Pet Shop Boys Community

While I enjoyed Betrayed upon its release, there were no databases in existence to aid in deciphering lyrics, so a song just meant what it meant to the listener. Who could have guessed that it was about Neil's friend crossing the picket line at work? However, I quickly became OBSESSED with the Pink Noise Mix of Se a vida é from the same cd.

Are the aaahs sampled from another PSB song? or is it the Neilatrone working?

Betrayed is an amazing song let down by the decision to use a jungle-influenced backing track.

Xakrij wrote: Sat 07 Mar 2026, 8:00 pm While I enjoyed Betrayed upon its release, there were no databases in existence to aid in deciphering lyrics, so a song just meant what it meant to the listener. Who could have guessed that it was about Neil's friend crossing the picket line at work? However, I quickly became OBSESSED with the Pink Noise Mix of Se a vida é from the same cd.

Indeed, top marks to Neil for writing a song about working class life which isn't a rock or folk track. I'd love to seem him perform this at the Tolpuddle Festival

p.s. Thanks Drico et al for this thread as it has helped my discover some minor gems from this era I'd previously overlooked.

Kompakt&Bijou wrote: Mon 09 Mar 2026, 8:25 am

Xakrij wrote: Sat 07 Mar 2026, 8:00 pm While I enjoyed Betrayed upon its release, there were no databases in existence to aid in deciphering lyrics, so a song just meant what it meant to the listener. Who could have guessed that it was about Neil's friend crossing the picket line at work? However, I quickly became OBSESSED with the Pink Noise Mix of Se a vida é from the same cd.

Indeed, top marks to Neil for writing a song about working class life which isn't a rock or folk track. I'd love to seem him perform this at the Tolpuddle Festival

True, I've never felt much for Betrayed but the lyrics are appealing but one first have to know the back story, which we didn't get until 2001. Without that the lyrics are quite banal and the jungle style production doesn't make it better.

I actually like the production!

I like it, as a kind of experimental thing. It's the lads just trying something different isn't it? like a few of their b-sides of the time such as disco potential. Not one I'd particularly listen out for but fair play for them showing they can do D&B and chuck it on a b-side. Showing off a bit really.

Electric before Electric. Experimental '97 album with their "weird" tracks + Somewhere extended mix split in its two parts.
1. Somewhere I
2. Disco Potential
3. Electricity
4. Betrayed
5. How I learned to hate rock'n'roll
6. Metamorphosis
7. Somewhere II

Clearly b-side material which sounded outdaded even before it was recorded. It's a good thing they keep on experimenting even if it doesn't always pay out.

telys wrote: Mon 09 Mar 2026, 3:14 pm Electric before Electric. Experimental '97 album with their "weird" tracks + Somewhere extended mix split in its two parts.
1. Somewhere I
2. Disco Potential
3. Electricity
4. Betrayed
5. How I learned to hate rock'n'roll
6. Metamorphosis
7. Somewhere II

No offense but that'd be a contendant for their weakest release ever...

Track 104: Delusions of Grandeur
Chronology: Bilingual, Further Listening, Track 7

A frantically galloping beat, a male voice choir, and Neil having his ring kissed? What more could the average Pethead wish for!

I absolutely loved this in 1997 - and still do. A wickedly joyous revenge fantasy where we ended up with Pope Neil I (though surely he would have taken Francis as his papal moniker) was right up my street then and now. Yet, beyond the fun and the valediction, what also appeals is the pain that runs right through these desires for retribution. There's a playful drama here that makes the five minutes of this track seem like three, a campness bedecked in religious regalia, authoritarian pageantry, and flowing robes. This is the kind of thing that cements me as a fan. You just didn't get this from Shed Seven in 1997.

Drico.

A very original song structure and arrangement, like a musical number. I loved it too back in the day and it still remains as a top b-side (a strong contender for the Obscure shows? Why not…but vocally demanding for Neil). As Drico said, one’s fandom gets stronger with that b-side quality. And personally, it still happens to me in 2026 while listening to them mixed with the Nonetheless’ ones.

"Ring the bells, tell everyone
Revolution can be fun"
This part has a really brilliant melody. The rest of the song is pretty good too. I loved it when it came out, a little less so now, but it's definitely among their best B-sides.

Yeah, this is a classic PSB b-side.

One of their best b-sides, although the production sounds a bit thin today. Classic lyrics: "In victory I'm magnanimous and charming when I speak exclusively at length to CNN" is brilliant. I'd love to hear this at Obscure!

I love the political content. It echoes into these days of more and more fascistic tendencies.