#22
Post
by minimal » Fri 04 Aug 2017, 6:41 pm
Pretty much reflects the quality of the records imho. Nightlife has always been a great cohesive (themed) album (I prefer them being 'dark') and has aged pretty well in spite of it being slagged off here by most people as it seems. Release introduced a new era and period and marked the change in direction long overdue at its particular point in time. Also, it produced an interesting picuture of the Pet Shop Boys though it's been all strategy, of course. And it's got such a warm sound and songs like Always, I didn't get..., Sexy Northerner, as well as the incredibly genious Between Two Islands. It's the era where they produced some of their greatest b-sides. The quality is top notch (not having D3 included). Fundamental, on the other hand, already sounded terribly dated the moment it hit the street. Sure, there's few great songs on it as the songwriting's great (and I like Neil exploring political issues), but overall it's my least-favourite PSB record and I hardly manage to sit through the whole experience. It lacks greatness. You pretty much hear too many people and the big ego of TH involved. It's not 'their' record. And God knows what made them include the cringeworthy DW ballad on Fundamental. Sorry, but I'm not a fan. Doesn't matter, though. The press liked it, the majority of the fans seem to like it and it probably was accompanied by the last classic PSB tour concept as they then really moved on and learned how to put on an entertaining show. So ultimately everything's fine.
m+