Review (no April fool, this time)

Message

Nickname · #1 Post by **Nickname** » Sat 01 Apr 2006, 2:19 pm

It was posted YESTERDAY on the Popjustice's forum (by Hula Fallulah):

There's something incredibly wrong with 'Fundamental' and I can't put my finger on it.

I've given it a couple of listens now, and I'm finding it, well, incredibly dull.

The only real highlights for me are Minimal (certainly not single material though), I'm With Stupid and Integral. The Sodom and Gomorrah Show works, although it sounds like it should be a 'Release' B-side, in the vein of 'I Didn't Get Where I Am Today'. Numb is epic, but certainly not something I'd expect Neil would say yes to singing. Casanova In Hell is bizarre - Neil saying 'couldn't get an erection' with what sounds like the Woo-woo-woo-woo from Human League's Mirror Man in the background. The rest up to 'Integral' just sort of run into each other almost Katie Melua-like NOT REALLY GOING ANYWHERE.

Integral is simply stunning. Everything that makes a Pet Shop Boys disco stomping anthem. It's Can You Forgive Her mixed with Flamboyant mixed with Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) and yet at the same time quite apocalyptic and seriously scary with Neil taking on some kind of dictator role. This is what I was expecting the album to be filled with. And because I thought that, I think I feel like I've been letdown a bit. If 'Integral' isn't a single, especially in the current political climate, I will personally cut off Parlophone's balls and hang them outside EMI. it's that good.

I'm not 'disappointed' with the album, it's a new PSB album afterall. I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. It's slow. It doesn't really get going. In fact it doesn't actually go anywhere, but then what PSB album does? It's just all a bit 'meh'.

Don't go into it with these expectations of every track blowing you away. Integral will, first time. Luna Park won't, even on the second. Just let it I guess 'wash' over you, and then come back to it track by track. That's all I can say really

glennjridge · #2 Post by **glennjridge** » Sat 01 Apr 2006, 2:31 pm

well thats the thing, he says he thought the CD was going to be filled with integrals.ie,his idea of the PSB is one of those who is trapped in everything on a new CD should be in stomping mode.

IMO opinion that really has never been the PSB. their CD's have always had a sort of ecletic mix of songs.I have always preffered their softer side,and eldritch said the ballads are a highlight for this CD so I am excited.

Ghost within this house · Sat 01 Apr 2006, 5:43 pm

glennjridge wrote:well thats the thing, he says he thought the CD was going to be filled with integrals.ie,his idea of the PSB is one of those who is trapped in everything on a new CD should be in stomping mode.

IMO opinion that really has never been the PSB. their CD's have always had a sort of ecletic mix of songs.I have always preffered their softer side,and eldritch said the ballads are a highlight for this CD so I am excited.

As I've said elsewhere, this is the review of someone who doesn't listen to PSB lyrics. Personally, from the reviews we've heard, it's the ballads (IMMEAL, N, LP, CIH, ILTR) that I'm really looking forward to.

Jareth · #4 Post by **Jareth** » Sat 01 Apr 2006, 5:55 pm

Yeah, it sounds like this guy wanted an album like Very or Disco3 while it's actually more like Behaviour overall.

Bulldog · #5 Post by **Bulldog** » Sat 01 Apr 2006, 6:29 pm

Jareth wrote:Yeah, it sounds like this guy wanted an album like Very or Disco3 while it's actually more like Behaviour overall.

the missing link between Behaviour and Release perhaps...

stussyboy · #6 Post by **stussyboy** » Sat 01 Apr 2006, 7:47 pm

nickname wrote:It was posted YESTERDAY on the Popjustice's forum (by Hula Fallulah):

In fact it doesn't actually go anywhere, but then what PSB album does? .

erm...all of them?

Syncratic · #7 Post by **Syncratic** » Sun 02 Apr 2006, 1:32 am

I wouldn't read too much into it. The same poster claimed a couple of months back that it was the best pop album of 2006.

I think we're expecting big things now from the Pat and Mick-esque Integral.

Paulo · #8 Post by **Paulo** » Sun 02 Apr 2006, 2:03 am

People who want an album of disco stompers should just buy the 2 cd issue with Fundamentalism.

Nickname · #9 Post by **Nickname** » Mon 03 Apr 2006, 7:40 pm

Hula Fallulah is given more details about "Fundamental" on the popjustice forum. I think is real, but you never know:

I wouldn't say it's as sad as Behaviour. It's more a message to where we are heading as a nation, especially 'Integral', and one which doesn't look pretty.

The artwork is actually quite colourful. The cover only really tells half the story.

They are supposed to be undertakers on the cover by the way.

Janet Street-Porter · Mon 03 Apr 2006, 10:23 pm

nickname wrote:They are supposed to be undertakers on the cover by the way.

Are they wearing shorts?

Flaffer · #11 Post by **Flaffer** » Mon 03 Apr 2006, 10:27 pm

Hulla hoop or whatever has probably never even heard the thing, his reviews/updates hardly tell us anything we don't know or could easily surmise

Broooklyn · #12 Post by **Broooklyn** » Tue 04 Apr 2006, 9:52 am

Personally, I never take much from any review. Be it a a music critic or a fan. Music, like all forms of entertainment always come down to the individual listener. The only thing I take from a review of any kind, is simply the basic concept and framework of the album, through the reviewers words. After this, my ears will hear something completely different compared to everyone else and the same goes for every one else. This is what he heard. This is how he feels about the album. No review can take anything away from anyone else in respect to what they finally hear themselves. This is why if I hear a bad review, I accept it. If I hear a positive review, I accept it. In the end, I will critique it by sitting back and listening just like everyone else will on the day of release. All of us will come back here and there will be a complete mixture of responses toward what everyone has heard. In the end, no one is right or wrong.

Ghost within this house · Tue 04 Apr 2006, 10:18 am

Sometimes it's important to point these things out! Although, as the Olympian one used quite rightly to point out, the 'total subjectivity clause' puts us back to square one, since it's a perfectly legitimate part of a subjective response to music to believe that your response is the right response and therefore that other responses are wrong

DazzerUKUK · #14 Post by **DazzerUKUK** » Tue 04 Apr 2006, 11:14 am

The album needs to be listened to a lot before making judgement.

On first listening, I was dissapointed. But it grows and matures the more you hear it - which is a good thing. There is nothing worse than listening to an album which you adore on first listen, then ten listens later you can't stand it anymore.

'I Made My Excuses and Left' for example did little for me the first few times I heard it. I now adore the song. The use of the strings and wind instruments is superb - so good in fact it brings tears to my eyes with its emotional impact.

'Psychological' did not little for me too - even that has grown on me. An undertaker in a bowler hat' makes me smile everytime!

As for I'm with stupid, well, Im afraid, I still don't like it. In fact I can't stand it! But I appreciate that it the video will get airplay with Little Britain guys etc. Shame though....Integral and Minimal are much better.

Anyway, Im looking forward to all the comments on release day - the inevitable disagreements! One thing is for sure. It's their best album in a decade.

So long ago
I felt like such a fool for crying
All that I know
It is when you feel inside you're dying
It all begins again
defying
Your excuses.........................

Stunning!!

BlueSwan · #15 Post by **BlueSwan** » Tue 04 Apr 2006, 12:31 pm

DazzerUKUK wrote:The album needs to be listened to a lot before making judgement.

On first listening, I was dissapointed. But it grows and matures the more you hear it - which is a good thing. There is nothing worse than listening to an album which you adore on first listen, then ten listens later you can't stand it anymore.

'I Made My Excuses and Left' for example did little for me the first few times I heard it. I now adore the song. The use of the strings and wind instruments is superb - so good in fact it brings tears to my eyes with its emotional impact.

'Psychological' did not little for me too - even that has grown on me. An undertaker in a bowler hat' makes me smile everytime!

As for I'm with stupid, well, Im afraid, I still don't like it. In fact I can't stand it! But I appreciate that it the video will get airplay with Little Britain guys etc. Shame though....Integral and Minimal are much better.

Anyway, Im looking forward to all the comments on release day - the inevitable disagreements! One thing is for sure. It's their best album in a decade.

So long ago
I felt like such a fool for crying
All that I know
It is when you feel inside your dying
It all begins again
defying
Your excuses.........................

Stunning!!

This review means a lot to me. Basically what I want to hear is "I'm with stupid is a bit crap, but the album is great", since I don't like I'm with stupid. At this moment I can't take any review serious which celebrates I'm with stupid as a great song.

Review (no April fool, this time)

Review (no April fool, this time)

Re: Review (no April fool, this time)