The Pet Shop Boys to me embody all things that a pop act should be. Intelligent, witty storytelling with infectious electro beats, or lush orchestration.
We just finished watching 'A Life In Pop', a documentary commissioned by Channel Four in the UK. A comprehensive time line of all things Pet Shop Boys (excluding anything about the cheesy Comic Relief single 'Absolutely Fabulous')
I love this group. Their books 'Literally' and 'Pet Shop Boys V's America' are witty and insightful and addictive. Their grasp of live theatrical performance wonderfully refreshing. I can always remember being in front of the stage at their Australian leg of the 'Discovery' World Tour totally enthralled and elated the whole way through. They have worked throughout the years with the likes of Scissor Sisters, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Liza Minelli, Rufus Wainright, Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Johnny Marr, Benard Sumner and Madonna and still maintained the edge, even if it was lost in the translation for a number of years. They have performed at Glastonbury, Creamfields and at the end of March at V In The Park in Centennial Park, Sydney. The talent to compose an original score for a silent black and white Russian film, Battleship Potemkin and the Johnathon Harvey Musical 'Closer To Heaven'. Then perform with the BBC Orchestra. Is there anything these guys don't excel at??
So in honour of Neil and Chris, here is a list of my Top 10 fav Pet Shop Boys songs, and Top 5 albums.
...I wonder what 'Rent' would have sounded like if it had been recorded by Madonna, the person it was intended for??...hmmm...
Songs.
1. Being Boring - (Behaviour)
2. Jealousy (Behaviour)
3. Home And Dry (Release)
4. Domino Dancing (Introspective)
5. Bright Young Things (Numb EP)
6. West End Girls (Please)
7. It Couldn't Happen Here (Actually)
8. Flamboyant (Pop:Art)
9. Heart (Actually)
10. Shameless (Very: Further Listening)
Albums
1. Behaviour
2. Actually
3. Fundamental
4. Very Relentless
5. Introspective
A wee treat. At the end of the docco we are introduced to a tribute band, The Westend Girls, who recorded their take on 'Domino Dancing'.Ahhhh...bless those crazy Scandinavians! Enjoy..
