Jon Pareles
Just because the PET SHOP BOYS sound plaintive doesn’t mean they’re wimps. In the 25 years since the British singer NEIL TENNANT and keyboardist CHRIS LOWE started their musical partnership, they have used what may be pop’s most escapist subgenre —synth-pop dance music — to make sly statements about capitalism, social class, gay life and global politics.
They’re genuinely fond of synth-pop’s imaginary sonic paradises, where the beat goes on forever and artificial sounds promise bliss without consequences. They understand how melodies work; in 1991 they made a campy hit with a medley of U2’s earnest “Where the Streets Have No Name” and Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” But they have more in mind than hooks. Their latest album, “Fundamental” (EMI), twists together romance and politics. It includes “I’m With Stupid,” a single with a big beat, exuberant synthetic horns and multilayered vocal harmonies. Couched as a first-person love song, it’s about Tony Blair’s relationship with George W. Bush: “Fly across the ocean just to let you get your way,” Mr. Tennant sings. “Why would I be with someone who’s obviously so dumb?”
When the Pet Shop Boys tour, which is infrequently, Mr. Lowe lurks in the background, while Mr. Tennant puts himself at the center of elaborate, outlandish stage pageants, only to twist the songs even further. Saturday at 8 p.m., Radio City Music Hall, radiocity.com; $29.50 to $99.50.
