 5 - Always On My Mind4 - Paninaro3 - Can You Forgive Her?2 - West End Girls1 - Being Boring
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:46 (twelve years ago) link
The miners' choir in that vid is breathtaking. xpost
― scotstvo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:46 (twelve years ago) link
I really like "Se A Vida É", but it would probably come 7th or 8th for me on Bilingual. (x-post)
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:47 (twelve years ago) link
New York City Boy is a far superior take on the Go West theme.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:50 (twelve years ago) link
^^^^ agreed!
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:52 (twelve years ago) link
"New York City Boy" got a fair amount of airplay here -- without checking I think it's their biggest American crossover hit since the early nineties -- but I know a lot of rong people who think it's rather tacky.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:53 (twelve years ago) link
That would be me. I find it a bit PSB-by-numbers and much less moving than Go West.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:54 (twelve years ago) link
I don't understand that at all. There really isn't anything about "Go West" that doesn't make me roll my eyes to the point of sprain.
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:57 (twelve years ago) link
As someone in a (superficially) similar life situation as the video's main character when the track came out, I don't have a problem with the tacky obvious parts of New York City Boy. But it sure isn't the most subtle thing in the world. With Go West, the listener does get to fill in the blanks a little.
― skip, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 21:57 (twelve years ago) link
(I hate the original too so it isn't totally PSB's fault)
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:00 (twelve years ago) link
You have to at least give them credit for taking a genuinely joyful and optimistic track and turning into something rather mournful without actually changing much.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:11 (twelve years ago) link
I've never liked Bilingual, but look forward to pulling out Nightlife and Fundamental again.
Interesting fact: PSB one of the few bands my wife and I love equally, can listen to every day, any time. It's true!
Other true fact: PSB my cousin's fave act besides Pearl Jam and Rush (!).
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:19 (twelve years ago) link
I have never gotten "mournful" off of their version of "Go West", including the listen I just gave it to see if I'd changed my mind (I hadn't).
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:29 (twelve years ago) link
It was a really significant cultural moment here and I can't quite remember why.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:33 (twelve years ago) link
if you don't like go west you don't get the pet shop boys
― jabba hands, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:36 (twelve years ago) link
Didn't it accompany their official coming out? That was how it was pitched over here, anyway.
also jabba is completely OffTM
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:37 (twelve years ago) link
I definitely detect a tinge of sadness/hopeful melancholy in "Go West."
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:38 (twelve years ago) link
;)
― jabba hands, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:39 (twelve years ago) link
that is largely because of what Neil Tennant's voice sounds like, IMO
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:40 (twelve years ago) link
I can buy that. But not everything he sings is steeped in melancholy. Compare this song to something like Se a Vida, for example.
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:44 (twelve years ago) link
Nice run tonight! Bit bummed that "I Want To Wake Up" placed so low though.
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:45 (twelve years ago) link
xxpost It's not super obvious, context is an important part of it: The gay utopia thing gone sour because of AIDS and the fall of the Soviet Union and communism... but I sort of agree with jabba hands, it's all in Tennant's voice really.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:47 (twelve years ago) link
wait, how did the fall of the Soviet Union make gay utopia go sour
(I do remember subtext around HIV/AIDS now that you mention it)
― DJP, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:49 (twelve years ago) link
It made English departments in American universities the only places to fuck self-avowed communists.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:51 (twelve years ago) link
Unrelated. They thought of it in the context of AIDS, but then they thought it could also apply to the demise of the communism, which was happening at the time. They went with that idea for the video.
― daavid, Tuesday, 5 July 2011 22:55 (twelve years ago) link
I wish allmusic could find a better intro to the PSBs than this:
Postmodern ironists cloaked behind a veil of buoyantly melodic and lushly romantic synth pop confections…
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 08:21 (twelve years ago) link
fuck adverbs
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 12:49 (twelve years ago) link
okay which ILXor wrote that
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 13:10 (twelve years ago) link
yeah, I don't hear much of anything mournful in Go West, either.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 13:38 (twelve years ago) link
I guess you could interpret it as an impossible fantasy of escape from a shitty situation.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 13:40 (twelve years ago) link
Translated into English, "Postmodern ironists cloaked behind a veil of buoyantly melodic and lushly romantic synth pop confections" means "English faggots."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 13:42 (twelve years ago) link
"Satiric and irreverent -- yet somehow strangely affecting -- Pet Shop Boys transcended the seeming disposability of their craft, offering wry and thoughtful cultural commentary communicated by the Morse code of au courant synth washes and drum-machine rhythms."
― mike t-diva, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 14:27 (twelve years ago) link
Please stop ("yet somehow strangely affecting "!). btw that AMG profile is at least ten years o.d
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 14:28 (twelve years ago) link
"Go West" absolutely has a mournful side to it, a lot of it stemming from it being a cover. The original was about pre-AIDS San Francisco, and their 1993 cover is a kind of bookend. In a deeply ironic and moving way, it's like they're angels of death singing this song. My #1.
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 14:53 (twelve years ago) link
They're basically doing a gay version of Randy Newman's "Sail Away."
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 14:56 (twelve years ago) link
(And I can't stand synth-horns, but "Go West" and Jane Wiedlin's Fur get around that.)
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 15:05 (twelve years ago) link
Hear a songThat's the bombIf you don't get the mixIt's gone eighty-six
These lines in NYCBoy make me cringe a bit, like Neal is reaching for, but not grasping, some sort of "authentic youth culture."
I prefer "Go West," but regardless of preference they're very different songs. NYCB is a coming of age song, it celebrates individual freedom. GW is about solidarity, community, a collective freedom.
― Megadeth Monk (Paul in Santa Cruz), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:30 (twelve years ago) link
You know what other song I missed that I wish some of you mentioned? "Was It Worth It." It gets better with each listen.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:32 (twelve years ago) link
Didn't they leave that off PopArt because it was their first single not to make the Top 20? Amazingly, only two subsequent singles (Numb and Did You See Me Coming?) have missed the Top 20 and both did better than Was It Worth It?
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:37 (twelve years ago) link
Recap 50-18.
18 Go West Very 223 10 119 Home and Dry Release 216 10 020 Se A Vida E (That's The Way Life Is) Bilingual 215 9 121 Suburbia Please 205 9 022 I'm Not Scared B-side 195 8 023 Domino Dancing Introspective 195 10 024 Young Offender Very 194 7 125 I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing Very 189 9 126 I Want A Dog Introspective 169 7 027 I Want To Wake Up Actually 162 6 128 Flamboyant Standalone 161 7 129 Jealousy Behaviour 158 9 030 In The Night B-side 157 7 031 We All Feel Better In The Dark B-side 138 6 132 Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man) Disco 3 136 5 033 I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore Nightlife 129 6 034 Your Funny Uncle B-side 124 6 035 One More Chance B-side 123 5 036 The Truck Driver and his Mate B-side 120 6 037 It's Alright Introspective 118 4 038 My October Symphony Behaviour 116 5 039 Losing My Mind (Liza Minelli) Collaboration 109 6 040 Miserabilism B-side 106 6 041 It Couldn't Happen Here Actually 105 5 042 It Must Be Obvious B-side 98 5 043 Some Speculation B-side 98 4 044 Love Etc Yes 94 5 045 Where The Streets Have No Name(I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) Standalone 87 4 046 A Red Letter Day Bilingual 83 4 047 Liberation Very 81 4 048 To Face The Truth Behaviour 77 3 049 Do I Have To? B-Side 76 4 050 I'm Not Scared (Eighth Wonder) Collaboration 69 4 0
17-1 coming up soon. If you want to try predicting the top 10, now's the time to do it.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:39 (twelve years ago) link
OK then. No particular order:
Being BoringWest End GirlsRentWhat Have I Done to Deserve This?Always on My MindLeft to My Own DevicesIt's a SinPaninaroSo HardCan You Forgive Her?
Further down: Drunk, Dreaming of the Queen, Zero, King's Cross, This Must Be the Place… and some other stuff
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:48 (twelve years ago) link
I am still holding out hope for appearances by at least one of "Don Juan", "Jack The Lad" and "You Know Where You Went Wrong"
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 17:50 (twelve years ago) link
I'll add Opportunities and Shameless to the predictions list for the full 17.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:01 (twelve years ago) link
in order: West End Girls - Left To My Own Devices - Being Boring - Rent - What Have I Done To Deserve This? - King's Cross - So Hard - Can You Forgive Her? - Paninaro - It's A Sin
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:04 (twelve years ago) link
gah, that's practically the same ten
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:06 (twelve years ago) link
Funny that Fundamental has been rated higher than Release and Yes and yet it doesn't look to be represented in this poll.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:07 (twelve years ago) link
It's a much stronger album but it doesn't have a standout track - I could have voted for Integral, Indefinite Leave, Casanova in Hell, Sodom and Gomorrah or Minimal but ended up choosing none of them - whereas Release and Yes have obvious highlights and a fair few duds.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:09 (twelve years ago) link
17. So Hard. (1990, Behaviour, 223 points, 10 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFAA6Z_YIEM
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/7imWD2KFgk54awjfjmK3cJ
RIF: The track contains a sample from a porno movie featuring a woman moaning the title.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:11 (twelve years ago) link
I voted for "Minimal", as I think that's one of their strongest singles in a while. I was tempted to vote "Casanova in Hell" for the Rufus Wainwright version, but I don't guess that would have gathered much steam.
xpost
Aah, I didn't vote for it, and I didn't expect to see it here, but it's always been one of my favourite singles by them. I think the "so whose matches are those" line is what made me realize I really loved the band back when I was first listening to them.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:12 (twelve years ago) link
Also, isn't that Gazza's daughter in the video?
Me too. I also love the contrast between all the different elements in the arrangement - it's almost too cluttered but it works.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:17 (twelve years ago) link
I didn't end up voting for "So Hard" but it is a great, great song
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:18 (twelve years ago) link
This was in my head for days while making the poll. Very scattershot track but every part of the chorus is seriously catchy and the bass line is awesome.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:19 (twelve years ago) link
while making my top 20 I mean
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:20 (twelve years ago) link
16. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk. (1999, Nightlife, 235 points, 10 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHVMCugvrMg
Spotify:http://open.spotify.com/track/0lu6VJmIZSC5hPAfpLo4Xp
RIF:The godlike BJ Cole provides the pedal steel on this track.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:33 (twelve years ago) link
^^^^^^ can imagine Merle Haggard covering it.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:36 (twelve years ago) link
Listened to this a lot recently and seriously considered it for my #1. I think my love for Joe Meek swayed me towards it as much as the song itself.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:39 (twelve years ago) link
"What a performance tonight" - "dissing him like a punk" - sorry, I can't see Merle singing those line. I'm always reminded of this bar in Atlanta that has line dancing - it's like the theme song for the queeny country boy.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:45 (twelve years ago) link
This is the kind of song that means I get angry when people call them post-modern ironists. There's a mile-wide streak of emotional vulnerability in their songs. I think Disappointed is one of Tennant's quintessential titles. His heartbreak songs are rarely angry or vengeful or melodramatic - they're disappointed.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:46 (twelve years ago) link
OTM. It's just a beautiful song.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:50 (twelve years ago) link
Yes, absolutely. There's a vein of pomo irony in some tracks, one coming up soon, but 'Drunk' is cards on the table, heartbreakingly honest.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:50 (twelve years ago) link
"What a performance tonight" - "dissing him like a punk" - sorry, I can't see Merle singing those line.
this is the guy who sang "Footlights" and "How Did You Find Me Here." Drop the "g" in "dissing" and he's in business.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:51 (twelve years ago) link
15. Opportunities (Let's Maker Lots of Money). (1985, Please, 237 points, 11 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di60NYGu03Y
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/31gybC6HkcvWvHHaAckY9K
RIF: Chris Lowe came up with the hookline "I've got the brains, you've got the looks, let's make lots of money."
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:55 (twelve years ago) link
Guys, check out this live version from 1986 – both Neil and Chris play!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzKR_5aaYck
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:57 (twelve years ago) link
this was my #2, seems low. Then again I didn't grow up with it and haven't heard it played to death.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 18:58 (twelve years ago) link
I bet this song gets on the PSBs' nerves sometimes. I remember this and Shopping being hugely misunderstood by people who only listened to the choruses. Meanwhile half the people who did understand them tagged them as postmodern ironists for ever more.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:00 (twelve years ago) link
Another fun fact: the only hit that charted higher in America (#10) than England (#11).
I never heard it as much as "West End Girls," which might explain why I always perform it at karaoke.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:00 (twelve years ago) link
This is the first song I ever knowingly heard by them, and even then I didn't catch their name and it was months before I figured out who it was. I saw the video when MTV2 premiered.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:02 (twelve years ago) link
Big jump in points from now on.
14. Can You Forgive Her? (1993, Very, 253 points, 12 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me4AhOi6LYE
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3NIX0G2ajYENIRQzhLQ4Ua
RIF: The title is borrowed from Anthony Trollope's 1865 novel of the same name.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:03 (twelve years ago) link
Wasn't going to vote for it, but the "cricket pavilion" line is just too good.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:04 (twelve years ago) link
Opportunities and Shopping are great political songs. Also, Integral. Not I'm with stupid though.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:05 (twelve years ago) link
I've come to really like "I'm With Stupid" over the past few weeks, after years of really disliking it.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:06 (twelve years ago) link
I've gone the other way. Liked it first time around, but relistening to Fundamental this week it was one of the weakest tracks.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:09 (twelve years ago) link
Whatever Tennant-Lowe say, I still hear "I'm With Stupid" as a love song, not a "political commentary" (yes yes love is politics).
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:11 (twelve years ago) link
a sequel to "Young Offender" or "Boy Strange."
Can You Forgive Her is too low
― gospodin simmel, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:12 (twelve years ago) link
xp When they'd done the political-alliance-as-love-affair thing so well with I Get Along I don't know how they could have done it so lamely with I'm With Stupid. And the Little Britain video too - ugh.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:14 (twelve years ago) link
top 13 and 13 left of my list still to show up. guessing viva le vida/domino dancing and miracles are gonna be the let downs. still holding out hope for the way it used to be tho.
xp. i want to wake up is FAR too low.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:16 (twelve years ago) link
13. Two Divided By Zero. (1986, Please, 266 points, 11 votes, 1 number one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oDhGiNKsyM&feature=fvsr
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/64MccFRFPz3xAxwwTLp1hu
RIF:The 'computer' voice is sample from a talking calculator Tennant bought for his father.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:17 (twelve years ago) link
TOO LOW
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:18 (twelve years ago) link
Sometimes I think "Two Divided By Zero" is all one needs of the Pet Shop Boys.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:19 (twelve years ago) link
It's got everything: compelling synth pattern, awesome percussion, great Tennant vocal, and a pocket calculator sample.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:20 (twelve years ago) link
Chris Lowe is pretty hunky on the Please cover huh?
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:20 (twelve years ago) link
12. Heart. (1987, Actually, 272 points, 10 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aucIfj7VFcg&feature=fvsr
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6N5n6vJeOGNAoVXEMW833i
RIF: Was originally intended to be used in the Spielberg produced film 'Innerspace'.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:24 (twelve years ago) link
this is one of the few remixed singles of this era where I didn't despise the single version as compared to the original
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:25 (twelve years ago) link
Lowe was at his hunkiest in this period:
http://wpcontent.answcdn.com/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/32/PSB_Love_Comes_Quickly.jpg/220px-PSB_Love_Comes_Quickly.jpg
Rowr.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:25 (twelve years ago) link
i have no idea how 2/0 didn't make my cut tbh. was in my final 25 or so and then... i don't know. how did Heart not make the top 10? one of their most perfect pop moments and one of neal's best vocals.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:28 (twelve years ago) link
11. This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave. (1990, Behaviour, 287 points, 13 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roca7FVAIEs
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/5vFdU5glHeNZQ9pchLzBGG
RIF: The backing track was originally used when trying to do the theme tune to the 1987 Bond film, 'The Loving Daylights'.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:29 (twelve years ago) link
neil wtf (xp)
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:30 (twelve years ago) link
Hell yes. Used to be my favourite Behaviour track until I got older and Being Boring sunk its teeth into me.
Even when it came out and I was a total PSB stan I thought Heart was too lightweight, especially compared to the three Actually singles that preceded it.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:32 (twelve years ago) link
Behaviour is getting a ton of love.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:32 (twelve years ago) link
I thought Behaviour always got a ton of love
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:33 (twelve years ago) link
Heart was never one of my favourites at the time but it's really grown on me recently.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:35 (twelve years ago) link
Heart does seem a bit lightweight in comparison to these other tracks but it's so damn catchy
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:36 (twelve years ago) link
The bit in Heart where the song LITERALLY SKIPS A BEAT is one of my favourite PSB moments.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:37 (twelve years ago) link
Ha, not sure why I never thought of the full stop as skipping a beat. Those clever Boys!
― Vinnie, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:38 (twelve years ago) link
― skip, Wednesday, July 6, 2011 9:32 PM (6 minutes ago) Bookmark
And it should! Nearly all songs on that album could place in a top 50 imho
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:40 (twelve years ago) link
I like these surprising songs popping up, or rather, at surprising places. If this top 50 were a tracklist, from front to back it would be A+.
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:41 (twelve years ago) link
10. It's A Sin. (1987, Actually, 296 points, 14 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRHetRTOD1Q
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6vYK729O29XnvQqPWyLPfe
RIF: The Latin text Tennant says at the end of the song translates as "I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, act, and omission, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault."
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:42 (twelve years ago) link
Behaviour has so many great songs. I was hoping "Nervously" would make it, but it's unlikely now. (xpost)
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:44 (twelve years ago) link
We're going to be pretty firmly in Singles territory now, right?
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:46 (twelve years ago) link
"King's Cross" still has a shot
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:48 (twelve years ago) link
Nervously was in my top 10 iirc
xxp
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:48 (twelve years ago) link
I predict at least two non-singles coming up.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:48 (twelve years ago) link
― DJP, Wednesday, July 6, 2011 9:48 PM (19 seconds ago) Bookmark
"Still has a shot"? King's cross damn well be top 5 ffs!
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:49 (twelve years ago) link
hoping King's Cross flys the flag for the album tracks. ha xxp.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:49 (twelve years ago) link
What about "Dreaming Of The Queen"? It has to show up too, doesn't it?
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:52 (twelve years ago) link
I wonder why wasn't King's Cross a single? Or anything else on Actually. After a no. 1 it's pretty much a no brainer to release another single from the album.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:53 (twelve years ago) link
I don't think DOTQ will show up.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:56 (twelve years ago) link
Massive jump in points here.
9. Love Comes Quickly. (1986, Please, 355 points, 14 votes, 0 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHaA1beOwrY
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/7ARLgcWkYVvngfkKHxgXQq
RIF: Roxy Music's Andy MacKay plays saxophone at the end of the song.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:57 (twelve years ago) link
<4
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:58 (twelve years ago) link
such a fantastic song, that competes with "Rent" as my favorite of their singles
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:58 (twelve years ago) link
"Heart" was the album's FOURTH single (and it hit #1, to their and everyone's surprise).
Tom Ewing's take last year: http://freakytrigger.co.uk/popular/2010/06/pet-shop-boys-heart/
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 19:58 (twelve years ago) link
My number three... all time favourite
Next, the highest placed b-side.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:07 (twelve years ago) link
8. Paninaro. (1986, B-side/Disco, 396 points, 17 votes, 2 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAf0_UftBNI
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6dQr87kRxbz2ZLwQSyFemr
RIF: Dylan Jones writing for i-D magazine mistakenly stated that the Boys had written a song called 'Paninaro', when in fact he'd mistaken what he read in a 'Rolling Stone' article about them. When Tennant and Lowe read the article they realised it would be a great idea and using a previous backing track penned this homage to the Italian youth cult.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:08 (twelve years ago) link
yay but ;_;
y'all should relisten to "Don Juan" and "Jack The Lad"
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:09 (twelve years ago) link
Very surprised "Shameless" didn't even place.
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:12 (twelve years ago) link
I'm not, tbh; the problem with doing a song like that is that people will go "yup, that song is totally shameless" and move on to other, more nuanced fare (like "Go West", lol)
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:13 (twelve years ago) link
POM-POM-PORORUM, POM-POM-PORORUM = BEST. INTRO. EVER.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:14 (twelve years ago) link
Next, the highest placed album track.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:17 (twelve years ago) link
7. King's Cross. (1987, Actually, 409 points, 15 votes, 2 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fv8YiZXlOQ
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/7gRWAZMjr7uk4Eqic9MGPO
RIF: Following the King's Cross underground fire in November 1987 there was a suggestion that the song be released as a charity single, which the Boys resisted. Some funds were raised when Smash Hits created a premium cost phone line for people to listen to the song.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:18 (twelve years ago) link
xp So Dylan Jones made himself useful for once.
xxp I used to be able to recite the Latin bit from It's a Sin. The remixed live version on the last tour was astounding.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:18 (twelve years ago) link
Paninaro was my number one. What an amazing intro, and you get a real sense of how the group's sound changed from the early version and moving through the remixes. '95 should be played at every gay club every night.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:19 (twelve years ago) link
(xp) Oooh-ah-ah, Oooh-ah-ah, Oooh-ah-Oooh is also GREAT.
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:20 (twelve years ago) link
Some funds were raised when Smash Hits created a premium cost phone line for people to listen to the song.
classic
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:20 (twelve years ago) link
King's Cross is one of the great 80s protest songs.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
armani, armani, ah ah armani
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
Not sure how anyone can listen to the original "Paninaro" and not get up to dance.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:21 (twelve years ago) link
6. Left To My Own Devices. (1988, Introspective, 411 points, 15 votes, 2 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1tv_gCOUA
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/3IV99EaS0TrwHdjgjlnlFz
RIF: The 'party animal' referred to is English music journalist Jon Savage.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:24 (twelve years ago) link
well done plucky King's Cross :)
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:28 (twelve years ago) link
the way this song stretches out on Introspective is so good - it's like you're hanging out with some spoiled, pretty guy, slightly bored, slightly drunk, shooting the shit and trying to sound smart. Neil's spoken vocals are perfect.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:29 (twelve years ago) link
looks like no surprises in the top 5.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:34 (twelve years ago) link
Next, one of the greatest cover versions ever done.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:36 (twelve years ago) link
5. Always On My Mind. (1987, Standalone, 525 points, 20 votes, 1 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDe60CbIagg
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6ZCX3XnzYWsqqQKg9pVts9
RIF: Their best selling single in the UK.
What's left? West End Girls, What Have I Done to Deserve This, Always on My Mind, New York City Boy, Being Boring?
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:37 (twelve years ago) link
Fixed.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:37 (twelve years ago) link
it'll be Rent instead of NYCB.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:38 (twelve years ago) link
Love that well over half of us voted for "Paninaro", more than any of the big hits so far.
xpost: except AOMM!
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:38 (twelve years ago) link
Voted for On my mind/in my house version, in a moment of bravado/lunacy.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:39 (twelve years ago) link
Possible controversial placing, which I'll throw open for discussion. Their were two votes and 49 points given to Always On My Mind/In My House, which would have given a total of 574 points and 4th place. However using the same logic for Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing I marked it seperately.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:39 (twelve years ago) link
Ewing's take
My number 1.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:42 (twelve years ago) link
"In My House" isn't really a song, is it? I would've just counted it as a remix. It doesn't make a big difference anyway.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:42 (twelve years ago) link
yeah, I would have counted those votes with Always on My Mind. No biggie though!
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:46 (twelve years ago) link
My favourite review of AOMM by Tanya Headon.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:46 (twelve years ago) link
Speaking of reviews this is what Melody Maker wrote about it:
"The lousiest, most ham-fisted idea that Pet Shop Boys will ever have... they sound like they want to get it all over and done with so Neil can fit in his X-mas shopping."
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:48 (twelve years ago) link
Anyway, moving on.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:49 (twelve years ago) link
4. West End Girls. (1985, Please, 541 points, 20 votes, 4 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3j2NYZ8FKs
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/0By5MDC5oK9gYHy8Qe0MZz
RIF:The only UK and US number one to be inspired by T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Wasteland'.
hey sound like they want to get it all over and done with so Neil can fit in his X-mas shopping."
how is this a bad thing?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:50 (twelve years ago) link
What? Was not expecting that at all!
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:51 (twelve years ago) link
re WEG
More proof that I'm out of touch: "King's Cross" is great, I voted for it, but I had no expectation of it being that high.
xpost: A full three songs did better than WEG! Also surprising.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
gonna be boring when "Being Boring" wins this but yay "Rent" getting top 3
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
not sure how you can leave this out of the top 20 PSB songs but #4 is still a high placement.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
I said it before, but having been pretty tired of that track for a number of years, I heard it again this past week and it is just too unfuckwithable not to vote for.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
maybe not surprised West End Girls wasn't top as some seem tired of it now. i never could be, it was the first and it'll be the last, my number 1.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:53 (twelve years ago) link
lol I didn't vote for WEG even though I love it
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:53 (twelve years ago) link
that's just contrarianism gone mad.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:55 (twelve years ago) link
I didn't vote for it either.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:55 (twelve years ago) link
(a) I'm not that wowed by it (b) 98% of voters would have voted for it anyway.
Next up the top 3 and there's not a lot in it.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:56 (twelve years ago) link
WEG is a great song but I can absolutely name 20 PSB songs I like more, especially when you factor in Alternative.
I would have picked "Opportunities" before I picked WEG (though in practice I picked neither; did vote for "Love Comes Quickly" tho)
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:56 (twelve years ago) link
Genuinely quite excited. Come on Rent.
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:57 (twelve years ago) link
Now I'm rooting for WHIDTDT to beat "Rent" though it probably won't happe
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:58 (twelve years ago) link
hope Rent wins now yeah.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:58 (twelve years ago) link
nonono come on WHIDTDT?, "Rent" should be #2
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:58 (twelve years ago) link
(since it's a given "Being Boring" is #1)
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:59 (twelve years ago) link
I didn't vote for WEG either and now I feel I should have really.
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 20:59 (twelve years ago) link
I feel more of you should have voted for "Don Juan"
I dunno, i find "Rent" a little bland tbh. Great track and all but not a top 3 for me.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:00 (twelve years ago) link
still hoping "Comrades!" might sneak in ftw
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:00 (twelve years ago) link
I've got this sinking feeling I'm not dreamingWe'll be sorry soon
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:00 (twelve years ago) link
3. Being Boring. (1990, Behaviour, 607 points, 22 votes, 4 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnvFOaBoieE
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/6K7uuzEC4I4BCEDNIcS8ky
RIF:Originally started as an attempt to write a Stock, Aitken and Waterman style pop song.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:02 (twelve years ago) link
wait WAHT
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:02 (twelve years ago) link
omg I love you guys
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:03 (twelve years ago) link
So I see what's happened here. A lot of people didn't bother with WEG assuming it wouldn't need any more votes. See what you've done?
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:03 (twelve years ago) link
Originally started as an attempt to write a Stock, Aitken and Waterman style pop song.
Wow, did not know that, It doesn't sound like SAW at all!
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:04 (twelve years ago) link
Genuine shock here.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:06 (twelve years ago) link
RENT FOR #1
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:07 (twelve years ago) link
I now feel like anything is possible
i don't get this mentality of not voting for something because you assume others will. it's a poll!
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:07 (twelve years ago) link
I didn't vote for Rent, and WHIDTDT was my number one so am buzzin' right now.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:08 (twelve years ago) link
Being Shocking
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:08 (twelve years ago) link
Pretty sure "What Keeps Mankind Alive?" won't make it at this point.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:08 (twelve years ago) link
Think of it like voting in a safe liberal district.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:08 (twelve years ago) link
I lost some of my love for "WHIDTDT" over time so I didn't vote for it. "Rent" was my #3.
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:10 (twelve years ago) link
and look what happens. xp.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:11 (twelve years ago) link
oops, at work and forgot that video has a bunch of naked guys in it.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:11 (twelve years ago) link
"Rent" was my highest single; I had 3 b-sides and an album track above it
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:11 (twelve years ago) link
Struggled for a moment to remember what this other contender was besides "Rent"? What's this "WHIDTDT"? Oh yes, that... Didn't even occur to me to vote for it. You know, hating fun as I do.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:13 (twelve years ago) link
Are you ready for the top 2? There was virtually nothing in it with the top spot swapping a number of times.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:13 (twelve years ago) link
Cue...Sound of the atom splitting.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:15 (twelve years ago) link
2. Rent. (1987, Actually, 617 points, 23 votes, 4 number ones)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d0GARTk_Nk
An infamous appearance on UK TV from 1987:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6HIsJg2wGY
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/112ksLSxzrJ3yZoVfWaA5s
RIF: Covered by Liza Minelli and less successfully Carter USM
1. What Have I Done To Deserve This? (1987, Actually, 624 points, 23 votes, 3 number ones)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn9E5i7l-Eg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8nN7Ecrj7E
Spotify:http://open.spotify.com/track/3noCRXN06iyXDyWL3MhW3T
RIF: Originally Parlophone wanted Tina Turner to do the duet.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:15 (twelve years ago) link
Deserve is a total jam, deserved #1.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:16 (twelve years ago) link
YES!
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:16 (twelve years ago) link
Ah, so close! Can't complain though - great work Billy, many thanks!
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:17 (twelve years ago) link
<3 that performance at the Brits. Neil looks really nervous.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:18 (twelve years ago) link
DAMMIT A FEW PLACES UP AND RENT WOULD HAVE BEEN #1
I wouldn't have bumped any of the songs above it tho
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:18 (twelve years ago) link
Yes, thanks Billy! Great job!
damn
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:19 (twelve years ago) link
if anything, this track sounds a bit too perfect. Did they have help in the songwriting?
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:19 (twelve years ago) link
thanks Billy!
50-1 for your pleasure, note the points for #1, not that it makes much difference.
1 What Have I Done To Deserve This? Actually 634 23 32 Rent Actually 617 23 43 Being Boring Behaviour 607 22 44 West End Girls Please 541 20 45 Always On My Mind Standalone 525 20 16 Left To My Own Devices Introspective 411 15 27 King's Cross Actually 409 15 28 Paninaro B-side 398 17 29 Love Comes Quickly Please 355 14 010 It's A Sin Actually 296 14 011 This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave Behaviour 287 13 012 Heart Actually 272 10 013 Two Divided By Zero Please 266 11 114 Can You Forgive Her? Very 253 12 015 Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) Please 237 11 016 You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk Nightlife 235 10 117 So Hard Behaviour 231 11 018 Go West Very 223 10 119 Home and Dry Release 216 10 020 Se A Vida E (That's The Way Life Is) Bilingual 215 9 121 Suburbia Please 205 9 022 I'm Not Scared B-side 195 8 023 Domino Dancing Introspective 195 10 024 Young Offender Very 194 7 125 I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing Very 189 9 126 I Want A Dog Introspective 169 7 027 I Want To Wake Up Actually 162 6 128 Flamboyant Standalone 161 7 129 Jealousy Behaviour 158 9 030 In The Night B-side 157 7 031 We All Feel Better In The Dark B-side 138 6 132 Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man) Disco 3 136 5 033 I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore Nightlife 129 6 034 Your Funny Uncle B-side 124 6 035 One More Chance B-side 123 5 036 The Truck Driver and his Mate B-side 120 6 037 It's Alright Introspective 118 4 038 My October Symphony Behaviour 116 5 039 Losing My Mind (Liza Minelli) Collaboration 109 6 040 Miserabilism B-side 106 6 041 It Couldn't Happen Here Actually 105 5 042 It Must Be Obvious B-side 98 5 043 Some Speculation B-side 98 4 044 Love Etc Yes 94 5 045 Where The Streets Have No Name(I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) Standalone 87 4 046 A Red Letter Day Bilingual 83 4 047 Liberation Very 81 4 048 To Face The Truth Behaviour 77 3 049 Do I Have To? B-Side 76 4 050 I'm Not Scared (Eighth Wonder) Collaboration 69 4 0
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:20 (twelve years ago) link
fancied it for top 5 but not ftw. was my 13, Rent ws 3.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:20 (twelve years ago) link
My favorite poll yet. Thanks, guys!
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:21 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, great job Billy. I've had an absolute blast.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:21 (twelve years ago) link
Did they have help in the songwriting?
Yes, Allee Willis is credited as co-writer. She wrote the 'Since you went away...' part.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:22 (twelve years ago) link
Great poll. Every song a hit. Thanks Billy. Phew.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:23 (twelve years ago) link
Thanks for the kind words. It was a blast doing it, rediscovered my love for them and discovered a lot of new stuff. If no one has any objection I'll post a link to the google spreadsheet.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:24 (twelve years ago) link
no objection :)
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:25 (twelve years ago) link
nice work billy. 17 0f my 20 charted, canonical boring taste obv. think so many are absolute gold that they simply had to be there tho. shame about The Way It Used To Be.
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:27 (twelve years ago) link
Go for it, I want to see if Battleship Potemkin got any other votes.
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:27 (twelve years ago) link
'The Way It Used To Be' nearly made it:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqP5CgmgGL00dC13Wm5pSkI3TF9qNGhqajhiMEhYWVE&hl=en_US#gid=0
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:28 (twelve years ago) link
Wow kind of unexpected no? It's a great song though. Thanks Billy, that was fun!
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:30 (twelve years ago) link
14 of mine charted. The fallen six: in private, bet she's not your girlfriend, one of the crowd, that's my impression, on my mind/in my house, and fugitive.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:30 (twelve years ago) link
2 Rent Actually 617 23 47 King's Cross Actually 409 15 28 Paninaro B-side 398 17 29 Love Comes Quickly Please 355 14 013 Two Divided By Zero Please 266 11 119 Home and Dry Release 216 10 025 I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing Very 189 9 126 I Want A Dog Introspective 169 7 030 In The Night B-side 157 7 031 We All Feel Better In The Dark B-side 138 6 135 One More Chance B-side 123 5 042 It Must Be Obvious B-side 98 5 043 Some Speculation B-side 98 4 0
songs I voted for
saddest about "Don Juan", "You Know Where You Went Wrong", "Jack The Lad", "Why Don't We Live Together?" and "Yesterday, When I Was Mad" not making it
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
So nothing from Fundamental... and only 4 tracks from the 00s. Still think Fugitive should have been top 50.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:33 (twelve years ago) link
Thomas, I hadn't heard that version of 'In Private' before, a really great collaboration with Elton John. Sadly not available on youtube, otherwise I'd have linked it.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:34 (twelve years ago) link
(my other two tracks were "For Your Own Good" and "One and One Make Five"
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:35 (twelve years ago) link
I don't really mind but there are people's real names on that spreadsheet. Just thought I should mention it.
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:36 (twelve years ago) link
I voted for 11 of the top 13. And yes, every Battleship Potemkin vote was mine.
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:37 (twelve years ago) link
xps In Private w/ Elton is ridiculously overblown and great, and yeah not available on youtube or spotify. Might not have made my ballot either if skip hadn't sent it over to me.
― oppet, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:38 (twelve years ago) link
xp
If it's a problem, I can make it private and email it to anyone who's interested.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:38 (twelve years ago) link
Nice work Billy!
Rightly or wrongly, "WHIDTDT" felt like lesser PSB to me from the outset, along with "Heart", so this comes as a surprise. (I also live under a rock.) Such a halting melody and a somewhat dinky-sounding arrangement to these ears. Always got much more mileage out of the somber bits of Actually. "Rent" was my #1.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:38 (twelve years ago) link
My ballot:
1.Why Don't We Live Together?2. Paninaro3. Young Offender4. What Have I Done to Deserve This?5. Two Divided by Zero6. Being Boring7. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk8. The End of the World9. I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)10. Suburbia11. Shopping12. Always On My Mind13. Se a Vida E14. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)15. Rent16. This Must Be The Place I Waited Years to Leave17. I'm Not Scared18. A Man Could Get Arrested19. Can You Forgive Her20. Do I Have To
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:40 (twelve years ago) link
forgot about "To Step Aside", that's a really solid track.
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:40 (twelve years ago) link
I think two of us voted for it. It's my longtime Bilingual fav.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:41 (twelve years ago) link
1. We All Feel Better in the Dark2. I Want A Dog3. Some Speculation4. Two Divided By Zero5. Rent6. One More Chance7. Jack the Lad8. Don Juan9. In The Night10. Paninaro11. Yesterday, When I Was Mad12. You Know Where You Went Wrong13. It Must Be Obvious14. Love Comes Quickly15. King's Cross16. One and One Make Five17. For Your Own Good18. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing19. Why Don't We Live Together20. Home and Dry
― DJP, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:42 (twelve years ago) link
My top 20:
PaninaroOpportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)*Absolutely FabulousSo HardWest End GirlsLeft To My Own DevicesLove Etc*New York City BoyAlways On My MindHeartI Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore*EuroboySome SpeculationIn The NightWhat Have I Done To Deserve This?The Truck Driver and his Mate*DiscotecaHome and DryDomino DancingI Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing
Stars didn't make the top 50. I had the only vote for Euroboy and Absolutely Fabulous, ouch!
― skip, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:43 (twelve years ago) link
I almost voted for Absolutely Fabulous (was my no. 23) :/
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:47 (twelve years ago) link
1 - West End Girls2 - Always On My Mind3 - Paninaro4 - Two Divided By Zero5 - King's Cross6 - The Crying Game (Boy George)7 - Opportunities8 - I'm Not Scared9 - A Man Could Get Arrested10 - In The Night11 - Domino Dancing12 - It's A Sin13 - Go West14 - What Have I Done To Deserve This?15 - Hallo Spaceboy (David Bowie)16 - Was That What It Was?17 - Can You Forgive Her?18 - I'm Not Scared (Eighth Wonder)19 - Losing My MInd (Liza Minnelli)20 - Fugitive
― daavid, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:49 (twelve years ago) link
1. west end girls2. king's cross3. heart4. rent5. i want to wake up6. love comes quickly7. left to my own devices8. the way it used to be9. always on my mind10. being boring11. one more chance12. paninaro13. what have i done to deserve this14. losing my mind (liza minelli)15. i'm not scared (eighth wonder) 16. viva le vida/domino dancing17. go west18. so hard19. i don't know what you want but i can't give it anymore20. miracles (eric prydz mix)
― second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:54 (twelve years ago) link
20. West End Girls19. King's Cross18. Rent17. Can You Forgive Her?16. Minimal15. The Truck Driver and His Mate14. Flamboyant13. I Want to Wake Up12. Yesterday, When I Was Mad11. Losing My Mind (PSB Version)10. Being Boring09. To Step Aside 08. Jealousy07. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk06. It Couldn't Happen Here05. I'm Not Scared (PSB Version)04. Your Funny Uncle03. Home and Dry02. Young Offender01. Always On My Mind
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 21:56 (twelve years ago) link
My selections that missed out:
A Man Could Get Arrested (pleased to see that this only missed by a whisker)The TheatreTwentieth Century (sole vote)Did You See Me Coming (sole vote)
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:04 (twelve years ago) link
Wow. Totally thought "The Night I Fell in Love" or "Dreaming of the Queen" would place high. What are y'all's stance on those?
― Kevin John Bozelka, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:16 (twelve years ago) link
I like them both; neither one in my top twenty.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:17 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, they're both good, though "Dreaming" is not really one of my favourites. "The Theatre", otoh (despite not voting for it), is amazing.
― Gukbe, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:18 (twelve years ago) link
1. "Flamboyant"2. "The Samurai in Autumn"3. "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"4. "West End Girls"5. "It's Alright"6. "A Different Point of View"7. "Nothing Has Been Proved" (Dusty Springfield)8. "Left to My Own Devices"9. "Always on My Mind"10. "Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You)"11. "Being Boring"12. "Later Tonight"
Made my list quickly, no re-listening, stopped at a point where I'd start to list songs that I think are just pretty good.
― clemenza, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:24 (twelve years ago) link
1) Being Boring
2) I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind Of Thing
3) Rent
4) Dreaming Of The Queen
5) The Survivors
6) The Way It Used To Be
7) Miracles
8) Nervously
9) Always On My Mind
10) Discoteca
11) Do I Have To
12) Liberation
13) We're The Pet Shop Boys
14) Your Funny Uncle
15) Shameless
16) Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)
17) One In A Million
18) Opportunities
19) Decadence
20) Hit And Miss
― LeRooLeRoo, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:49 (twelve years ago) link
Happy to see another "The Samurai in Autumn" up there!
1. King's Cross2. What Have I Done to Deserve This?3. Always on my Mind4. Integral5. Rent6. Being Boring7. Legacy8. Se A Vida É (That's the Way Life Is)9. I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give it Anymore10. Viva la Vida / Domino Dancing11. Flamboyant12. It's a Sin13. Suburbia14. The Samurai in Autumn15. Can You Forgive Her?16. West End Girls17. I Get Along18. Jealousy19. A Red Letter Day20. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
― if, Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:52 (twelve years ago) link
My list - 16/20
1. Rent2. Always on My Mind3. Left to My Own Devices4. It’s a Sin5. Being Boring6. King’s Cross7. Do I Have To?8. What Have I Done to Deserve This?9. In the Night10. Dreaming of the Queen11. Paninaro12. So Hard13. This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave14. West End Girls15. Your Funny Uncle16. Two Divided By Zero17. I Get Along18. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk19. Was That What It Was?20. Later Tonight
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:52 (twelve years ago) link
Thanks Billy. Very enjoyable.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:53 (twelve years ago) link
sad Miracles didn't make it :-(
― I'm A Genius, Too! (Jamie_ATP), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 22:57 (twelve years ago) link
Huh?! Missed the final part of the countdown.... "What Have I..."? Really?! o_O
Anyway, great work Billy!
1. Being Boring2. My October Symphony3. Love Comes Quickly4. King's Cross5. I Want To Wake Up6. Paninaro7. Rent8. Domino Dancing9. Left To My Own Devices10. Only The Wind11. To Face The Truth12. Suburbia13. Nervously14. This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave15. Jealousy16. What Have I Done To Deserve This?17. It Couldn't Happen Here18. It's A Sin19. The Theatre20. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing
― Asamoah Nyan (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 6 July 2011 23:03 (twelve years ago) link
There are only one or two placing songs I wouldn't want to hear right now, and at least a dozen or more I love equally. Man, these guys. You guys.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 00:39 (twelve years ago) link
Oh, so glad WHIDTDT? won - as Tom said years ago on ILx, successful incorporation of divas into the PSB sound. Pristine designer regret and the possibility of glorious redemption. Hook after hook after hook. Tennant’s “at night the people…” verse is sublime. Best duet EVER MADE!.
Surprised Heart placed so low - I find it, er, classic/uncluttered rather than lightweight.
01. What Have I Done To Deserve This?02. Heart03. Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend04. Some Speculation05. Left To My Own Devices06. Try It (I'm In Love With A Married Man)07. Domino Dancing08. One Of The Crowd09. Rent10. The Sound Of The Atom Splitting11. Love Comes Quickly12. I Want A Dog [/Alternative/ version]13. I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)14. We're The Pet Shop Boys15. A New Life16. Jack The Lad17. One More Chance [1984/Bobby 'O' version]18. You Know Where You Went Wrong19. Dry Heroin [Bumtschak bootleg, Superpitcher vs Pet Shop Boys]20. Party Song
I was one of three people to vote for Jack The Lad, We're The Pet Shop Boys, and Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend; one of two people to vote for Party Song, You Know Where You Went Wrong, A New Life, I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too), The Sound Of The Atom Splitting, and One Of The Crowd, and the only vote for Dry Heroin (which didn't get folded within the Home & Dry votes).
Was hoping Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend would place - was my #1 until the last minute, one of Neil's most acrobatic vocal performances (the way the lyrics scan!), and a successful mesh of house and hi-NRG tropes in the production - those strings, and what sounds like Chris through a vocoder!
― etc, Thursday, 7 July 2011 00:49 (twelve years ago) link
A question for all you guys who bought their singles and albums in their heyday: did you flip those singles over and say, for example, "Wow! 'I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)' is a marvelous tune!" or did it take Alternative and the reissues to notice?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 00:51 (twelve years ago) link
This thread is quickly becoming "people who read pitchfork are dumb"
A question for all you guys who bought their singles and albums in their heyday: did you flip those singles over and say, for example, "Wow! 'I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)' is a marvelous tune!" or did it take /Alternative/ and the reissues to notice?
I loved "A Man Could Get Arrested", "Jack The Lad", "You Know Where You Went Wrong", "I Want A Dog", "We All Feel Better In The Dark", "It Must Be Obvious" and "Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend" when I heard them on the singles. Alternative just reaffirmed what I suspected; PSB B-sides pwn.
― DJP, Thursday, 7 July 2011 01:22 (twelve years ago) link
do you mean this thread is a rebuke to Pitchfork?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 01:30 (twelve years ago) link
It makes a big difference, I imagine, to hear all those b-sides in the context of "Alternative" at once, rather than scattered across various formats. That came out in, what, 95? Back then it took some doing to compile your own comprehensive collections. In the pre-downloading era, I think the impact of "Alternative" was more ... impactful? I readily admit that until the comp I had little to know idea about ANY of the PSB b-sides!
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 01:41 (twelve years ago) link
Ha, little to no.
Little to Know would make a great album title.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 01:42 (twelve years ago) link
Just been catching on up on the final results, it made such an exciting read. Thanks so much for doing this Billy.
A bit gutted that four of my votes were in the 50-60 part of the list. I voted for A Different Point Of view (51) The Way It Used To Be (52) Dreaming Of The Queen (56) Yesterday When I Was Mad (57) Still it was a great list overall.
― Kitchen Person, Thursday, 7 July 2011 02:46 (twelve years ago) link
For anyone not bored with this sort of thing, I wrote blurbs for my picks.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 03:01 (twelve years ago) link
I heard selected 80s b-sides at the time but, having been in possession of only a few of the singles, and having failed to keep a tape dub of the B-sides of a friend's copies of others, there are several even from that era that I've only heard a few times ("Do I Have To?", "You Know Where You Went Wrong"). I was distracted by Sebadoh or something when Alternative was finally released, such that I only bought my first (dirt cheap) copy just this week, for the convenience.
At the very least I think it's unlikely I would have given 36 points to "A Man Could Get Arrested" if I hadn't listened to both sides of the "WEG" single a zillion times as a pre-pubescent circa 1986. I mean, is it that good? I can't be even vaguely objective.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Thursday, 7 July 2011 03:08 (twelve years ago) link
Didn't do homework, so stopped at 10:
If it's not too late. -Eazy
1. Go West2. Try It (I'm in Love with a Married Man)3. Positive Role Model4. Two Divided by Zero5. London6. Rent7. Love Etc.8. Party Song9. Love Comes Quickly10. Home and Dry
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Thursday, 7 July 2011 03:23 (twelve years ago) link
(Oops-"If it's not too late" was part of my e-mail.)
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Thursday, 7 July 2011 03:24 (twelve years ago) link
Alfred, I had no idea it was you that wrote that Stylus write-up of "Young Offender". It's one of my favourite PSB write-ups.
― Gukbe, Thursday, 7 July 2011 04:06 (twelve years ago) link
My top 20,. My biggest disappointment, that I was the only one to vote for 'Nothing Has Been Proved' which I think's a highlight of both artists careers.
Incidentally has anyone seen 'It Couldn't Happen Here'? It looks like a rum piece of work. I remember it getting slammed at the time as indulgent and pretentious, but the clips I've seen have wetted my appetite.
Young OffenderYou Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're DrunkWhat Have I Done to Deserve This?Love Comes QuicklySo HardWest End GirlsNothing Has Been Proved (Dusty Springfield)I'm Not Scared (Eighth Wonder)SuburbiaThe Crying Game (Boy George)Always On My MindOne In A MillionSe A Vida ETry It (I'm In Love With A Married Man)It's A SinLove EtcThis Must Be The Place I Waited Years to LeaveWe All Feel Better In The DarkLove is Everywhere (Cicero)Your Funny Uncle
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2011 07:39 (twelve years ago) link
Yep, saw it in the cinema. It is rum and pretentious and indulgent, and fun.
I was tempted to vote "Casanova in Hell" for the Rufus Wainwright version, but I don't guess that would have gathered much steam.
Rufus version >>> Tennant version IMO. Concrete is pretty fantastic overall.
I wonder why wasn't King's Cross a single? Or anything else on Actually. After a no. 1 it's pretty much a no brainer to release another single from the album. It had already been a backwards step to release another [fourth!] single off the album after a stand-alone single; presumably Heart was delayed due to the unplannedness of the Always single after the TV cover version. Since Introspective was probably close to finished around then, they could have been wearing on peoples’ familiarity by releasing a FIFTH old song as a single when they had two magnificent new ones to get out before the end of the year, PLUS a feature film spun off from the old album to get into cinemas as well!
The remixed live version on the last tour was astounding.
All the live arrangements from the Pandaemonium/Glasto sets were done with or by Jacques Lu Cont iirc?
It’s as much of a song as Music For Boys, or We All Feel Better In The Dark, and more of one than anything on Relentless
I wish The Night I Fell In Love was any good, but it’s clunky and hamfisted in so very many ways. Dreaming Of The Queen worked great pacing-wise on the Cubism tour (at full shows) as a gather your breath / go to the bar song, and also became the first time I’d ever paid any attention to it at all.
Idly thinking of a best-covers-of-the-PSB poll – do people have any favourites others of us might not be familiar with? (or particular favourites from Results or the WEG catalogue)eg
Carter USM – RentMerril Bainbridge – Being BoringRobbie Williams – I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind Of ThingSplendid – You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axym3dOvCY4 )
― undeɹrated ærosm?th b∞tlegs I have pwned (sic), Thursday, 7 July 2011 07:56 (twelve years ago) link
For info, I've left the spreadsheet public but have anonymised the names.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2011 09:22 (twelve years ago) link
Being BoringAlways On My MindLeft To My Own DevicesWhat Have I Done To Deserve This?Go WestHome And DrySe A Vida E (That's The Way Life Is)* Too Many PeopleSo HardRentCan You Forgive Her?Losing My Mind (Liza Minnelli)A Red Letter DayI Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of ThingHeartLove EtcWhere The Streets Have No Name* Love Is Everywhere (Cicero)* In Private (Dusty Springfield)The Truck Driver And His Mate
* = didn't place in the 50
― mike t-diva, Thursday, 7 July 2011 09:35 (twelve years ago) link
Billy: I voted for "Nothing Has Been Proved" too. Almost voted for it twice--I love the Strings of Love version even more than Dusty's, but I wasn't sure if Tenant/Lowe had anything to do with it beyond writing the song, so I skipped it. I was surprised it didn't make the Top 50 too.
― clemenza, Thursday, 7 July 2011 09:37 (twelve years ago) link
xp I bought every single on seven and twelve from Please through Behaviour so every song on that first disc of Alternative means something to me, to the point where I can't really be objective about them. I remember trying to transcribe and decipher the lyrics to Don Juan. With Very they stopped doing vinyl singles so I drifted away from the B-sides. Even though many of the later ones are utterly fantastic, I discovered them en masse on Alternative so I didn't devote as much time to them.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Thursday, 7 July 2011 09:40 (twelve years ago) link
In case anyone hasn't heard this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErjqOlHWqU&feature=related
There's a longer and better version on the 12-inch. Being right from the Black Box moment, I have to wonder if the gorgeous woman in the video is even doing the singing.
― clemenza, Thursday, 7 July 2011 09:47 (twelve years ago) link
Billy: I voted for "Nothing Has Been Proved" too.
Yes, you did, my mistake. Don't worry, it was counted.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Thursday, 7 July 2011 10:03 (twelve years ago) link
Loses a little something of the Profumo story, that version
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Thursday, 7 July 2011 10:08 (twelve years ago) link
aww thanks!
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 11:06 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, that was a great piece. I am curious about something, though. I grew up listening to the Pet Shop Boys without ever thinking of them as gay. Not as straight, either - for some reason, sexuality never came into my appreciation of them (or at least I was too unsophisticated to recognize it). But when "Very" came out, I was suddenly very aware of the band's sexuality, as well as the album's place in the AIDS/post-AIDS era. It was like a little light bulb that went off that cast all their previous material in a different, more illuminating light. Sort of the same thing with the Magnetic Fields' "Holiday," which I believe came out the same year.
Anyway, for those of you back in the '80s who understand what being gay was (or were gay yourselves), how did that affect your appreciation of the Pet Shop Boys? Did they seem more daring? Subversive? Like a well-kept secret that went deeper than strictly great pop? Or as strictly great pop, with the layers of politics and sexuality only revealing themselves later?
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 12:00 (twelve years ago) link
When I bought Behaviour in early '91, there was already a lot of snickering from friends about their sexuality; it wasn't lost on anyone that "Getting Away With It" was a duet between two men. As a sixteen-year-old closeted teenager, I didn't know the language of homosexuality yet, but I sensed the oddness of the point of view in "The End of the World" (its detachment) and "Being Boring" (subject and object blur).
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 13:13 (twelve years ago) link
as a pre-pubescent, I felt cheated when I clocked that NT's lyrics were dancing around gender so pointedly. be bold! why hide! I thought. your songs are so wonderful, they must be universally respected and beloved - to engage gendered pronouns would rip scales from eyes, and show the ludicrousity of homophobically languaged abuse to thousands, I thought.
later, I couldn't remember the one "she" or "her" that had tipped me towards briefly reading their songs in a heteronormative context, and became aware of how little dancing there actually was, if you didn't approach the songs in a standard pop context, and that bullies were irrational and fuckwits anyway.
― undeɹrated ærosm?th b∞tlegs I have pwned (sic), Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:35 (twelve years ago) link
by the time Tennant did the ...Advocate? interview in ...1993? it seemed ludicrous to me that anyone could possibly need or want clarification about 'their' sexuality. I became aware that it wasn't, though.
― undeɹrated ærosm?th b∞tlegs I have pwned (sic), Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:38 (twelve years ago) link
['their' as in the entity Pet Shop Boys, that makes the music of the Pet Shop Boys; expressed such to acknowledge Mr Lowe's disinterest in identifying sexually under anyone else's terms.]
― undeɹrated ærosm?th b∞tlegs I have pwned (sic), Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:40 (twelve years ago) link
TBH, as a straight fan, I never thought about their sexual orientation or whether it even mattered to how I listened to the songs until they released "Go West", which I didn't like to the point of actively avoiding everything associated with Very (which was really, really easy to do in the US) and incorrectly assuming for a while that they lost a good chunk of their cleverness when they officially outed themselves, that the allusions and restrictions they imposed upon themselves were the extra parameter that elevated them from pedestrian to essential.
A year later, a friend played me Disco 2 and I realized I was being a douchebag.
― DJP, Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:46 (twelve years ago) link
Chris Lowe has never made any statements, by the way.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:49 (twelve years ago) link
Somewhere in a shoe box in the basement, I've got an interview I did with Tennant and Lowe in '88. It was slated for the next issue of the magazine I worked for at the time, which promptly went bankrupt before it ever went to print. I've been telling myself the past few years to sit down and transcribe it and post it on my site, but I'm just too lazy. (It would also be major work to find it; the shoe box is filled with cassettes.) Anyway, I did, circumspectly, bring up the dreaded question, and got an icy stare and evasive answer from Tennant. Big surprise: he handled 97% of the talking during the interview. I've always felt pretty stupid for doing so. As I wrote on my site when I recounted the story a few years ago, it was like asking Stevie Wonder if it was true he was blind.
― clemenza, Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:52 (twelve years ago) link
I distinctly remember when I became aware of their homosexuality: it was in a 1990 review of Behaviour in a local music magazine, which casually described Tennant's new lyrics as those of "a more mature gay man, having come to terms with x and y, in an era of z" or some such thing. It was mentioned in passing in a matter-of-fact fashion, such that I remember thinking I must have been inattentive to have not picked up on this previously. Not sure it felt like anything more than a piece of interesting trivia, as their sexuality was not something I had pondered up to that point either.
I was still relatively young and it may have had more resonance if I was gay myself. I suspect it changed my perceptions of them only insofar as certain lines in "Rent" or "It's A Sin" or "Being Boring" might suddenly have been open to different intepretations. Actually, it may have seemed kind of apt more broadly, as the one other fan I knew, my slightly older neighbour whose PSB 12"s I borrowed, was widely understood to be gay himself.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:54 (twelve years ago) link
Anyway, I did, circumspectly, bring up the dreaded question, and got an icy stare and evasive answer from Tennant.
I've learned that their policy with most journalists before '93 was to admit Tennant's sexuality off the record.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 14:58 (twelve years ago) link
as someone who only discovered the group through Bilingual and Nightlife as an out gay teenager, their evasiveness seems silly and anachronistic. Only a gay man would write and perform the songs they did in the way they did; it takes what feels like an almost willful ignorance to separate their music from their sexuality. Of course times were different back then.
― skip, Thursday, 7 July 2011 15:29 (twelve years ago) link
As a straight kid living with a gay dad (who only did his business outside the house), PSB were about as oblique and transparent as everything else around me. I bought Please when I was 15-16 and loved it; my Dad, mostly a folk and new-age guy, came home one day with the Opportunities 12".
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Thursday, 7 July 2011 15:42 (twelve years ago) link
xpost It takes what feels like an almost willful ignorance now, but yeah, times are different. If they weren't, they likely would never have had much chart success in the US, I bet. I mean, even Boy George's sexuality was more often than not totally elided back then.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 15:48 (twelve years ago) link
John Gill's "Queer Noises" has a section on the Pet Shop Boys - I remember thinking at the time that it was well-written and thoughtful but that was a few years ago. IIRC he takes a pretty negative view about their semi-non-closeted status.
― skip, Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:17 (twelve years ago) link
^^^ YES. That was the journalist I was trying to remember. He was very offended.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:27 (twelve years ago) link
It didn't change my own perception but what I really, really hated after "Very" and Tennant's coming out was that the general public/media perception (at least in North America) immediately went to "lol the gay duo who makes gay music for gay people" and that was pretty much that. So sometimes I wish Tennant hadn't come out, but then it would've probably not make much difference.
― daavid, Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:52 (twelve years ago) link
In America their profile is "lol the gay duo who did 'West End Girls.'"
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:54 (twelve years ago) link
I recall a friend recounting telling me, "It must be obvious? well it wasn't to me."
― Gukbe, Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:54 (twelve years ago) link
Well I kind of see why it wasn't obvious to everyone. I mean in the eighties everyone looked (and acted) gayer than the PSB.
― daavid, Thursday, 7 July 2011 16:59 (twelve years ago) link
That was part of the joke too: they were less, er, flamboyant than their peers.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 17:02 (twelve years ago) link
So pre'93, were their shows not 75% gay men like they are now? I don't think I saw them live until the Nightlife tour.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 July 2011 18:54 (twelve years ago) link
That percentage is wrong in Germany and the UK.
― Gukbe, Thursday, 7 July 2011 19:07 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, not true at all of any PSBs shows I've been to.
― Strictly vote-splitting (DL), Thursday, 7 July 2011 19:56 (twelve years ago) link
Since Miami is one of their US strongholds, the percentage of straights attending their shows is MUCH higher.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 7 July 2011 19:59 (twelve years ago) link
Hadn't heard their own version of this, really into it tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dj3ymyCl3s&NR=1&feature=fvwp
― Lazy Lay (Eazy), Friday, 8 July 2011 05:36 (twelve years ago) link
TBH, as a straight fan, I never thought about their sexual orientation or whether it even mattered to how I listened to the songs until they released "Go West", which I didn't like to the point of actively avoiding everything associated with Very (which was really, really easy to do in the US)
Except in gay clubs.
As a straight kid living with a gay dad (who only did his business outside the house)
Define "business."
― Kevin John Bozelka, Sunday, 10 July 2011 15:50 (twelve years ago) link
A friend posted this old Drudge headline this morning--he can't remember the context. I think you might call this Soto bait:
http://rockcritics.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/drudge-boring1.jpg
― clemenza, Friday, 22 July 2011 17:59 (twelve years ago) link
how can you expect to be taken seriously?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 22 July 2011 20:10 (twelve years ago) link
i don't think they were *so* evasive about it, i was at school in 88/89 when there was a (Channel 4?) tv special made by Jon Savage that at one point had the boys sitting together, with one saying clearly that they first heard disco 'in all the gay clubs'. also there's plenty of lines to read between in the '... Vs America' book.
― piscesx, Friday, 22 July 2011 20:37 (twelve years ago) link
yeah but they're British, and most Americans assume they're all gay.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 22 July 2011 20:38 (twelve years ago) link
The lowest-selling ever No 1 or something at the time, I seem to recall from my Record Mirror reading days.
― Alba, Wednesday, 17 August 2011 22:02 (twelve years ago) link
Enjoyed today's Introspective article by Tom
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/aug/17/introspective-pet-shop-boys
― oppet, Wednesday, 17 August 2011 22:35 (twelve years ago) link
Sadly Tom didn't vote in the poll, I don't know if he even lurks around here. Would've been interesting to see his choices.
― The multi-talented F.R. David (Billy Dods), Thursday, 18 August 2011 08:35 (twelve years ago) link
Just finished Pet Shop Boys: A Life in Pop. Would I ever have loved to be at that Potemkin presentation in Trafalgar Square--any British people who were there? It reminded me a bit of seeing Daniel Lanois preview Neil Young's album at Nuit Blanche last year, with video screens all around Nathan Phillips Square, but of course there was no Neil at that. Loved the West End Girls too--much better than the West End Girls who were from Vancouver 20 years ago. Anyway, good film. Didn't even mind having to listen to so much of someone from the Killers--seemed like a knowledgeable fan.
― clemenza, Saturday, 27 August 2011 04:23 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, I was at that Potemkin show, am sure some other people here were too. It was good - I have a vague memory of some rain, but perhaps I'm imagining that? It was the first time I saw Potemkin, too, which helped.
― toby, Saturday, 27 August 2011 11:10 (twelve years ago) link
The rain was real--somebody in the documentary said that people were politely putting away their umbrellas so other people behind them would be able to see okay.
― clemenza, Saturday, 27 August 2011 15:24 (twelve years ago) link
I was there as well. There was a lot of rain, but as I recall the rain stopped just before the performance, and umbrellas were duly lowered. Great event, but I remember the film more than I remember the music, to be honest.
― mike t-diva, Tuesday, 30 August 2011 09:44 (twelve years ago) link
http://open.spotify.com/user/djperry1973/playlist/7LyurbFLzd9cnbyqaBdYKs
countdown from 50 - 1, five tracks missing because I couldn't find them (stupid Spotofiy, missing Behaviour) plus 2 versions of "I Want A Dog" (the superior original version and the boring Introspective version)
― sick yr finger up his butt (DJP), Friday, 16 September 2011 20:45 (twelve years ago) link
Format, a new B-Sides collection coming in February.
― encarta it (Gukbe), Friday, 18 November 2011 20:25 (twelve years ago) link
:(http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/22/eric-watson?newsfeed=true
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGf1bqtrrMo
― piscesx, Thursday, 22 March 2012 20:17 (eleven years ago) link
aww, RIP. A big reason why Catalogue is my favourite coffee table book.
― stay in school if you want to kiw (Gukbe), Thursday, 22 March 2012 20:37 (eleven years ago) link
RIP. Those sleeves and videos are burned into my brain.
― And I have been called "The Appetite" (DL), Thursday, 22 March 2012 23:20 (eleven years ago) link
There was some chatter about the Helena Springs version of A New Life on the poll threads; whether or not it was ever released and such. Here it is! As with the cover of Do I Have To? by Inga, i think i might actually prefer it to theirs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njjdHfeereM
― piscesx, Monday, 12 February 2018 12:51 (six years ago) link
I collated the chatter &c on one of the b-sides threads but great to be reminded of this - I should really rip it in case it vanishes.
― etc, Wednesday, 14 February 2018 08:23 (six years ago) link
I bought a 12-inch of "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" probably 5-10 years ago that I played for the first time tonight. I love "A New Life"--definitely would have had it on the ballot I submitted for this.
― clemenza, Wednesday, 3 February 2021 03:07 (three years ago) link
I think I prefer it to the A-side!
It doesn't feel like a decade since this exercise. I remembering reassessing Nightlife and concluding that said longplayer was upper-tier PSB. Pretty sure that's still my position.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 3 February 2021 06:19 (three years ago) link
"A New Life" is great and I voted for it in this poll! The one I regret not voting for is "Jack the Lad", which is probably in my top ten now
― Vinnie, Wednesday, 3 February 2021 12:46 (three years ago) link