Pet Shop Boys

As many of you know, I adore the PSB. Always have. I love their music, their lyrics, their ethos, their politics, their shows (the live shows have always been superb). Just....everything about them, really.

This video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Jni_DO-JY may amuse....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Jni_DO-JY

My favourite album would have to be Behaviour, but I am inordinately fond of all of them, as I said. Favourite tracks would be:

1. Being boring
2. Domino Dancing
3. Before
4. Left to my own devices
5. Tonight
6. Left to my own devices
7. Bet she's not your girlfriend
8. Was it worth it
9. My october symphony
10 It's alright

I even forgive them for their association with the spawn of satan!

Best ever PSB song. And what a totally brilliant live version.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=h7hdS_qaGIQ

I think the residency at the Savoy theatre in 1997 were the best live concerts I saw them do....although the first time I ever saw them live (at the before the act benefit at the Piccadilly Theatre in, um, 88 ) was amazing just because I never believed they would do a live show. And last year at Eden was special again, because I thought I would never see them live again (my pop concert going days being pretty much over now due to geography, old age, finances, family and can't be arsed-ness)

I like Please, Actually, Behaviour (their joint best with Very) Very, and a few other tracks.

I enjoy their reserved, deeply frustrated intellectual, neurotic sense of repression married to thumping, glittering pop/dance anthems and ice cool slithers of synth melodrama.

Neil is a very intelligent, verbose and fascinating person. Chris is very smart too but with a very mischevious spirit.

I worked on their Disco album at Abbey Road and recorded the vocals for 'Paninaro'. It was a very funny session. Chris bursting into hysterics whenever he did a take. Happy days!

The Savoy was, indeed, excellent. I actually thought it was longer ago than '97.

All my favourite people talking about one of my favourite bands!

I saw them first I think on the Performance tour, which was utterly amazing and very inspirational for my then line of work. Then saw them do a benefit gig for the release of Derek Jarman's Edward II at Heaven - not only was it fantastic but I met the wonderful Derek, one of my all time heroes.
Not seen them since - again similarly to Sheringham I'm getting too old and couldn't be arsed.

But love 'em to bits.

Frank wrote:All my favourite people talking about one of my favourite bands!

I saw them first I think on the Performance tour, which was utterly amazing and very inspirational for my then line of work. Then saw them do a benefit gig for the release of Derek Jarman's Edward II at Heaven - not only was it fantastic but I met the wonderful Derek, one of my all time heroes.
Not seen them since - again similarly to Sheringham I'm getting too old and couldn't be arsed.

But love 'em to bits.

I was at that gig!

I once stubbed out my cigarette accidentally on Neil Tennant's back - at a Cicero gig in Clapham (at the now defunct Grand). It was his fault - he stepped backwards into me. He also spilled my diet coke but he bought me another one (the sweetie). And I sat one row behind him at the premiere of The Crying Game (they produced the Boy George theme song).

Frank wrote:All my favourite people talking about one of my favourite bands!

I saw them first I think on the Performance tour, which was utterly amazing and very inspirational for my then line of work. Then saw them do a benefit gig for the release of Derek Jarman's Edward II at Heaven - not only was it fantastic but I met the wonderful Derek, one of my all time heroes.
Not seen them since - again similarly to Sheringham I'm getting too old and couldn't be arsed.

But love 'em to bits.

I was at the Performance gigs and I too adored Derek. Who also filmed a couple of promos for The Smiths. I went to see him at his cottage in Dungeness a couple of times before he died.
What a magical place that was.

I've only seen them the once, sadly, (at Glastonbury in 19XX - the year Bowie played) but I do love them.

'Left To My Own Devices', 'It's a Sin' and 'So Hard' my personal fave-raves...

Did anyone hear the PSB's in concert on Radio 2 with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and guests, last night? Brilliant stuff, well worth a listen. It's on iPlayer till next Saturday.

New album, Yes, out on Monday. Full review on the old blog.

In a single word - superb!

This is an album I've promised myself that I'm definitely going to buy. On good old CD to boot.

Get the 2 disc special edition. There's a duet with Phil Oakey of the Human League on it!

Frank wrote:Get the 2 disc special edition. There's a duet with Phil Oakey of the Human League on it!

i once saw Phil Oakey of the Human League at a motorway service station- he was buying, viz, the sunday sport and lots of crisps.

legend

I once came across Phil Oakey at a meat festival, where he had a stall selling speciality meat products.

I hope you enjoyed it Rich.

Frank wrote:New album, Yes, out on Monday. Full review on the old blog.

In a single word - superb!

*makes a note to check it out*

My *pre-order* copy of Yes finally arrived yesterday. It really is a very good album, with some cracking melodies and lots of lovely twists, including Tchaikovsky, The Doctor Who theme and Carphone Warehouse to name but three.

Personal favourite tracks after 2 listens are (in track order): All Over The World, Beautiful People, Vulnerable and Building A Wall.

IMO well worth the wait.

Rich Flair wrote:I once came across Phil Oakey...

i stopped reading at that point....

barnaby salton wrote:i stopped reading at that point....

Were you too excited?