I'm With Stupid CD/DVD Single Review

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#1 Post by **Drico One** » Fri 05 May 2006, 9:46 pm

One of the peculiarities of the Irish record industry is the fact that the singles and albums chart runs on a Friday to Thursday cycle. As such, the new Pet Shop Boys single, I'm With Stupid, is out here today three days before it's official UK release.

Fundamental's lead single sports one of Neil Tennant's most arch lyrics, a brilliantly satirical take on our times. For all that, it strikes me as being generic and almost stereotypical of the band's previous output. It's a strong return, but novelty value aside, is hardly likely to garner new fans for the cause.

The "bonus tracks" make the release essential. Girls Don't Cry is an atmospheric guitar and synth laden mid-tempo trawl through the kind of kitchen sink drama Tennant does so well but so rarely these days. The scene for a tale of teenage confusion is set in the very first line, "Somewhere out in the heart of Suburbia, flinching from the words that could almost murder her..." and soon enough we realise that times are tough for the protagonist. "Whatever boys say, girls don't cry" trills Neil in his most heartfelt, yet understated, manner. It's an insistent, earnest story that takes us on the road to the "final day." It's beautifully conceived and paints a poignant picture of adolescent strife.

The Resurrectionist, meanwhile, recalls the synth-heavy highs of 1994 and marries the thumping bassline and catchy hook to a lyric that drops us straight into Victorian London with effortless grace. Tennant, all top hat and busy lyrics, is a throwback to a different age at the best of times, but here he seems to positively revel in his new (or old?) environment. If Chris Lowe creates the urban soundscapes that Tennant habitually travels through to discover the pain and pleasures of life, he's invented a time machine that actually works here. Once again, here's a track that invites the complete submersion of the avid listener in exploring a forgotten time and place. It's strong stuff and continues the legendary tradition the band has cultivated in furnishing its fanbase with wonderfully crafted experimental b-sides that beckon wholeheartedly, seduce sublimely, and drown you in their hidden depths.

Drico.

stussyboy · #2 Post by **stussyboy** » Fri 05 May 2006, 9:58 pm

As articulate as always, Drico.

Zog · #3 Post by **Zog** » Fri 05 May 2006, 10:02 pm

stussyboy wrote:As articulate as always, Drico.

Yes, I second that comment.

I've heard a 30 second sample of GDC (there, I'm using the short form already), and I liked what I heard. I'm really looking forward now to hearing the full track.

-Zog

lucienchardon · #4 Post by **lucienchardon** » Fri 05 May 2006, 10:30 pm

Is the UK dvd region 0?

Frequency · #5 Post by **Frequency** » Fri 05 May 2006, 10:47 pm

It just wouldn't be the Pet Shop Boys if they didn't churn out the odd cracking b-side every now and again.

#6 Post by **Drico One** » Fri 05 May 2006, 10:58 pm

lucienchardon wrote:Is the UK dvd region 0?

Yes, it is.

Drico.

greenmile · #7 Post by **greenmile** » Fri 05 May 2006, 10:59 pm

Thought you were over in Germany or somewhere Drico?

Anyway, welcome back to the king of Irish PSB fans. Well, aside from No Muscle Mary and myself there aren't really many to choose from.

#8 Post by **Drico One** » Fri 05 May 2006, 11:18 pm

greenmile wrote:Thought you were over in Germany or somewhere Drico?

I was, Greenmile, and no doubt will be again.

Anyway, welcome back to the king of Irish PSB fans. Well, aside from No Muscle Mary and myself there aren't really many to choose from.

I'll take that as some kind of twisted complement. A king without a kingdom. Poignant enough for Neil to write a song:

On his emerald isle
Sitting on his throne
Wondering why his feckless subjects
Have left him all alone

Sceptre clasped in hand
Feeling so let down
Knowing that they've left him now
A king without a crown

Then again, perhaps not.

Drico.

DominoDancing · #9 Post by **DominoDancing** » Fri 05 May 2006, 11:31 pm

In Germany new records are released on Friday as well, so I bought the DVD Single today. The bonus tracks are good, but one can really notice that they produced them themselves.

! · #10 Post by ! » Fri 05 May 2006, 11:52 pm

Thank you

TheGardner · #11 Post by **TheGardner** » Sat 06 May 2006, 12:39 am

DominoDancing wrote:In Germany new records are released on Friday as well...

if Drico also got the discs already yesterday - I'm sure this 'Friday thing' is an European thing now! Only UK is behind with their non-copy protected stuff.

All what I wanna know is the tracklisting of the UK releases! Have reports of different tracklistings of the 3-track disc!

Sorry Brian for being off-topic!

Henrik Powers · #12 Post by **Henrik Powers** » Sat 06 May 2006, 1:04 am

wow.. Drico... great Reviews...

Vince · #13 Post by **Vince** » Sat 06 May 2006, 7:14 am

Nice review there Drico!!!!

Drico One wrote:Fundamental's lead single sports one of Neil Tennant's most arch lyrics, a brilliantly satirical take on our times. For all that, it strikes me as being generic and almost stereotypical of the band's previous output. It's a strong return, but novelty value aside, is hardly likely to garner new fans for the cause.
.

The reason for that could be, after more than 20 years in the music business, you cant keep trying to make a few new fans with different styles of music. I think that stopped after Very.
Leave the reinvention to Madonna.
PSB do what they do best, do what they like, and do what their fans like.For 20 long years.

trussy74 · #14 Post by **trussy74** » Sat 06 May 2006, 1:41 pm

I got the cd and dvd fom my local record shop today

AlfonsoPSB · #15 Post by **AlfonsoPSB** » Sat 06 May 2006, 1:50 pm

trussy74 wrote:I got the cd and dvd fom my local record shop today

Congrats!

Could you be so kind as to confirm the track listings, please?

I'm With Stupid CD/DVD Single Review

I'm With Stupid CD/DVD Single Review

Re: I'm With Stupid CD/DVD Single Review