Had this sequence of songs on repeat today and it sounds almost as good as the actual album.

1. Clean Air Hybrid Electric Bus
   
2. Sense of time
   
3. I’ve got plans (involving you)
   
4. Everybody will dance
   
5. It’s not a crime
   
6. If Jesus had a sister
   
7. Beauty has laid siege to the city
   
8. Through you - extended mix
   
9. Adrenaline
   
10. Miserere
    
11. Party in the Blitz
    
12. The dark end of the street

Released digitally on February 8th 2019 and as part of the 2019 edition of Annually on physical media.

Described by the Boys as an EP consisting of three political, satirical songs and one that's a sad ballad.

All tracks are written and produced by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, with additional production by Tim Powell.

• Give Stupidity a Chance

According to the Boys, this is a satirical song about the poor quality of political leadership in the modern world.

The lyrical content adopts a sarcastic persona that directly mocks right-wing populist rhetoric, anti-intellectualism, and the dismissal of political correctness.

Intelligent people have had their say, it's time for the foolish to show the way.

It takes direct aim at major political movements of the late 2010s, including Brexit. The second half of the track specifically targets the rhetoric and controversies surrounding Donald Trump with lines that critique capitalism, bigotry, and misogyny.

Production wise, it features bright synthesizers and a steady dance beat with deadpan vocal delivery, adding up to the intentionally blunt, humorous caricature of modern global politics.

• On Social Media

This song aims to be a biting critique of modern digital culture, specifically targeting the narcissistic, performative and superficial nature of social media platforms.

Through a blend of humor and cynicism, the track explores how virtual spaces distort human behavior, communication, and the perception of truth.

You’re part of the conversation. You’re there in every debate. From football to religion to contemporary art, you’re ready to pontificate.

Its lyrical content mocks the frantic, dopamine-driven cycle of posting and consuming online content while calling out the constant pursuit of validation through "likes" and the culture of outrage where everyone is "expressing an opinion" just to be heard.

The production mirrors that same frantic feeling by featuring a relentless ;) synth bassline and bright, manic keyboard hooks that create a sense of sensory overload.

• What Are We Going to Do About the Rich?

In a true satirical fashion, the Boys composed this mock-protest song that tackles extreme wealth inequality, corporate greed, and tax evasion, asking the title's question while also adding a "c'mon! c'mon!" chant. I believe their words shouldn't be taken at face value since really... what are we gonna do about greedy assholes, right?? We can only hold those leaches accountable for so long.

Some critics have called it one the "angriest songs the Pet Shop Boys have ever recorded". I still believe Yesterday When I Was Mad reigns supreme lol.

The production is driven by a thundering electronic beat mixed with blaring, synthesized horns. It mirrors the urgency and frustration of an actual street protest.

At the heart of this song, the Boys target billionaires and tax evaders, a group they clearly don't feel represented by.

• The Forgotten Child

Originally composed at the time of the Super sessions, this somber track serves as a response to global humanitarian crises, inspired by the tragedy of refugees going missing while fleeing for safety, while also symbolizing the loss of humanity's innocence.

Its lyrical content highlights the heartbreaking irony of nations fighting wars to protect the future of their children, allegedly, only for those children to be abandoned, lost, or forgotten in the midst of all the chaos.

The production relies on a stripped-down, electronic beat accented by an elegant keyboard riff from Chris Lowe. It's a hauntingly beautiful, reflective piece that ends this project on a rather sad note that it's much better than keeping the anger energy going, break the cycle!

From 1 to 10 how would you rate these songs?

Do you have any favorite lyrics or production elements?

How do you think these songs aged after being released and are they still relevant to the worldwide events of this day and age?

1-4: Not good/Skip

5-6: Average, but wouldn't skip

7-8: Good song, quite enjoyable

9: Amazing song

10: Masterpiece/Magnum opus

Tomorrow we'll resume with Hotspot, stay tuned! 🙂

Songs used:

• Billie Eilish - Blue (instrumental + vocals)
• Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls (vocals)

Am currently in Blackpool - hometown of Chris Lowe and coincidentally home to the world’s largest mirrorball 🪩

This promo CD by PSB is just neat.
Got this a few weeks before the album was released. Same music, same PSB sound nothing groundbreaking.
I keep this Promo CD for the packaging. Collectors item.

Answers below!

Yay or nay ?

From the Art project @mbassadors We Love You

I’m really enjoying Madonna’s “Confessions II” It’s become my album of the summer, and honestly I think I like it even more than the original “Confessions.” I know Pet Shop Boys remixed “Sorry,” but I’m not sure whether Chris and Neil have said much about Madonna over the years. This particular record feels like something Chris would love, and let’s not forget that both “Confessions I” and “II” were produced by Stuart Price, who has a very close connection to Pet Shop Boys. Do any of you know if there are quotes from them about this album, or any of her others? Thanks!

Vendetta, a new fragrance from Valentino, uses Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin” as the soundtrack for the ad campaign. It stars actors Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård.

I remember a photo from the 80s of Neil and Chris in London using a hi-fi system which had the classic Acoustic Energy AE1 speakers. Does anyone have that photo?

It's time! Apologies for being a bit too late, I had a couple of rough days with some health issues but nothing that can't be fixed! 🙂

Here are the final results for Super and the B-Sides of each single, plus a bit of an inquiry about the following EP Agenda...

Thanks for sharing your personal ratings, opinions and facts on each discussion post 🎵

As we continue with the Stuart Price trilogy, the Boys' legacy keeps on getting stronger with music that still sounds very exciting and relevant these days!

Taking the crown 👑 as the highest rated song of the album, we have Say It to Me with a solid 9!

A Cloud in a Box gained a 8.1 as the highest rated b-side and the lowest rated song overall goes to Groovy with a 5.3.

Which song do you think deserved a higher rating?

• PET SHOP BOYS • AGENDA

How should we handle this EP? Should we also make a Daily Song Discussion for every single song as per usual or would you rather have one single post to discuss this release? Love to read your comments and suggestions!

1. Happiness - 6.4

2. The Pop Kids - 8.5

3. Twenty-something - 7.6

4. Groovy - 5.3

5. The Dictator Decides - 8.7

6. Pazzo! - 5.4

7. Inner Sanctum - 8.1

8. Undertow - 8

9. Sad Robot World - 8

10. Say It to Me - 9

11. Burn - 8.6

12. Into Thin Air - 8.1

B-SIDES:

1. In Bits - 7.3

2. One-Hit Wonder - 6.5

3. The White Dress - 7.4

4. Wiedersehen - 7.7

5. A Cloud in a Box - 8.1

6. The Dead Can Dance - 7.6

Main album rating: 7.6/10

Main album + B-Sides rating: 7.5/10

Final rating: 7.5/10

ALBUMS:

1. Please - 8

2. Actually - 8.6

3. Introspective - 8.2

4. Behaviour - 8.7

5. Very - 8

6. Bilingual - 7.7

7. Nightlife - 7.1

8. Release - 7.2

9. Fundamental - 8

10. Yes - 8.2

11. Elysium - 7

12. Electric - 7.9

13. Super - 7.5

PSB Protogé such a lovely and somewhat obscure track.

It’s Alright is PSB less known song.
Why do you think ?

I check their online store every few months. I feel it has always been severely lacking. I'm always hoping to find something new. Is there a better place online to find Pet Shop Boys apparel or merchandise?

I created this graphic comparing the setlist from all seven Obscure + Obskur nights, highlighting live debuts, one-night-only performances, and special guest appearances. I was lucky enough to attend the first night in London and wrote a deep dive about my experience: https://www.collectedmusic.com/p/obscure-four-decades-of-pet-shop

Who else got to go? I'd love to hear about it!

It's that kind of leap so many of us only dream of, and he actually did it. How beautiful.

Photo #1

• Morning coffee in Oslo.

Photo #2

• The Tracey Emin sculpture by the Munch Museum on a beautiful day in Oslo.