Pet Shop Boys–Fundamental (Parlophone/EMI)

ELECTRO/POP.SYNTH cd Pet Shop Boys, Fundamental

You know, I never thought I’d ever say this, but this Pet Shop Boys album is pretty damned brilliant! The word of the year sure seems to be melancholy, but there’s no question that melancholy and a wee bit of darkness sure suits the Pet Shop Boys. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe may have pulled off the best work of their careers…not bad for a 52- and 47-year-old. They still have that knack for sentimental melodies, but there’s more of a moody and dark tone on Fundamental, poignantly complemented by a great sense of humour, like on songs such as “The Sodom and Gomorrah Show”, “Casanova In Hell” and, my favourite, “I’m With Stupid”, containing lyrical poetry like: “See you on the TV/Call you every day/Fly across the ocean/Just to let you get your way/No one understands me/Where I'm coming from/Why would I be with someone/who's obviously so dumb?...Oh-oh, I'm with Stupid.” —AZ