Pet Shop Boys – Fundamentalism

I know just about every magazine or newspaper has already given the new Pet Shop Boys album, Fundamentalism, 4 or 5 stars (out of five), but it really is that good.
I am a bit of a long time Pet Shop Boys fan and this album really is the best since Behaviour with some great tunes and some serious politics. Integral, for example, closes the album and is all about a subject I hold closely – ID Cards:

If you’ve done nothing wrong you’ve got nothing to fear

If you’ve something to hide you shouldn’t even be here

You’ve had your chance now we’ve got the mandate

If you’ve changed your mind I’m afraid it’s too late

We’re concerned you’re a threat

You’re not integral to the project.

Of course this album marks the return of Trevor Horn, who worked on Left To My Own Devices. I still remember putting my Introspective cassette, newly purchased from Our Price in Bath, into my cassette player, only to hear some kind of orchestration. I seriously considered that there might have been some kind of mix-up in the duplication factory. Left To My Own Devices remains one of my favourite ever PSB songs.
As a consequence, I’m really looking forward to hearing their recently recorded concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra this Saturday on Radio 2. This opens with a fully orchestrated, full length version of Left To My Own Devices. It also features Rufus Wainwright, Frances Barber and Robbie Williams. Should be quite a listen. Then there’s Wednesday’s C4 documentary, Saturday’s appearance on The Culture Show, and today’s interview with Simon Mayo.
Anyway, rush out and get hold of Fundamentalism!


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