Neil Tennant turns 60! We Celebrate with 20 of the Pet Shop Boys’ Greatest Hidden Gems
“I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today” – b-side to “Flamboyant,” 2004
This high-energy pop rocker was originally recorded for the Release album, but was removed as the duo felt it didn’t fit the album’s downbeat vibe. It eventually showed up as the b-side to their single “Flamboyant” two years later. A shame, because had it been included on Release it would have been by far the most commercial track on the album. “I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today” is featured on the duo’s 2nd b-sides collection, Format, which was released in 2012 and takes over where Alternative left off. Like Alterative, it’s as strong if not stronger than any of their studio albums of the period.
“The Sodom and Gomorrah Show” – Fundamental, 2006
This wryly funny dance/pop nugget is one of the standout tracks on the Fundamental album, but despite being perhaps the album’s most commercial track it was never released as a single – – although it did feature prominently in the tour supporting the album. Pet Shop Boys at their most incisive.
“Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)” – Fundamental (Bonus Disc), 2006
This soaring, atmospheric dance track first appeared in its extended form on Fundamentalism, the bonus disc to Fundamental. The 7” version later appeared on the b-side to the single “Beautiful People” from the Yes album. The duo must recognize the song’s power, as they dusted it off and played it during the Electric tour.
“This Used to Be the Future” – Yes (Bonus Disc), 2009
The idea of Neil Tennant doing a duet with the Human League’s Phil Oakey is something right out of electric dreams. Why, then, was it not included on the Yes album proper, and was instead relegated to bonus track status? A strange decision, especially considering the strength of the song. “This Used to Be the Future” is a tantalizing collaboration between synth-pop pioneers, and a track that deserves a much wider audience. Sadly, it’s relegation to bonus disc status means that it isn’t available to stream via Spotify.
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