Track-by-Track: From Please to Nonetheless

[rathound]

A superb track, also my favourite off the album. Echo that the 1-2-3 on Nightlife is prob the best on any of their albums despite the competition. Should have been a single with a load of contemporary trance mixes, not the dreadful New York city boy

oh well. Next track is also great, then its all downhill

[Capsigrany]

As mentioned, another single that never was. A really strong track in a very strong album (in my opinion).
I think that with the proper timing and promotion it could have been a top 10 hit. A track that deserves more recognition and ,of course, this album version is Closer To Heaven’s best version.

[Old Soak]

Nightlife has such a great opening triplet. Then it drops off a cliff...

[NOBODY75]

I love Closer to Heaven. It was my favorite when I bought the album, and even today it's number two in my head when it comes to Nightlife. The melody of the verses is one of the best they've ever done. Pure, unadulterated pop.

Now, regarding it being the first single... Back in '99, I thought so too. But looking back, I think they made the right decision releasing I Don't Know because I see it as a song for everyone, for a wider audience. I see Closer as more for the fans... Although I also think it wouldn't have made a difference. If NCB had the success it did... there wasn't anything more commercial on the album.

[Drico One]

I always liked the fizzing excitement of Closer to heaven and thought it an obvious single, but it's very slight in terms of songsmithery, composed, as it is, of cliched statements and trite banalities. I'd expect more of a lead single - and the actual choice was far more grown-up and grandiose, but perhaps less suited to the climate of the time. The protagonist is once again merely a passive participant in whatever dysfunctional relationship exists between him and his partner. This is a running theme of this album: a sort of pained victimhood or injured innocence pervades.

Drico.

[Drico One]

Track 112: I don't know what you want but I can't give it any more
Chronology: Nightlife, Track 3

When I first heard this, I was mildly underwhelmed - it lacks a chorus worthy of the name. After a few more listens, I was captivated. I think this elegant kitchen sink drama is really gorgeous, and a classic example of how they glamorise the mundane. Once again, Neil is on the wrong end of a dysfunctional relationship, but at least this time he's coming to terms with it and beginning the process of moving on. It's one of the more subtle moments on Nightlife, and is beautifully produced with its crystalline flourishes, gurgling percolation, and quietly thrilling propulsion. The Top of the Pops performance was epic and otherworldly, showcasing just how completely out on their own they were at the time.

Drico.

[NOBODY75]

I think its perfect fit was as a 4-single... But for the first time, they didn't release at least 4. It's a shame because I think the song deserved it. The quality of the melodies is even more apparent in the slow version. And we probably also missed out on one or two good remixes for the dance floor.

[NOBODY75]

I had the same experience. I was disappointed at first. But it grew on me with repeated listens, and I appreciate it more now. The video is magnificent. Very well directed and edited. Like all great videos, it elevates the song to another level.
Their "costume-characters," unlike in "Very," are fantastic

[leesmapman]

I think this topic makes me realize that Nightlife is my least favourite PSB album. I find I don't know what you want... a pretty boring single.

[Towa]

I love the verse, but I find the chorus a bit boring - at least when compared to the verses.

[Patrick Bateman]

I like the song and the video but it's hardly lead single material, is it? I always remember buying Better Off Alone on the same day - that's the sound of 1999 right there. PSB look and sound out of step - in one way, that's quite funny as their gay punks on ketamine look is juxtaposed with the tweeny pop around at the time. However, it means they're no longer that relevant commercially - Radio 2 is calling and that conversation about quitting is just around the corner...

[NotInvisible]

Two duds in a row in my opinion. I've never understood the fan love for Closer to Heaven - to me it's the equivalent of a three standing out in a bar full of ones. I've come to appreciate the production on I don't know what you want but I can't give it any more but its songwriting is equally uninspired. Luckily we have ...Drunk just around the corner, which is one of their songwriting crown jewels. But it's slim pickings during this era, and whichever dull 'dance' track gets the lead single position between CtH and I don't know what you want but I can't give it any more, everyone loses.

Thank god for Release.

[NotInvisible]

However, it means they're no longer that relevant commercially - Radio 2 is calling and that conversation about quitting is just around the corner...

Losing commercial relevance is probably the best thing that ever happened to them in terms of still being here 40 years later. Chasing trends was always going to be a losing proposition long term; they needed a clean break to reinvent themselves as artists.

[NOBODY75]

However, it means they're no longer that relevant commercially - Radio 2 is calling and that conversation about quitting is just around the corner...

Losing commercial relevance is probably the best thing that ever happened to them in terms of still being here 40 years later. Chasing trends was always going to be a losing proposition long term; they needed a clean break to reinvent themselves as artists.

Although we don't agree on these two songs, especially regarding "Closer" and I think the album in general, I completely agree with what you said. I like "Better of Alone," but thank goodness they didn't try to follow the trends of the time.
And I think we also agree on "Drunk."

[Xakrij]

If anyone can,
the Action Man can