Pet Shop Boys Community

bookshopboy wrote:"West End girls" isn't a 'happy' song. Neither is "It's a sin". Even "Go west" is sadder in it's PSB version than the original Village People one.

"Go West" is super happy

bookshopboy wrote:

nickname wrote:PSB are more famous for their happy songs more than their sad songs

really?

I wouldn't say that at all, when you read general reviews of the group they are often described as melancholy, there being a sadness behind the uplifting music etc

Flaffer wrote:

bookshopboy wrote:

nickname wrote:PSB are more famous for their happy songs more than their sad songs

really?

I wouldn't say that at all, when you read general reviews of the group they are often described as melancholy, there being a sadness behind the uplifting music etc

I dunno why, but everyone likes to suffer

Flaffer wrote:

bookshopboy wrote:

nickname wrote:PSB are more famous for their happy songs more than their sad songs

really?

I wouldn't say that at all, when you read general reviews of the group they are often described as melancholy, there being a sadness behind the uplifting music etc

Was it partly about AIDS and all that stuff so depends a bit.

Stoney-faced non-smiling Pets back to their best I'm afraid!

amandote wrote:

bookshopboy wrote:

nickname wrote:PSB are more famous for their happy songs more than their sad songs

really?

really

Er, no.

Nearly ALL of the Pet Shop Boys major hits (with the exception of Heart) have depressing undertones or direct themes.

And what is universally recognised as their best song (Being Boring) is about growing older and watching your friends die.

You really do need to get real.

amandote wrote:

bookshopboy wrote:"West End girls" isn't a 'happy' song. Neither is "It's a sin". Even "Go west" is sadder in it's PSB version than the original Village People one.

"Go West" is super happy

The chord changes may make you smile, but the fact remains that the Pet Shop Boys are quoted as saying that singing Go West in the post-AIDS era makes it sound somewhat hopeless.

So no, 'Go West' isnt super happy at all.

I'd still recommend converting to Westlife, you obviously just dont 'get it'.

jamie1978 wrote:

amandote wrote:

bookshopboy wrote:"West End girls" isn't a 'happy' song. Neither is "It's a sin". Even "Go west" is sadder in it's PSB version than the original Village People one.

"Go West" is super happy

The chord changes may make you smile, but the fact remains that the Pet Shop Boys are quoted as saying that singing Go West in the post-AIDS era makes it sound somewhat hopeless.

So no, 'Go West' isnt super happy at all.

I'd still recommend converting to Westlife, you obviously just dont 'get it'.

If you talk so much about Westlife, you definitely like them. So take your chance and become a Westlife fan today!

jamie1978 wrote:Nearly ALL of the Pet Shop Boys major hits (with the exception of Heart) have depressing undertones or direct themes.

Even Heart can be construed as being about unrequited love. Fact is, the sadness is what makes them great. They've probably written more songs about death than any other artist and yet some people still perceive them as being camp nonsense while extolling the latest indie gloom merchants.

I'm shocked at some of the fans thinking Go West, for instance, is happy but perhaps it is the language barrier. I'd contend once more that Se a vida e is very sad too - "Life is much more simple when you're young"

Like Chris said about Go West: Neil could make anything sound doomed and hopeless with his distinctive vocal style.

The true greatness of PSB-songs is that they are very rarely truly happy or truly sad. With each romantic affair follows the risk of being hurt. With each painful breakup comes the chance of discovering new horizons. The death of a loved one always conjures up bitter-sweet memories.
PSB thorughout their career have shown a unique ability to combine euphoria with melancholy, and therein lies their greatness. But of course, that's just my opinion.

Lush wrote:The true greatness of PSB-songs is that they are very rarely truly happy or truly sad. With each romantic affair follows the risk of being hurt. With each painful breakup comes the chance of discovering new horizons. The death of a loved one always conjures up bitter-sweet memories.
PSB thorughout their career have shown a unique ability to combine euphoria with melancholy, and therein lies their greatness. But of course, that's just my opinion.

you're right. maybe that's why we share different opinions on this topic

Lush wrote:The true greatness of PSB-songs is that they are very rarely truly happy or truly sad. With each romantic affair follows the risk of being hurt. With each painful breakup comes the chance of discovering new horizons. The death of a loved one always conjures up bitter-sweet memories.
PSB thorughout their career have shown a unique ability to combine euphoria with melancholy, and therein lies their greatness. But of course, that's just my opinion.

Oh yes, it's very true that the sadness is tempered by euphoria otherwise we'd all be slashing our wrists! I think most great art recognises the evanescence of life and how precious that makes those moments we do experience.

amandote wrote:For the next album I want happy PSB songs.
Their last songs are not very happy... I want songs like "I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing" and "Se a vida e"...

What Happy songs..Was It Worth It is a song I would describe as happy as is I wouldn't Normally do & Liberation but the rest are generally sad as Se A Vida E is about someone who is depressed with low self worth..

Melancholy..Bring it on with the chord of mourning

Lush wrote:The true greatness of PSB-songs is that they are very rarely truly happy or truly sad. With each romantic affair follows the risk of being hurt. With each painful breakup comes the chance of discovering new horizons. The death of a loved one always conjures up bitter-sweet memories.
PSB thorughout their career have shown a unique ability to combine euphoria with melancholy, and therein lies their greatness. But of course, that's just my opinion.

That is in my opinion spot on..I remember Chris once said that the Pet Shop Boys message is that It's not going to be alright..I like that as life is not always easy & cheerful and rosy..unless your Boyzone or someone

Hum, I think the lyrics are sad but the music is happy. Don't you think so?.