OK I finally got a copy of the album. I have to say I like it a lot! Psychological is an INSTANT classic. So subdued and dark and minimal. I have played it over and over.

Other songs I like are I'm With Stupid (of course), The Sodom and Gomorrah Show , Minimal (an updated Shopping), Integral, Numb . I haven't had a chance to let it all sink in. But I like what I have heard so far. Even the B-sides Girls don't Cry and the Resurrectionist are awesome.

There have been a few complaints regarding the amount of slower songs, which was a bit surprising as this is a Trevor Horn Production. I don't think that the slower ones take away from the overall package...Even Very had it's fair share of slower songs on it. I think it's more the piano that seems to be a staple now with many of thier ballads. Just a sign of Neil getting older and showing more interest into this side of him. This is certanly better than Release. Though a full out dance album would have been cool, as they do a good job in that arena.

Super happy that there is a bonus cd with a slew of songs on it (and not just remixes of the same song) And plenty of B-Sides to boot.

::: FIRST LISTEN



Pet Shop Boys :: Fundamental (2006)

Now, the album is flowin' from tracks 1 to 5. They're killin' ya with the first five! It's simply flowing. Great production, melodic hooks, catchy all around. Integral is the watershed moment on the album for me. Post-Integral, it gets very soddy in the back section, but I'm still growing into the album. It's much better than their last LP I'll give them that. They're still doin' it.

Standouts @ the mo'
MINIMAL (catchy as hell. infectious melody + hook)
PSYCHOLOGICAL (I like the beats on this one. this is a dark room ditty. play this with the lites off!)
INTEGRAL (haunting + acerbic. trademark PSB)
THE SODOM & GOMORRAH SHOW (the opening is so cool)
I'M WITH STUPID (hot, of course)
CASANOVA IN HELL