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Post by native on Jul 31, 2015 8:40:13 GMT
 This was Pet Shop Boys’ first album release after, as described by lead singer Neil Tennant, their ‘Imperial Phase’ came to a close at the end of the 1980s. They travelled to Munich to record ‘Behaviour’ and looking for an alternative to the now readily available digital samplers, their research led them to famed German synth-producer Harold Faltermeyer (famous for his Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, particularly ‘Axel F’). His collection of analogue synthesisers , and German-lager on tap in his studio, saw PSB produce a very different sounding album to what many expected. As the ‘Madchester’ scene was in full-swing, many predicted a rave record. It was something very different. A much more reflective, warm album emerged. Only lead single ‘So Hard’ got near to gracing the dance floors. The rich production and heartfelt lyrics make this, in my opinion, a beautiful masterpiece. ‘Being Boring’ is an autobiography captured in 5mins. The haunting memories of school are captured in ‘This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave’, with a backing track written for the James Bond movie ‘The Living Daylights’ – only for A-ha to be asked to record the a theme song in the end. The absurdness of pop artists wanting to save the world is given a scathing dress-down in ‘How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?’ That awkward moment when you turn up at somebody’s house – in the middle of an argument – wonderfully captured, as the elements are blamed on ‘Only The Wind’. Neil continues his obsession with Russia on ‘My October Symphony’, citing the Bolshevik uprising, with some nice Johnny Marr guitar and strings by the Balanescu Quartet. Out ‘n out analogue synths on ‘So Hard’, accompanied with funny lyrics – ‘We’ve both given up smoking, cause it’s fatal, so who’s matches are those?’ ‘Jealousy’ brings the album to a close – a fitting ballad of doubt to close an album. I suspect this one might be a hard sell for some people with preconceptions of PSB records, but I hope you enjoy it. I still do, some 24 years after its release. Album YouTube Related links - WikipediaDiscogsThe Guardian on Being BoringAll Music review10 years of Being Boring websiteAmazon |
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Post by AlanS on Jul 31, 2015 11:10:20 GMT
Do I detect a fan of the afor mentioned boys?
Any chance of an eleventh option? Didnt listen
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Post by Stratmangler on Jul 31, 2015 11:30:19 GMT
You were right about getting the opportunity to get you back. I can't abide the Pet Shop Boys - the sound of the vocals tursn me off completely, and I never manage to listen beyond that. One of the few acts I'll turn off rather than endure, so no need for me to listen to it  |
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Post by native on Jul 31, 2015 12:01:21 GMT
You were right about getting the opportunity to get you back. I can't abide the Pet Shop Boys - the sound of the vocals tursn me off completely, and I never manage to listen beyond that. One of the few acts I'll turn off rather than endure, so no need for me to listen to it Haha - revenge is sweet! |
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Post by native on Jul 31, 2015 12:02:20 GMT
Do I detect a fan of the afor mentioned boys? Any chance of an eleventh option? Didnt listen C'mon Alan! I thought the whole point of this was that we at least give it a listen?! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2015 12:42:23 GMT
You were right about getting the opportunity to get you back. I can't abide the Pet Shop Boys - the sound of the vocals tursn me off completely, and I never manage to listen beyond that. One of the few acts I'll turn off rather than endure, so no need for me to listen to it I'm with you on that! I can't stand anything they've ever done..... |
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Post by AlanS on Jul 31, 2015 13:11:04 GMT
Do I detect a fan of the afor mentioned boys? Any chance of an eleventh option? Didnt listen C'mon Alan! I thought the whole point of this was that we at least give it a listen?! Wrong - you haven't the got the point. We all have our different tastes |
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Post by John on Jul 31, 2015 14:38:42 GMT
Unfortunately I am with Chris I just cannot get past the vocals
I will not vote as not really fair
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Post by native on Jul 31, 2015 15:28:09 GMT
C'mon Alan! I thought the whole point of this was that we at least give it a listen?! Wrong - you haven't the got the point. We all have our different tastes Of course we all have different tastes - I meant one of the points of the Album Choice was exploration - I'm not wrong on that count, it even says it in the Board heading. That's certainly how I've approached the other contributions. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2015 21:27:11 GMT
Great fan of their work an particularly like this album, a good 8 from me  |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 31, 2015 22:43:15 GMT
Well, I can't think of a single thing apart from the TAS Album Choice that would make me want to listen to this!
However, I'll give it a go and I will try to be as honest as I can, because yes, the entire point of the thread is that you listen to the album with fresh ears and give it your unbiased assessment.
If I hate it, I'll say so!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2015 8:05:59 GMT
I think the vocals let this album down, but I've never really been a fan of Neil Tennant. I voted 4, it was good but wouldn't listen again. There's better electronic pop available IMO, Depeche Mode for example.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 1, 2015 9:31:51 GMT
I've listened to the album this morning over Spotify into the main system. It's not as bad as I suspected but there is nothing for me here. I don't like his voice (never have, his singing style has always sounded German to me) and the pop constructions are very average. In some places the writing has echoes of Prefab Sprout. 2/10.
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Post by AlanS on Aug 1, 2015 10:13:24 GMT
Wrong - you haven't the got the point. We all have our different tastes Of course we all have different tastes - I meant one of the points of the Album Choice was exploration - I'm not wrong on that count, it even says it in the Board heading. That's certainly how I've approached the other contributions. When I visit the forum I use Recent option rather than seek what has changed since the last visit (so little does) and one does not see particularly what someone who goes to each forum sees, i.e. all the board heading that means so much to you. Forgive me if you see it as an obligation to respond because you have posted in this forum. As I am under an obligation to such posts I shall ignore them in future, just like the classical thread. I tried listening to one track lest one be accused of whatever, what a palava launching spotify. On my iPdad it told me I was not on the network! I guess it must be the age difference, this stuff must have been most formative for you. Even so the music I enjoyed in my formative years I don't rave about as you choose to. Now The Doors were something as were...... |
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 1, 2015 11:23:47 GMT
S'ok
5/10
Which means for me I wouldn't buy it and probably would not listen again but would not be offended if I did hear it
Not keen on his vocals
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2015 17:11:12 GMT
I've listened to the album this morning over Spotify into the main system. It's not as bad as I suspected but there is nothing for me here. I don't like his voice (never have, his singing style has always sounded German to me) and the pop constructions are very average. In some places the writing has echoes of Prefab Sprout. 2/10. Interesting... I can't abide PSB...... but Prefab Sprout are one of my all time favourites! Especially their first album "Swoon" (which is in my top 5 albums EVER list) played very loud! |
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Post by MartinT on Aug 1, 2015 17:43:37 GMT
I still like playing Steve McQueen |
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Post by roxbrough on Aug 14, 2015 7:43:28 GMT
I'm not sure if this album is worth my money?
I would like to 'listen' to it, so ................
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 14, 2015 12:19:25 GMT
That's why there is a spotify link and a youtube video embedded in the original post, so that you can get a good idea of whether you like it or not without buying it. Music doesn't have to be rendered in super high resolution in order for you to form an opinion of it. If you do like it, then it might inspire you to buy it so it can be better experienced with your hifi system.
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Post by roxbrough on Aug 14, 2015 12:32:37 GMT
I have to confess I have opened a spotify account - shame on me.
The first track is now coming through my microlab 2.1 hooked up to the daRktoweR9009 [P.C.]
Oh it's a bubblegum album.
Well my first impression is that it would benefit from getting a drummer, that machine hasn't even been imaginatively programmed.
I will do my best to find some positives though, I don't see the point of needlessly criticising someone else's choice unless one can be constructive in the process.
So, I put my definition on Environment - Room, Pitch - -2, Equalizer - Pop, Loudness - On.
The Pitch shift definitely made a distinct improvement, especially on the vocal which was less androgynous.
I would not say it was an offensive offering in the Bublegum catalogue and would obviously please those that like the genre. What did strike me though was the lack of a band. Meaning the session musicians were capable without being in any way inspired by what they were doing.
e.g. the guitar solo at the end of This must be the place I waited years to leave, is simply a going-through-the-motions. Someone like Steve Morse would have added a better touch to the finale'.
The third track is way too smooth, it sounds like the sort of think Ross would create in his bedroom! The ironic How can you expect to be taken seriously was the track that suddenly made me see the joke; doh!!!
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