An evening with the Pet Shop Boys and album preview

[TallThinMan]

They've been working on a cover version of a relatively obscure old blues song!

[TallThinMan]

Neil just confirmed that 'Loneliness' and 'Dancing Star' are going to be in this year's Dreamworld shows.

[S-sense]

No ones asks about special concerts? WTF ;⁠-⁠)

[scousepsbfan]

Did anyone catch the name of the 'obscure' band that they've done the cover version of? Couldn't quite work out what Chris was saying.

[GlasgowGirl]

Enjoyed that but Chris was very quiet and nervy. I guess the live audience would be very off putting if you are a bit shy. Neil certainly earned his keep tonight!

[psbnyc]

Yes, Neil was in great form and his voice sounded wonderful! Very enjoyable but not much news. Looking forward to hearing the reactions to the album!

[FormerEnfantTerrible]

Neil revealed something that explains the inclusion of Wedding in Berlin at the end of Hotspot. In the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album by The Beatles, only the first, second, and final track are on theme with the concept of the album. Likewise, only Will-o-the-wisp, You are the one, and Wedding in Berlin fit the "Berlin" concept that they had for Hotspot - which is why they take those spots in the tracklist.

[GlasgowGirl]

Best bit for me was when they were discussing singing all the hits on this tour and so there was no song that folk could nip to the bar during. He then said that he actually thinks folk go to the bar during You only tell me you love me when you're drunk and Chris piped up " I know I do".

[rashomon]

Well that was a fantastic evening

Neil and Chris in great form for the Q and A


As for Nonetheless….

The album sounds incredible on first listen. I’d describe it as chunky bass lines layered with soaring strings

The production is top notch. Sonically it’s very cohesive … this one has a real album sound to it - not disjointed and is very different to the Price era of albums.

Not sure if it was the acoustics in the hall but I struggled to hear Neil’s vocals on many of the tracks … there is a wall of sound and lots going on. I think this is more about familiarity as vocals on both Loneliness and Dancing Star were clear.

The first half of the album is pretty much faultless.

Feel has a beautiful melody that I’m dying to hear again. New London Boy is wistful and romantic. There is a clear call back musically to The Message when Neil does the rap in the middle.

The standout for me is definitely A New Bohemia. This one might be one of those ‘Instant Classics’ I think for many of us. Glad it is a going to be a single!

The one track that didn’t get to the levels of the others on that preview listen was The secret of happiness.

Bullet is a banger though … and it’s closes out really strongly with the luxuriant Love is the law

Beats and strings baby … beats and strings!

[Meebabi]

Best bit for me was when they were discussing singing all the hits on this tour and so there was no song that folk could nip to the bar during. He then said that he actually thinks folk go to the bar during You only tell me you love me when you're drunk and Chris piped up " I know I do".

I love that song! I’ve been to 3 Dreamworld shows and sadly for me it wasn’t played at any of them.

[Meebabi]

Well that was a fantastic evening

Neil and Chris in great form for the Q and A


As for Nonetheless….

The album sounds incredible on first listen. I’d describe it as chunky bass lines layered with soaring strings

The production is top notch. Sonically it’s very cohesive … this one has a real album sound to it and very different to the Price era of albums.

Not sure if it was the acoustics in the hall but I struggled to hear Neil’s vocals on many of the tracks … there is a wall of sound and lots going on. I think this is more about familiarity as vocals on both Loneliness and Dancing Star were clear.

The first half of the album is pretty much faultless.

Feel has a beautiful melody that I’m dying to hear again. New London Boy is wistful and romantic.

The standout for me is definitely A New Bohemia … there is a clear call back musically to The Message when Neil does the rap in the middle. Glad it is a going to be a single!

The one track that didn’t get to the levels of the others on that preview listen was The secret of happiness.

Bullet is a banger though … and it’s closes out really strongly with the luxuriant Love is the law

Beats and strings baby … beats and strings!

Love beats and strings!

What was it like during the album listening? Was everyone standing around chatting? Were there sofas or whatever to lounge on while listening? I’ve never been to one of these, so wondering what it’s like.

[rashomon]

In terms of being reminded of other albums … it has shades of Yes, Release (guitars) and Fundamental. I think only Dancing Star sounded like the Please, Actually era.

Ultimately, It is its own thing … welcome to the Nonetheless era fellow Petheads!

[Pete13]

We all sat in our seats in the dark. The album cover was projected onto a big screen behind the stage.

[Meebabi]

What a waste of a question, asking what happened to Chris during Glastonbury - it's well-documented!

Agreed 100%! Was that person even a fan? I don’t get why random people sometimes get into exclusive events or get VIP for things when they aren’t even fans. It takes away spots from actual fans. Not that I’m saying that is what happened here, but come on! By now I’m assuming PSB fans have at least a general idea what happened.

[Meebabi]

We all sat in our seats in the dark. The album cover was projected onto a big screen behind the stage.

Oh! Not quite the scenario I’d envisioned. Hope all the attendees had a great time, nonetheless.