OK, third single, but what about fourth? ;)

[Rent]

I find it weird that fans keep going on about PSB being their best during the Very-era

Their sound changed from Very onwards. Please to Behaviour was a consistent, better quality, more individual sound. I don't know much about synths and production techniques but some of the post '93 stuff has definitely sounded, er, cheaper! And Very sounds dated.
Sonically, Fundamental is closer to the '84-'90 period.

Yes, agreed. Although Behaviour was still a bit of a shock to me - less of the upbeat, up-tempo sound. But biggest departure was from Very onwards. I did find the sound on Very somewhat.... confusing. Like a cacophony of sounds, all jumbled up, no consistency. Quite disorienting as a result....

I actually found that Nightlife had a bit of that quality inherent to their earlier work. But not all songs. But Fundamental mostly captures this sound. Which is why I am so pleased with the album. I like it throughout (still have issues with Cassanova and to a lesser degree Sodom), but on the whole yes, Fundamental definitely sounds like their halcyon years although they have moved on etc.

[Rent]

I like Sodom because, despite agreeing with you on the 'cheesiness' factor, it's got something that puts it head and shoulders above 'any old track' -- an epic quality that owes itself to ambience/atmosphere/historical import. it tells a story -- just like Casanova (yet another track you hate... hmm I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here ), and it harks to being more than just a ditty. it dares to create a world apart from the one we live in.

see, cheesy can be good. it can be great; trailblazing as well. what else was Sergeant Peppers other than over-the-top cheesy? and sometimes cheesy pop is where it's at.

now if you say that in TODAY's anti-cheesy/anti-pop atmosphere, Sodom won't go down well, I might agree edgewise with you.

Lol at the Sodom/Cassanova analogy. I think my main gripe with Cassanova is that it is like a second-rate Can you forgive her?. I mean we all heard a song about a man not being able to get it up. And sorry but do I want to hear a song about rape and erections? Hm.. where's the romanticism, the vulnerability etc.

And i do agree with you re the epic qualiy of Sodom. I did not like it from my very first listen but the darn tune was as addictive as New York city boy. And I hate to admit, but hey tis the truth, but the dreaded tune kept popping up in my head. I, however, absolutely adore(d) (from the first) the way he says: "are you gonna go". Quite fragile and enchanting.

As for Sodom working as a single, I totally agree that it might fare well. I admit not having the foggiest as to what Joe Public might like. But seeing GW and New York city boy worked well (and they were not my faves), it is by all means possible. And don't get me wrong, I'd be the first to applaud if Sodom worked dead well as I do want PSB to do well!

[kimphilby]

after Fundamental, Actually is my favorite album.

Somewhat gone off the thread I know I've never done this list before:

Actually
Behaviour
Introspective
Please
Fundamental
Very - A great pop album but, weirdly, not the best PSB album.
Nightlife
Bilingual
Release

[Rent]

after Fundamental, Actually is my favorite album.

Somewhat gone off the thread I know I've never done this list before:

Actually
Behaviour
Introspective
Please
Fundamental
Very - A great pop album but, weirdly, not the best PSB album.
Nightlife
Bilingual
Release

Mine would be something like his:

Alternative - Actually – Please
Introspective
Fundamental
Bilingual
Behaviour - Nightlife
Very
Release

Though Relentless is *muchly* better than Very

[kimphilby]

Alternative

I was only counting proper studio albums, but that's such a great selection of songs. Sub-sub-sub thread now, but my faves are:

Was that what it was
Jack the Lad
That's my impression
Miserablism
It Must Be Obvious
Do I have to

[gomorrah]

I like Casanova if only for one reason (though there are more than just the one ) -- it tells the story of how the pen can be a weapon, how it can change history -- political as well as personal. it tells a story of personal triumph but also of secret heartbreak IF you look at it from Casanova's point of view. sure, not single material, but a great little ditty nonetheless.

and that line "through velvet drape, dream of rape" sent shivers down my spine. *shudder* it was just... very visual. and I'm a very visual person. so... *shrugs*

same with sodom: it brought up images to me complete with white, rippling sand, blinding sunshine, merry-go-rounds with children frolicking alongwith deep shadows cutting across silken tents, oiled bodies, heavy breathing and writhing limbs. it's just very sexy and mysterious and ornate. you said you could write a novel on rent, I could make a film on TSAGS.

[Rent]

Alternative

I was only counting proper studio albums, but that's such a great selection of songs. Sub-sub-sub thread now, but my faves are:

Was that what it was
Jack the Lad
That's my impression
Miserablism
It Must Be Obvious
Do I have to

Hehe, I just couldn't resist including Alternative. I was so completely bowled over by the sheer genius of PSB during all those years.

That's my impression is my absolute fave. But i love the rest as well: A man could get arrested, A new life, Jack the Lad, Speculation etc. Not one dud!!

[Rent]

I like Casanova if only for one reason (though there are more than just the one ) -- it tells the story of how the pen can be a weapon, how it can change history -- political as well as personal. it tells a story of personal triumph but also of secret heartbreak IF you look at it from Casanova's point of view. sure, not single material, but a great little ditty nonetheless.

and that line "through velvet drape, dream of rape" sent shivers down my spine. *shudder* it was just... very visual. and I'm a very visual person. so... *shrugs*

same with sodom: it brought up images to me complete with white, rippling sand, blinding sunshine, merry-go-rounds with children frolicking alongwith deep shadows cutting across silken tents, oiled bodies, heavy breathing and writhing limbs. it's just very sexy and mysterious and ornate. you said you could write a novel on rent, I could make a film on TSAGS.

I do appreciate the story behind Cassanova, though it took time I admit. But dear Lord, does Neil have to talk about rape and erections?! Dunno but i probably would not be so allergic to the song if he'd chosen his words better... Well, maybe.

Lol, good point about Sodom! I hadn't thought of it that way... But as I said, i am starting to appreciate it... slowly Though it still reeks of debauchery you know. Where's my dose of vulnerability and er, subtlety?

[gomorrah]

debauchery can hide vulnerability. think of the "sodom" innocent being debauched into a life of sin. it might still backfire... and rather badly. hey, we can have a sequel to Sodom then!! hehe no, don't weep, there there.

and yeah, well, the erection had to happen, I guess.

sometimes I feel neil did it just to throw a spanner in the works, so to speak. it's his shock/shtick-factor. gave him some amount of pleasure, no doubt.

anyway, me starving, me gonna go get some lunch and check email cheers... good convo!!! you're ace!

[Rent]

A sequel to Sodom!? *faints* And guess we'd have to agree to disagree here... tracks such as these are not really my cuppa

Enjoy your lunch! I enjoyed the discussion as well, so rare nowadays on a PSB forum