[MUSIC] Pet Shop Boys, Alternative

[rfmcdonald]

Continuing to support my habit of the Pet Shop Boys, on the weekend I picked up a (used) copy of the Pet Shop Boys' 1995 Alternative, a collection of B-sides and assorted other songs on two discs. It's a strong collection with some excellent songs ("That's my impression," "Don Juan," "Bet she's not your girlfriend," "Miserablism," "Hey, Headmaster," "What keeps mankind alive?," "Some speculation"). Tennant and Lowe have mastered the art of the chanson bien faite, giving it suitably witty twists for the late modern era. In the meantime, here's a snippet of lyric from "Miserablism."

It seems to me there's something serious beginning
Just for the sake of it, make sure you're always frowning
(get get get)
It shows the world that you've got substance and depth
You know, life is an impossible scheme
And love an imperceptible dream