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What's New? – Recent Updates & Additions

April 23, 2025

Breaking News!

I'm excited to announce, with my publisher's blessing, the forthcoming publication of a pair of books that I've written about the music of the Pet Shop Boys. Published by U.K.-based Fonthill Media, Pet Shop Boys: Song by Song Vol. 1 (1984-2004) and Pet Shop Boys: Song by Song Vol. 2 (2005-2024) are the latest editions in Fonthill Media's ongoing Song by Song series, which has previously included books focusing on the music of such artists as ABBA, Kate Bush, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, among others. In fact, my PSB books are the first in the series to warrant two volumes, at the publisher's own suggestion. Volume 1 is scheduled for publication this coming October 30 in the U.K. and a month later in the U.S., while Volume 2 is slated for March 30, 2026 in the U.K. and a month later in the States. They're not yet available to order, but Volume 1 should be available for advance orders sometime before October.

You might be wondering why anyone should bother buying books that I've written about the Pet Shop Boys' music when, after all, this website is available for free. I can think of several good reasons. For one thing, although there is a good deal of overlap between this website and the books, they're by no means identical. Think of the books as a sort of "single mix" of this website's content. The text of the books is tightened and "refined," zeroing in on what I consider the most important information about each song.

Another consideration is that, to be blunt, I don't know how much longer this website will be around. I'm not getting any younger, and I'm rapidly approaching the age at which my father passed away. And his death came with shocking speed, with relatively little warning. One day he was out in the field of his farm, gathering hay, seemingly as healthy as the proverbial horse, yet a month later he was gone. So my website may also suddenly vanish someday with little or no warning. These books, however, will provide a lasting, "permanent" record of my PSB-related work. And they'll also provide a lasting, "permanent" source of information about PSB music itself.

At any rate, I hope many of you will consider purchasing these books once they become available. I'll provide updates here as appropriate. In the meantime, thanks so much for your interest and support!

April 19, 2025

Song Annotations

Thanks to Steven N. for sharing his intriguing observation that the lines "Look left, then right / And run for your life" in "Up Against It" may cleverly allude to U.K. prime ministerships in the postwar era. I explain this in a new next-to-last bullet-point annotation to my commentary on that song.

April 18, 2025

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows
Celebrity Fans of the Pet Shop Boys Outside the Field of Music

Thanks to Rob Bainbridge for telling me about this morning's episode of the U.K. television show Lorraine, which triggers an addendum to my entry for "It's a Sin" at #21 in my list of Pet Shop Boys songs used in films and non-musical TV shows as well the addition of actress and TV personality Sally Lindsay to my list of celebrity PSB fans outside the field of music.

April 17, 2025

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in TV Commercials

Thanks to Jarek Staszkowian for letting me know that Lexus is now using "Domino Dancing" in television commercials in Hungary, just as in Poland last year. I've made this update to the entry for that song at #13 in my list of Pet Shop Boys songs that have been used in TV commercials.

Updates/Corrections

Having received his permission to do so, I've added Malte Kierblewsky's name to my Thank You page in recognition of his contribution of information yesterday (see just below).

April 16, 2025

Mixes/Versions

Thanks to Malte Kierblewsky for questioning the "reality" of the 3:25 Vinny Vero Vox Mix of "To Step Aside," which I've long listed on my page devoted to that song. Upon investigating the matter further, I've come, at least tentatively, to agree with him: there seems to be little if any evidence of its actual existence. I've therefore, for the time being, deleted my citation of it. If, however, any of you are able to provide evidence of its existence, please let me know.

April 13, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Matteo for letting me know that Johnny Marr's live album Look Out Live! has just been released, a few days ahead of its previously announced release date. I've accordingly updated my page for "Rebel Rebel," one of two tracks on that album (the other being "Getting Away with It") that feature Neil as guest vocalist.

Breaking News!

Two of my long-time site visitors (thanks Andrew Shaw and John McFadden!) have clued me in on the fact that the Pet Shop Boys have begun "workshopping" their upcoming stage production Naked. I really don't have anything to say about it at this time, so I'm going to hold off on any further comment until I know a lot more. After all, it's still very, very early in the process.

April 12, 2025

Updates/Corrections

While continuing to peruse Annually 2025, I noticed that the Pet Shop Boys refer to their "Neilatron," their long-used digital takeoff on a classic mellotron using samples of Neil's voice. I've always previously used the spelling "Neilotron," believing that to be a better parallel to "mellotron." And, though I may well be wrong about this, I could've sworn that they've previously spelled it "Neilotron" themselves. But, whatever the case, it would now appear that "Neilatron" is now (and possibly has always been) their preferred spelling. So I've gone through my website and have replaced all "Neilotron" spellings with "Neilatron."

April 11, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Andrew Shaw for pointing out that, although the Hidden Cameras' new single "How Do You Love?" was released today, the Pet Shop Boys' remix apparently won't be released for a few weeks yet. I've updated my entry for that track accordingly.

Meanwhile, I've just received my copy of Annually 2025. Among the scattered website additions I've gleaned from it so far are:

There are likely more to come, but other demands on my time will prevent me from making any further updates until tomorrow.

April 8, 2025

Major PSB VHS/LD/DVD Releases

A few days ago I received an email notice that my order of the upcoming Dreamworld Blu-ray set will be substantially delayed, and I've heard from a few other fans that they received similar messages. The Pet Shop Boys' official website has now confirmed that this is a general problem beyond their control, for which they apologize.

Updates/Corrections

Having received his permission to do so, I've now added Gerd Hallenberger's name to my Thank You page in recognition of his contribution of information yesterday (see below).

April 7, 2025

Technical Issues

On account of technical issues with my website hosting service, well beyond my control, my website was "down" for at least two hours, perhaps longer, earlier today. It's obviously up and running again. Let's hope it stays that way! Even though it was, as I said, outside of my control, I nevertheless apologize for any concern or inconvenience.

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows

Thanks to Gerd Hallenberger for letting me know that the Sleaford Mods' 2024 remake of "West End Girls" figured prominently in yesterday's episode of the long-running German television crime drama Tatort. I've added this fact to the entry for that song at #1 in my list of Pet Shop Boys songs that have been used in films and non-musical TV shows. And, yes, even though it's a Sleaford Mods recording, it's still a PSB song!

April 4, 2025

Breaking News!

Various online sources are reporting that a new single by Hidden Cameras, titled "How Do You Love?" scheduled for release next Friday (April 11) will feature at least one remix (perhaps more) by the Pet Shop Boys. In fact, it's being widely promoted as by "Hidden Cameras feat. Pet Shop Boys," which suggests, rightly or wrongly, that the Boys play a more prominent role than merely as remixers. If you recall, the Boys remixed another Hidden Cameras track, "Colour of a Man," back in 2009, and worked with them again in 2016 on the song "Ode to an Ah." I've posted a tentative and still extremely fragmentary page for this new song, but I'll undoubtedly expand on it as I learn more. Stay tuned!

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Steve N. for sharing his intriguing observation that the little synth bits scattered through the rap section of "New London Boy" are highly reminiscent of a recurring synth motif in the Grandmaster Flash classic "The Message," which Neil has alluded to in discussing this Nonetheless track. I've made note of this fact in a new concluding sentence to the first paragraph of my commentary on the song.

Personal Observations

I hope you aren't offended if I make my annual request for you not to send me any suggestions for updates based on material gleaned from the new issue of Annually, which ships today. Since I live in the western United States, I won't be receiving my copy until well after many of you who live in the U.K., continental Europe, and even the eastern U.S. do. It may be several weeks before I get it. Once I do, I always enjoy going through it myself and gleaning material for updates on my own. But it takes a lot of the fun out of it if you send me "spoilers." So please hold off on sending me any such update suggestions until after I've made them myself; I'll be sure to mention it here when I do. Once I've made those updates, if you then feel I've overlooked anything, please feel free to write to me about it. In the meantime, thanks so much for your restraint and understanding!

April 1, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks so much to Francisco Rojas for pointing out that, as revealed in Literally 42 (2016), the lyrics of "New London Boy" can trace their origins back to the Super era with an attempt by Neil to compose possible additional lyrics for the song "Happiness." I've now noted this fascinating fact in a new second paragraph in my commentary for "New London Boy." And, no, this is not an April Fool's joke!

March 24, 2025

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows

Thanks to Mark Binmore for letting me know that an instrumental portion of "In the Night" was used in a September 1990 episode of the U.K. game show The Generation Game, a fact that I've added to the entry for that song at #2 in my list of Pet Shop Boys songs used in films and non-musical TV shows.

March 21, 2025

PSB Concert Tours

The Pet Shop Boys' official website has announced an August 14 show at the Royal Sandringham Estate, which I've now noted on my PSB concert tours page.

March 19, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Richard Firth for catching a typo—one that had been there for years—on my page for the song "Motoring." I've now corrected it.

March 17, 2025

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows

Thanks to Jon O. for informing me that the most recent episode of the HBO comedy series The Righteous Gemstones concludes with a lengthy excerpt of the Pet Shop Boys' very own rendition of "It's a Sin." I've added this fact to the entry for that song at #21 in my list of PSB songs used in films and non-musical TV shows.

March 16, 2025

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows

Thanks to Rob Bainbridge for letting me know that a short bit of the Pet Shop Boys' rendition of "Always on My Mind" could be heard during a montage airing earlier today on U.K. Sky Sports, a fact that I've noted in the entry for that song at #16 in my list of PSB songs used in films and non-musical TV shows.

March 13, 2025

Updates/Corrections
Song Annotations

Thanks so much to Nigel Brand for catching a couple of typos, now corrected, in my entry for "The Madness of the Summer" as well as for pointing out that the song's opening line, "Recollections may vary," was likely inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, which I've noted in a new annotation to my commentary on that track.

March 12, 2025

What It's About: Neil's Succinct Statements on What a Song Is "About"

Drawing upon something Neil says in a new interview published today in The Guardian, I've added "Kaputnik" to my list of what Pet Shop Boys songs are avowedly "about" according to Neil (and, in a few cases, Chris).

March 11, 2025

Song Annotations

A site visitor who prefers to remain anonymous has suggested interesting adjunctive interpretations of three songs: "Two Divided by Zero" (are they divided by zero after all?), "We Came from Outer Space" (inspired by a bestseller?), and "Your Early Stuff" (a teasing nod to an early Depeche Mode song?). I've noted these intriguing observations in new annotations to my commentaries on each of these tracks.

March 10, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to a posting this morning on the Pet Shop Boys' website, Neil has revealed the lyrics to two more of the songs on his yet-to-be-released collaborative work with Mark Springer, Sleep of Reason. This enables me to share some initial but still very preliminary observations about these songs, "My Friend the Monster" and "The Madness of the Summer." I'm going to admit upfront, however, that I find this second song, "The Madness of the Summer," especially challenging. It boasts one of the densest and, in some ways, most difficult lyrics Neil has ever composed. Everything I'm saying about it at this time must indeed be taken as very preliminary, even somewhat fragmentary. It's likely I'll learn more about it and/or gain additional insights in the days ahead. And I'm greatly hoping that Neil himself will soon shed some light on it, perhaps after the album's release.

March 9, 2025

Tracks That Mention "Pet Shop Boys"

Thanks so much to Enrique Cutillas (whose name I've added to my Thank You page) for telling me about the 2020 song "In Love and War" by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels. While it doesn't actually mention "Pet Shop Boys," it does refer to them as "Neil and Chris," which earns it a spot among the "honorable mentions" at the end of my list of tracks that mention "Pet Shop Boys."

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Steve N for pointing out the intriguing fact that the upcoming album Sleep of Reason, which features Neil as lyricist and vocalist, was recorded in a somewhat piecemeal fashion back in 2023. I've shared this information in my still quite preliminary entry for that unreleased work.

Thanks as well to Jens Boldt for catching a serious typographical flaw, now corrected, in my list of the key signatures of selected PSB songs.

March 8, 2025

The Key Signatures of Selected PSB Songs

Thanks to Cyrus (whose name I've added to my Thank You page) for suggesting a few additions to my list of the key signatures of selected Pet Shop Boys songs. He pointed out that the bridge of their own rendition of "So Sorry, I Said" is in a different key than that of the main body of the song, and he also provided the altered keys of Liza Minnelli's renditions both of that song and of "Rent."

March 7, 2025

Breaking News!

The Pet Shop Boys have just announced on their official website that they have remixed a song by Primal Scream, "Innocent Money." I've now posted a new page for this track. I've also added Primal Scream to my list of artists with whom the Boys have collaborated and the song to my page devoted to their work as remixers. If you'd like to hear it for yourself (and who wouldn't?), the PSB remix can be heard on YouTube.

Incidentally, thanks to Sotirios Dimadis for pointing out that the Boys interpolated a re-creation of the main keyboard theme from the 1977 Kraftwerk classic "Trans Europa Express" early in this remix. And Soti alerted me to the existence of an official "Edit" of this new remix as well.

There's also additional news about the upcoming release Sleep of Reason by Mark Springer, Neil Tennant, and the Sacconi Quartet. Its opening track, "Phantoms and Monsters," is now available for listening online at the Bandcamp website. I'm already offering some fragmentary, extremely preliminary observations about this track, although I expect to write more about it in the weeks ahead (and probably greatly revise what I've already written), especially after the album is released in its entirety in late April.

March 6, 2025

New Releases

Precisely one month ago, on February 6, I noted here that an upcoming new release—Sleep of Reason by Mark Springer, Neil Tennant, and the Sacconi String Quartet—was available for pre-order from Amazon UK but not Amazon US, but at that time Amazon was stating it could not be shipped to the States. That problem has now, however, been resolved. While you still can't order it from Amazon US, American fans can now place their order in Amazon UK and it will be shipped across the Atlantic. So I've now placed my order! Thanks to Andrea Grasso for "nudging" about this, motivating me to check again and discover that I could now place my order.

March 4, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Richard Firth for informing me that the licensing of music used in the late 1990s TV show Daria has expired, and it would appear that the show's owners have decided against renewing those licenses. Therefore many of the songs used in Daria—including a couple of Pet Shop Boys songs—no longer appear in subsequent DVD releases and re-airings. I've noted this fact in the pertinent entries in my list of Pet Shop Boys songs used in films and non-musical TV shows.

Mixes/Versions

Thanks to Dominik for pointing out an apparently authorized remix of "Break 4 Love" of which I had been unaware: the D-Unity Remix by Damian Jacuk. I've looked into this and it does appear to be "official." I've therefore added it to my list of remixes for that track.

March 3, 2025

PSB Concert Tours

The Pet Shop Boys' official website has just announced several additional dates in Spain for their Summer 2025 tour. I've added these new shows to my PSB Concert Tours page.

Personal Observations

Thanks to Gavin Kagan aka "Gabby the Guy" for telling me about the Booze and Vinyl books, Volume 2 of which features "an "appearance" (so to speak) by the Pet Shop Boys. In a clearly tongue-in-cheek style, these books suggest listening parties in which you spin records for your friends while serving cocktails inspired by the artists, albums, and songs in question. Volume 2 includes the PSB debut album Please, proposing cocktails called "Brains & Looks" (obviously triggered by "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)") and "Pet Shop Pimm's" (the description of which alludes very tenuously to "Violence"). At first I didn't think this information could find any permanent home here on my website but, after initially rejecting the idea, I decided that it indeed merits a new spot on my "Strange But True" page. Thanks again, Gabby!

PSB Songs That Have Been Used in Films and "Non-musical" TV Shows

Thanks to Pete Hazell (whose name I've added to my Thank You page) for telling me that "Left to My Own Devices" was featured on the most recent episode of the U.K. series Dancing on Ice. I've now noted this in the entry for that song at #3 in my list of PSB songs that have been used in films and "non-musical" TV shows. (As I state there, I realize this comes dangerously close to being a disqualiying musical TV show, but since the focus is on dancing rather than on the music itself, I'm allowing it.)

Thanks as well to Rob Bainbridge for letting me know that "Feel" could be heard (for the third time!) on EastEnders in this evening's episode. I've noted this fact in the entry for that song at #107 in the same list.

February 27, 2025

Updates/Corrections

Thanks to Raymond Merkh for reporting a couple of longstanding typos (they'd both been there for years!), now corrected, on my page devoted to my favorite artists other than the Pet Shop Boys.

February 26, 2025

Breaking News

As announced today on the Pet Shop Boys' website, Neil and Chris have joined with more than 1,000 other musicians to produce Is This What We Want?, an album of, essentially, silence to protest and raise awareness of pending changes to U.K. copyright law that would facilitate AI (artificial intelligence) companies to use copyrighted music to produce, without license or permission, their own material. I've recently discovered that this is a subject that strikes closer to home than one might think. A few weeks ago I ran across some online AI content (clearly identified as such) that had very obviously drawn upon things I've written here on my own website, using my own phraseology with only minor adjustments, without crediting me as the original source. So I am completely in sympathy with what the Boys and their fellow musicians are trying to achieve with this admittedly curious but highly pertinent release.

That being said, I have no intention of creating an entry here for Is This What We Want? despite the Boys' professed involvement.

February 25, 2025

PSB Concert Tours

The Pet Shop Boys' official website has announced several new dates and venues for the Summer 2025 leg of their ongoing Dreamworld Tour. I've updated my PSB Concert Tours page accordingly. In light of the large gaps in the current schedule, I fully expect additional shows to be announced in the weeks ahead.

My Favorite Artists Other Than the Pet Shop Boys

Thanks to Simon Sloane for pointing out a PSB/Depeche Mode connection I hadn't already previously noted on my page devoted to my favorite artists other than the Pet Shop Boys. I've therefore added this new item (now the second in the bullet-point list) in the "PSB connections" section for Depeche Mode.

 

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