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4.0 out of 5 stars
This review is for the 2001 2 CD rerelease. See if you agree, April 15 2004
I am a HUGE Pet Shop Boys fan and anyone familiar with my reviews may know that I've given 5's to the reissued 2 CD sets "Very" and "Bilingual" as well as the criminally underrated "Alternative" and their comprehensive 2003 career-to-date compilation titled "PopArt." "Please" was the very first release that introduced a duo named PSB to the masses via the unforgettable "West End Girls," which to me captures PSB at their best and is one of the greatest songs of all time. I can't think of another group that has based its song on cold vocals, synthesized music, and dry wit to create something that sounds and makes me feel so alive. The first single was followed by the tongue in cheek yet powerful "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)," the soothing (or is it?) "Suburbia," and "Love Comes Quickly" just to name my favorites.While I like other songs on this release, with the exception of "Later Tonight" and "Why Don't We Live Together," I am not giving this release a 5 as the remastered 2 CD set released in 2001 is pricey, and unlike the reissues "Very" or "Bilingual," the "Further Listening" CD does not make this a must have set. Maybe because it only covers songs from their early years and a very limited period (1984-1986), the CD does not really have as many gems as can be found on other 2001 rereleases by PSB. Also, while there are a few winners, my favorites the moody "Jack The Lad," "the catchy "Paninaro," the punchy "In The Night," "A Man Can Get Arrested," That's My Impression" can already be found in good form in "Alternative" or "Disco." The are a few surprises as exemplified by the muscular 'Was That What It Was?" (love those "drums," strings, and chorus). I wish that Neil would rerecord this song as the solo portions are not as good as all the other components. I don't think that I had heard this song before and I am really getting into it. "Suburbia (The Full Horror)" gives the original song an expanded epic dimension without taking away its original punch. I am giving the boys "only" 4 stars as I am rating the 2 CD release and not the original release. If you have unlimited money on your hands and have already bought all the other reissues, then by all means give this a shot as you can make a great 1 CD mix from the 2 CD set. There are some songs that MAY make this a must have for you. For me just having the dance mix of "West End Girls" could have been enough; however, I also LOVE the previously unreleased (at least on CD) 12 inch version of "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)." I also replaced the previously unreleased version of "Why Don't We Live Together" (original New York mix) as it is head and shoulders above the one in the original release. I hope that PSB continue to do their thing for many years to come as I can never get enough of them. They are among the few acts from the 1980s that have remained relevant as PSB as the boys have so many layers to them and their music can be enjoyed on more levels than almost any act. They are not just some tongue in cheek smart alecks as their music is also romantic, melodic, and as contagious as it comes.
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