I like to chose songs with an intresting story. This is one of those songs.
If you are reading this in the United States, this is not the Pet Shop Boys song that hit the top of the charts. This is the original version of the song, released by the group in 1984, produced by Bobby Orlando.
If you are reading this in the UK, or were a clubgoer in the mid-1980's, you may recognize Bobby Orlando's attempt at British rap.
In 1985, the Pet Shop Boys got signed to EMI records and rerecorded this song. Whereas the original featured Orlando's instruments and samples, this version featured none of that - and was mostly created on synthesizers. It was also less rap and more Neil Tennant talk-singing.
This version resonated better, topping both the US and UK charts.
This version is also a little darker and more haunting - kind of like audio film noir - and an objectively better song.
It should come as no surprise that this is their best known song and biggest hit, although they've certainly had other hits.
The audience still knew the song a full 25 years after its initial release.
In 2022, the Pet Shop Boys changed the lyrics of the song, from "Finland Station", which is in Russia, to "Kviv Station", in Ukraine - by the way, it was called Kiev in 1984 - in solidarity with Ukraine in light of the invation by Russia.
Also, Neil Tennant has not lost a BEAT off this song or off his voice - after performing it for 40 years!
No comments:
Post a Comment