retrofuturist wrote: Sun 07 Apr 2024, 4:11 am
Greetings,
Speaking of "the sound" being "retro" I cannot help but feel like the Pet Shop Boys are pulling a "Pavlov's dog" on us here with Dancing Star - we're supposed to hear the 80s synth palette, spoken word sections and syn-percussion and instantly salivate like dogs, even though, unlike in the past, nothing particularly satisfying or substantial has actually been put in front of us on this occasion.
Retro.
I agree with the ‘Pavlov’s dog’ notion but we differ on the rest… what they’ve put in front of us is QUITE satisfying and substantial IMO.
(I haven’t actually salivated but I do get goosebumps from Dancing star!)
“Dancing Star” didn’t give me that WOW I love it reaction on first listen - but hopefully it will grow on me as I really want to love it. As an aside, I reviewed “Nureyev: Legend And Legacy” at The Theatre Royal back in ‘22. I wonder if the boys attended. Ralph Fiennes (Directed the Nureyev inspired film ‘The White Crow’) gave a wonderfully impassioned speech about Nureyev’s life. The dancing by some the worlds leading ballet stars was wonderful to witness.
scousepsbfan wrote: Sat 06 Apr 2024, 10:30 am
On another matter, this is the only forum I have ever been a part of and I am going to have to leave it. I never realised people could be so nasty to one another when the subject matter themselves, Neil and Chris, are allegedly loved by all on here.
Please stay and just focus on the true fans
It's good to read YouTube comments and see how people adore PSB without all the pent-up expectation and odd anti-ness (that comes from a minority in here). Can help balance out your vibes sometimes. I still love the forum and think the mods are doing a good job.
Last edited by jasonjohn on Sun 07 Apr 2024, 9:48 am, edited 2 times in total.
dbaseboy wrote: Sat 06 Apr 2024, 3:53 pm
Dancing star started out as a Chris track about being at the beach hence the waves on it. He even did a vocal for it originally. Would love to hear that demo version.
dbaseboy wrote: Sat 06 Apr 2024, 3:53 pm
Dancing star started out as a Chris track about being at the beach hence the waves on it. He even did a vocal for it originally. Would love to hear that demo version.
For me, regardless of the comments you see around here, I have to say that I love the two singles.
I like Loneliness and Dancing Star more and more. I think every song they give us is a gift. I don't know so many groups that still make music after so many years.
It is better to ignore them about unpleasant comments. It's supposed that all of us here are supposed to be because we love Pet Shop Boys, and as I've always said, to make a stupid comment and disrespect, sometimes it's better to shut up.
Same here. They grow better with every listen. As for the “throwback” soundscape of much of Dancing Star… the song is strong enough to work with or without that, as the remixes show. There’s so much to be taken from the lyrics, and the melodies. Can imagine it with just piano or guitar actually… which is rarely the case with such an upbeat track.
Dancing star has grown on me considerably, despite feeling a bit disjointed at first. It's clearly heavily influenced by Madonna's Holiday (you can lay it almost directly over it) - STOP PRESS - someone now has - but also Lucky Star (is "star" the clue here?) Also nods to Paninaro and reminiscent of Stupid and Dreamland.
As for the two B sides, I'd say it's the best "collection" since at least 2012, maybe 2009 (or earlier). Jesus is one of the most beautiful, hauntingly euphoric tracks they've ever released and after a couple of listens gets right inside you. It's reminiscent in parts of My October symphony. "Always" is under serious threat as their most gorgeous b side. No sense of time is a superbly strong track with very powerful, almost Biblical imagery. It's their synth-pop Kubla Khan.
Two absolute gems that will be held in extremely high regard for many years. I'm thrilled.
Last edited by daveid on Sun 07 Apr 2024, 4:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Anyone else hearing what is probably the last echo of the last second of New London Boy at the very start of Dancing Star?
Others have said it, but Dancing Star really holds it own after repeated listens … I’m going to enjoy it greatly in sequence - between a rap-infused memoir of 70s London and a homage to bohemianism..
