Well, it's a milestone day. On one hand, I got let go from my day job—how very 2009. (So anyone who wants to hire a witty, professional, handsome writer—har! har!—drop me a line...I do windows!)While on the other, the brand new Pet Shop Boys single, "Love, etc.", leaked. Upon first listen, as I filled out my unemployment form online, I didn't know what to think. It was kind of like how PopJustice described the tune back in December—it's not really like anything they've done before.
But then I listened again, it all fell into place:
* [Now removed from YouTube, but listen to a short clip at Euphoric]
The Xenomania co-written/produced "Love, etc." is totally the Boys' "Can You Forgive Her?" of this decade. When that dark, plodding jam came out in summer 1993, it was so unlike anything they'd ever done before that you didn't quite know how to take it right away.
But after awhile, it just clicked...the Pet Shop Boys had to either evolve in the grunge/Britpop era, or just hang it up.
If 2006's Fundamental and, in particular, its lead single "I'm With Stupid" was a last nod to the PSBs 1980s heyday, then "Love, etc."—if not the entire new album, Yes, due out next month—is a yet another offshoot into a cooler, more bold direction.
I really dig the unconventional way the second verse is sung on the off-notes, unlike the more traditionally-structured first verse.
In some regards, "Love, etc." almost reminds me of the duo's extremely moody Very-era b-sides "Some Speculation" and "Euroboy," particularly with the angry-sounding "You need more, you need more" refrain.
It's also odd to hear Neil Tennant singing about Hollywood and Beverly Hills, rather than London.
It seems it's a whole new Pet Shop Boys. And I'm lovin' "Love, Etc." But finding a new job? Well, that's gonna suck.
ALSO SEE:
* Pet Shop Boys' 'Very' At 15: How Can I Even Try To Explain?
