Pet Shop Boys - Your Funny Uncle (live) 1991 [HD]

"Your Funny Uncle"

Alas, this the final piece of Performance, it was a long journey but it was good to finally get through this whole concert. I really enjoyed art reviewing it. It was something I never thought I would do, but this is just too good not to art review it! Anyway, this piece you see Chris sleeping on the bed, which he says in the commentary that he love this part of the concert. I know he loves his nap, that's why he's called Kipper or Kip, because he loves napping, I know that feeling. I guess this signifies that it was enough fun for this round now it's time to rest. And you see Neil approaching the bed and sings. I like the stars and the crescent moonlighting really signifies the sleeping. My favorite part was where the singers and the dancers were wearing 3-D glasses and sitting like they are in a movie, like they were watching the audience, it's like who's watching who really. But the camera goes close, they are looking at an angle. You see one of them sleeping which I found comedic. And then another one walking through the row with a popcorn bucket. I was interesting to see Neil wearing black shoes with an all white attire, I guess he really does like standing out. One an bird's eye view of the dancers and singers, that doesn't look like popcorn, I wonder what that is, if it's popcorn, I never seen it so small! And then you see them turning toward their left as if they're looking at the one that's sleeping and you see Pam trying to see if she's up or not and then they all looked back the other way. I think this signifies how you never know who's watching you, it could be an angel in disguise or a demon in disguise and life is full of choices and a game to see if you win or lose, in my case being tested everyday of faith and keep on moving until the very end to make it in heaven. Then now you see Neil about to sleep on the bed, a friend of mine brought up something interesting, If I remember correctly that she says how this song is about the funeral of their friend may does Neil want to meet up with him one day in the afterlife something around those lines, really had me thinking since two of the three songs about it is on here. Then you see Pam trying again and then the girl just moved her head as if she's really knocked out and then is like Oh well. Then they all clapped and waved then it fades to black. Then the credits play "Being Boring" and you see the attire/props floating in the background. What a brilliant piece of art this was, I highly suggest you get it if you don't have it already, even though the person who bought as a gift doesn't speak to me anymore, I was gladly and grateful to receive this as a gift along with Ultimate Deluxe, so I greatly thank you where ever you are. I believe this and Cubism are my favorite concerts this far. Now I guess I'll head to do Soft Cell or Marc Almond posts now.

Pet Shop Boys - Always On My Mind (live) 1991 [HD]

"Always on my Mind"

This piece begins to start looking like an actual concert number according to Neil. You see Neil and Chris in white cowboy outfit attires but with wings, the symbolizes that they died from the last scene. Neil has a acoustic guitar and is starting to sing "Always on my Mind" acoustically on top of a prop. Then you see Pam, Sylvia and Derek vocalizing, I like the "exit" sign above them, I don't know if that's an actual exit or something that represents death as an exit. Then from a far distance see Chris standing there, I think behind the keyboard. Then the light comes on and the beats are getting faster so you know something exciting is about to happen plus you see one of the dancers moving. I like how it starts off slow then gets fast, it's like they're sad but at the same time happy because there's no more suffering the afterlife. According to Neil, this is the part where they actually perform "Being Boring" the reason is on the DVD commentary and you'll have to find out, if you don't know it already. So this version of Performance must be the original line up. Then you see more dancers coming out and one dancing with Sylvia it was pretty funny I thought. Then you see Pam and Derek getting in to the groove. Notice how the dancers are wearing wardrobes from different scenes. You see two of them grinding, I guess it was sex to the very end, which was funny, what kind of afterlife does that?! My word. Chris still looks like Chris with no smile, but you see Neil smiling, I guess it means that's happy or his character is happy that he made it, and the only way to please the crowd was to be dead. It's almost like how Daffy Duck did this magic trick and when he exploded, everyone was clapping and shouting for joy and he was ascending to heaven. I think I heard the term rock 'n' roll heaven, which probably make sense! I can't tell who said it but I have to agree it does seem like the story continues at the same time like looking back in the past, only because well from what I think is symbolized within the dancers' costumes from each piece or most of it. There's several dances you see in this piece which very culture I think. And the colors too are very vivid and vibrant. I like how Neil is next to Chris, I find it adorable since they are best friends, if only they did something like in their video "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing" or It Couldn't Happen Here with child versions of them. I like how towards the end how the dancers were waving and you seen Neil and Chris strike a pose as if they're black, now that's hilarious. And I like how Neil did the roll name call of all the people of the concert giving nice acknowledgements to the onstage people: themselves of course, the dancers, singers, stage crew, and musicians, I find very respective, not a lot of people do that. Usually wait for the end credits to do that. I know this song doesn't have to do with the three: "Being Boring," "It Couldn't Happen Here," and "Your Funny Uncle" I don't know if "Hit Music" counts but I do know it have to do with AIDs from what I heard. But the three I mention have to do with tragedy of a love one in segments, the way this piece how it started off slow it kind of reminded me how they are probably still in mourning and then the upbeat part was their way to be cheered up and knowing that their friend is in a better place. I don't know all of it, by memory but I just thought about it since this was suppose to be "Being Boring" playing instead of "Always on my Mind." Just a thought. And the idea of them being angels too also bought that idea up.

Pet Shop Boys - Jealousy (live) 1991 [HD]

"Jealousy"

This is another of a least favorite song of mine, doesn't mean I hate it! But I like the Performance piece for it, in fact, it's one of my personal favorite pieces when ironically don't usually happens: when I have a least favorite song and it follows with a smashing good piece to it. This piece opens up like a continuation to the previous scene. Where you have Neil as reporter again but sitting with white socks on, you see Sylvia and Derek are sitting with her back turned, Chris with his very secretive look and the outfit he wears matches his impression. I usually find his and Dave Ball very similar when they be on the keyboard, beyond their few other similarities. Then you have Sylvia, Derek, and Pam surrounding Neil singing "Where have you been" line and the way he singing was like a bitter comeback. Then you see Pam snatching the microphone from him, which I thought was pretty funny. It also I thought signifies his weakness or he's losing that energy he once had when he was on the road of stardom, when his hands started shaking, well his character. Then I also notice he looked like he was getting mugged, the three singers could also symbolize demons, or something that is eating him up worse than the media. Reason is well Sylvia knocks down the chair; Derek air punches Neil and he falls to the floor and Derek is kicking him. It looks quite convincing, it's like how the previous piece Chris was being tortured and now it's Neil's turn. Chris is watching his friend being hurt and this is the climax to the story as you can tell. Neil rolling over, crawling and getting into some kind of fetal position now that's what I call being in pain! The way the three singers walk around him was like almost people would be when they turn their backs on you and watch you struggle. Chris Heath asked why it ended so badly in the story and the response was I don't know, I think I can answer that. Well I mentioned it in my It Couldn't Happen Here art review, this piece I like to call it the sequel because they reacted, in the movie, they didn't react and that's what save them, but now since they reacted by getting sucked up in the media and so on, that's what ended them. This scenario is dramatic, but it is factual, that's how or most of the time, media and stardom goes if not careful. Chris Heath also pointed out being killed by celebrities that's also another tragic thing that happens too in real life.That line "Watch them play a different game where no one knows your name, really fits this piece, where they are hated and get according to Chris Lowe, "crushed by fame, literately." They want Oscars but I think they have to be in the movie industry or something in that nature, I don't know how you get those. Although they recently received awards for The Most Incredible Thing so that can be close as an Oscar I guess. Anyway, you see Derek conducting to some curtains to open up and you see people in masks having a ball but it looks so deceiving. I thought it was more of a mocking kind of thing, because they were having the time of their lives and Neil is just watching it how it could have been him and Chris part of the good life. The angels I don't know why they were there too, but they have the harps playing, which was interesting. Then I see Sylvia with some whip, I don't understand that, if it's a battle between Heaven and Hell, I would be almost confused, but I think they are there waiting for their spirits to pass on so they can live in a peaceful way. I love the moral of this: Success Kills Creativity. It's so true, you forget sometimes on where you been and get caught up to them point you realize it wasn't that worth it but then it would be too late when you find out most of the time. It can happen physically and mentally. So now you see Neil and Chris being crushed by their Oscars, very animatedly symbolic. Definitely mocking because the dancers are laughing and dressed up as in they were successful and the main stars weren't. I think Chris said "Dead" when he sees himself, he looks dead. I agree with Chris about it being a lesson to fame wannabes because I know how some people can be when it comes to wanting to be like someone or want to have the same exact fame where to the point that they fail miserably at doing it, and embarrass themselves, sometimes it can lead to death or just pure humiliation. When the Oscars where broken in pieces it was like their dreams/lives were shattered. Then you see Neil getting up, yeah I have to agree Chris again because it seems like he wasn't giving up yet or so easily. Sylvia looked quite deadly with a whip it was very believable. Then Chris got back up well isn't dead yet either. When the dancers slowly walked away and became silhouettes and slowly waved at them, it was the end for the stardom and life of the two main characters. That dying moment was hilarious even Chris had the last word spoken through the microphone, usually when people get into their song, they be all on the floor and stuff, kind reminded me of that. It was funny to hear them laughing in the commentary. Again another piece I like, but the song is one of my least favourite songs.

Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls (live) 1991 [HD]

"West End Girls"

Now this here is pure acting at it's best here! It's very comedic and how it starts off music wise sounded like animated car horns or an animated version of "West End Girls" You have some dark red lighting almost like the street lights at night, and they were positioned too reminded me immediately of Los Angeles. You have Chris throwing a chair on the stage which as indicate he's drunk, also notice how he's wearing some of his clothes from the previous number. I like how he really look like an actual drunk, almost mistaken by an actor really. I also notice the dancers from the last number also are wearing the same thing, I like how they approach Chris with the chairs, it seems like they are turning their backs on him in a way and since he's used up, no one wants him. He's reading a magazine which Chris points out he's reading again, I thought that was funny. One of the dancers gave him a bottle of sherry wine. It's usually alcohol or beer mainly but seeing wine was very interesting and very proper I think, Because over here, it would be cheap liquor. If this is the same sherry glass or wine, I know Marc Almond and I think Dave Ball love sherry too, I remember watching Non Stop Exotic Video Show and you see them drinking sherry. Wine I would expect like a drunk couple or something but this was even funnier. Neil looks to be like a report revealing what's going on stage basically or commenting on the action. When Neil mentioned "like a Greek chorus," it reminded me when I had to do an English report to do with tragedy and one of them I did was Oedipus Rex and one of the vocabulary words were Greek chorus, If I'm not mistaken based on my memory a Greek chorus were like revealing what is going on in tragedies like angels or something in the midst, so that was a good comparison there what he said. I find it funny, I haven't read Greek tragedies since high school. Anyway, you see Chris trying to pick up a fight with one of the dancers and then you see the female dancers walking around the male dancers like some prostitute or hooker and they get paid. Now this is definitely signify "West End Girls" in this scene and the lyrics as well. Especially adding the 10" mix lyrics which I also like and wish they sing that bit more often. I like this version of "West End Girls" and MCMLXXXIX version of "West End Girls" because something about them is very soulful. Usually when a female get paid they show off in public like nothing never happened and then behind closed doors is a different story. Now you see one where is trying to allure Chris up out of the chair they dance and then usually how those end is when the drunk person gets horny or turned on and they puff them off because they have to keep up appearances of course. I like the background it looks like a building and the way it looks with the small lights very animated. Then you see the female dancer looking like "you must be joking" and Chris is like "whatever" movement wise. Then you see another dancer appears to be "easy" or "fast" because she would be with anyone kind of person. Then you have another one sitting in a chair near Neil and smothering herself with the money she collected. They mentioned about how Chris is wearing his socks and Chris Heath pointed that you never really leave school. I have to agree even when you think about it, actors, dancers, etc. are the "students" and the high rank authorities are like the "teachers" only difference is that you are making profit rather than just being a student. So the scenario of school never really leaves with life, so that was a very good symbolism even if it was usage of Chris' socks. The same dancer with the money she's seducing another prey with her body and so on and I think the others will follow. Then you have Sylvia with the mink or fur with her green dress, I have to say that really fits well with her, I would think that she portrayed one of those women that succeeded in taking money from people. Chris really looks like he's out of it on that bit too, quite believing! Chris also pointed out where the streets have no name right after Neil stated "Watch them play a different game where no one knows your name.." It does have some kind of connection the previous song but negatively. The way Sylvia, Pam, and Derek are around Chris makes it seem that they are his last hopes of living, where Neil's character could have helped Chris' character but I guess not and just getting at Chris. Then you have the "easy" dancer she plops on Chris and then moves away and then Chris looks turned on again and comes after her. I think they are called floozy I think, and then she lets him try her and then gets rejected so much that he fell. That fall was exaggerated and silly at the same time, It's actually something I would do in a drama class. She now takes his newspaper, I have no idea why, maybe pretending it's money I guess and then drops it all over the place. Now you see the dancers doing what they do best keeping up appearances so no one would see how they really are. Then you see Chris picking them up and you know he was quite angry enough to go on a rampage: he balled up the papers and through the wine bottle and lifted up the chair too! I wonder why there was no shatter noises of the glass, it would be funny if they had it, but where did it go? If it did smash, then how in the world they didn't get cut on their feet knowing shards of glass would be there is simply amazing. Now you see Chris just kicking and boy he's mad, They should do some more acting! I think the dancers are now used up Chris and soaked up what's left of him and left him for dead really. It was like they were good before and then now it's like they never exist. I feel for Chris' character in some cases, where I too, feel like that at the moment by some people. That lyric line "Watch them play a different game, where no one knows your name" goes quite well in this scene. Because they pretend not to know Chris at all and they are continuing having a ball and he's pretty much left to die. Now I have a solution of the fake throwing up or puke or barfing. Instead of using the vegetable soup trick that Neil points out which isn't a bad idea but cleaning it up would be another task. If they had rubber or fake vomit, which I see in joke store or stores that sell prank merchandising, that rubber or plastic throw up would be helpful for Chris' barfing, and they have to do is pick it up and that's it. No cleaning involved. Real vomit, I wouldn't suggest, it would work wonders but the stench would be too great and people probably have sensitive noses or would get dizzy or irritable with the smell. And now you see the dancers pointing fingers at Chris which mean that "we don't need you anymore, you're a has been" type of thing. Even one of them came back to Chris but only to insult him and laughed and walked away. It's tragic but that's how that type of life is, so don't be the prey and you have Chris continuing to barf. I like one of the bits where Scott Davidson and JJ Belle can be scene for a brief moment to let them know who's playing behind there. I personally love the song, and the video but this portrayal of "West End Girls" really signify the song I believe.

Pet Shop Boys - Where The Streets Have No Name (live) 1991 [HD] (update)

So we are at the almost towards the end of Performance, it was quite of a journey to get these segments art reviewed, there only a few more to go!

This piece I believe reveals something of a borderline having a feeling of almost wanting to change or confused of identity here and of wanting to belong in the world. The costumes for this wasn't really making any sense here, but it was still good I think. As knowing a lot of their visuals don't make sense, but that's how art is. Wait I take that back, I was thinking maybe they resemble to the "Your Funny Uncle" bit. It could also meaning a cry for help maybe. The way they have their arms in a sign language form of love or how vampires have their arms when slumbering. I don't know what it means persay, but if it has to deal with death related, I see why it would make sense to wear a cowboy outfit twice but differently; that would be the only connection because "Your Funny Uncle" have to do with a funeral.
I like how Neil and Chris are wearing crimson and the singers are still wearing green, it's color opposites from the color wheel. Basically you see a choreographed gestures to the lyrics of the song. I like how one of the dancers is wearing white, it could indicate that she's angelic or since red, white and green are colors of the Mexican flag, it could mean they also have respect for their Latin fans too. I like how she's a ballerina and have constant dynamic movement that isn't symmetrical to Neil, Chris, Sylvia, Pam, and Derek. Now when I see carefully, she has gun it also could symbolize how women or people in general do anything for money even murder. And seeing how she keep pointing at Neil, it could also mean that Neil and Chris or their characters were on the borderline between life and death which route would they chose? Also noticing how the female dancer is still around Neil seems like she wants more than she wants, and he sticks his tongue out at her which could mean "No, I don't think so..." Then appears two more dancers in white, one looks like Lady GaGa with the hair and one with a longer dress seems like a soul singer trying to catch the other one, probably portraying a drunken one. They seem to be laughing and messing with the others because apparently they think what they are doing is fun and reckless while the others remain cool and untampered with. Then you a male dancer dressing like a cowboy and dancing like he can be in a broadway musical. Then you have more of the coming out as well. This version of the song doesn't have "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" which the original footage according to Neil in the commentary it was a publishing problem and they weren't allowed to sing it. However, a friend told me there's an audio on the audio menu one of the audio mixes it does include "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You".It was strange to not play the song but I like the fact the bit was still in there in spirit well instrumentally, but I have to agree, it did sound weird without it. Now also when I think about it even more, it seems that the dancers in white have potential but at the same time, they seem like misfits. I mean the title of the song would make perfect sense in this case. I love the hat Chris wears in this piece, I forgot what you call those kind of hats. I like how the background changed into a night type of scene, the lighting is perfect here. So now Chris Heath asked a question and Neil says it's suppose to be where they sold out, but I still think there's more to that than being sold out on this scene. I was somewhat right I think now he says that they are being seduced by show business especially the part where the dancer that had a gun and seems to be hitting on Neil's character. It would make sense because it's a dog eat dog world out there, and it's like you either survive or die.Then you see the dancers sound like they are gossiping, that's what happens also and that's where things start to ignite the deadly flame. They also mention on the Tonight Show where Chris Lowe walked off the stage performing this song. I feel so bad for him when I heard that, but should know by now that's he's just as important in the group. It's funny he doesn't remember that, I wonder if he's lying there. Speaking of Pet Shop Boys vs. America I need to get book! The dancing towards the end of this piece, I love how it really looks like something off of broadway with only a few dancers and things. Really good bit here.

So Hard art review/Pet Shop Boys - So Hard (live) 1991 [HD]

You see Neil and Chris backastage with their wigs on and leather attire. I like the wigs, it makes sense because of the electric shock therapy and it's very comedic as well. The background matches the tone of the song I think. The silhouettes really brings out dark feel to it. Then you see them as well as Sylvia, Pam, and Derek wearing different colour greens. I guess it represents money probably. They are have umbrellas with white question marks on them which Neil answered Chris Heath's question was about the song asking questions. I would suggest or suggested "Too Many People" only people the question of identity bit but I don't think it was released yet. I don't know how Chris manage to keep holding an umbrella up at the same time on the keyboard, my arms feel the pain just by looking at him doing that or any of them, I would have to move some more or something! I like the light shaped as questions marks too gives out more of asking questions. Whoever did those wigs, did a good job, because they look oddly real. If I'm not mistaken I think the Canada version of Performance of "So Hard," Neil shove a banana in his trousers and I think it was Chris' idea based on Pet Shop Boys vs. America, someone told me, I could be wrong, I would need to get that and read it. I never heard of someone putting a banana in their trousers. The way he said about the glassware Chris was wearing I think that was a way to change the subject, and Chris pointed pointed out those were goggles. The color blue gives a good sense of rain since they have umbrellas and the synth pop noise sound like rain drops in my opinion. The choreographed movement was pretty good. I like how they did the umbrellas like they were in a broadway musical. The different camera angles too was brought out the idea of being in question. The changing of color lights gives more of an animated feel. Wasn't really much acting here but more dancing motions. Towards the end where they had the umbrellas pointing at the front with the question marks, gives a lasting impression of So Hard...or is it?

Suburbia art review/Pet Shop Boys - Suburbia (live) 1991 [HD]

This piece is a continuation to the previous piece where Neil and Chris are still in the mental hospital or asylum if you will. Someone banged on Neil's cage, he looked knocked out apparently, whatever he was injected in the storyline made him that way. He wakes up looking startled it looked so well done. I thought he would get claustrophobic too since he was like that but I guess he knew he could get out like Chris.You see one of the dancers dressing up like a nurse. Chris looking like a puppy wondering why he's locked up; the lighting is really good here. Then you see Neil getting the electric treatment, but it seems like it was more pleasurable than being in some pain, but that's he looks in my opinion. Nothing to do with out of the gutter like things. It was good acting, because it was believable but more like a pleasurable feel than a painful. I guess it hurt so good I guess, even though that was just the lighting. If he shook faster, and if his eyes were moving around, it would look more like he was in pain. In fact his whole body as well, but since he was holding the microphone, it turned out this way. I can't tell if Chris was getting the treatment too, but I did see red and purple lighting casting on his face. Then the dominant lime green or electric green shined on the dancers because they look mad and crazy looking. I would have thought they would have added them as patients on the previous piece in stead as nurse and mad doctors here, but it's still rather good. I love the green lighting and the medium red shaped houses the colors are opposites on the color wheel. I like the dance sequence here. Now I see that it was Derek that must have banged on the cage where Neil was because he's the controller of the electric treatment. The red house aren't aligned straight but they slightly aligned diagonally. Then the dancers approach Neil and two approached Chris looking at them like curiously crazy.Then you see Pam and Sylvia singing as well as guarding Chris' cage so he won't escape. There is a male black dancer I think and he's wearing a 50's female wig. Then follows more dancers with female wigs of different colors and sizes with glasses or not, I think Chris said Stepford wives. One looks like was on the phone too. I think they symbolize the mothers or housewives. Pam grabs their arm for some reason and Derek starts up the electric shock for Neil again, his reaction is funny, and looks like he wants to say oh no, not again! Derek looks like he's having fun with torturing. Neil pointed out in the commentary that looks like a musical number, true but I think the whole concert seems like a musical. The dancers are walking around in a circle then fall down like they have a seizure or something. Then they skedaddle out the area and then one of the dancers takes off their panties, one is behind the cage, and others bringing baby dolls and doing weird things. Seeing one pushing down their husband and have a hammer, you know what happens next. Chris looks like he wants out but he's stuck. One of them actually approach him but slammed the panties on the cage. One is messing with the baby doll. One with hammer bangs on him as if he was being brutally murdered. Another one pushing a cart in a crazy manner, and other just purely doing some things you would see in an asylum. One ran with a vacuum cleaner. Another one with a lawnmower. One that is on her leisure but is still tortured somehow. Derek finally lets Neil out of the electric shock treatment. The same couple that the wife was beating the husband up with a hammer seems to be making out, now that's have to be surreal right there. I never seen a person beating up someone and then kiss them, well not with a hammer. Then another one let Chris out. There some slight intimacy going on and now they are escaping but having a diversion as well. Then another one have the vacuum in an abnormal position. Then you have Chris, Neil, Pam, Sylvia, and Derek along with the dancers doing a choreographed dance basically walking back and forth with one arm out and doing a weird hand gestures and then some cha- cha moves I think. I guess when they laughed looking at themselves doing this bit, you can tell they had fun with it that and Chris pointed out that it was fun. Then the lights changing and flashing colors meaning they are escaping running a muck and that clock was changing colors; the arms were going crazy too and steam was coming out of it.You see one of the angels appear with a machine gun shooting the clock which makes it the effect. Then it exploded, the way it was setup to look like an animated explosion. I think this was a way for them to help out their human friends out before it's too late. Then you see different lights and beaming on the audience, this is really good, I would like to see this concert in a movie.

PET SHOP BOYS We All Feel Better In The Dark [Live]

"We All Feel Better in the Dark"

This piece opens up with a silhouette of Chris from behind the curtain, which helps out "The Secrets of Sexual Attraction" part. Then you see him in an overcoat, binoculars, a hat and a mustache; now which really struck me was Chris was undressing himself on stage! Usually the singer would come up to do that, but actually Chris rarely sings only like a few times, and he's rapping so I guess it can be possible. It was Chris' idea as well, Neil said in the commentary and Chris said all his ideas are good. I agree and apparently the audience in the concert did too. I liked how he didn't over do the stripping though, it also proves that they don't sell sex in music which kept their word on that (even though on the Before promo and The Truck Driver and his Mate promo do have an image of a penis, I don't know if that's considered selling sex, to me it's not like they are careless at showing their bodies like that, but sex is art believe it or not.) Moving along, Chris said he'd fast forward this and then he pointed out anything for a cheap applause, it sounded like something an actor would say which is hilarious, but I'm guessing he doesn't like seeing himself on television. I was like that too when I had to do these Christmas programs and I was in the choir singing or something. Then you see Chris putting on some shoes which look like to be Nike shoes, I seen shoes like that before, but it could be another brand. Chris does have a good trend almost every era! Then some estrange woman approaches the stage and sits next to him while he blows him a kiss and looks like she found a new love (Neil and the two Chrises were laughing), but it's also funny because he's busy tying his shoes. After )that then he reads a contaminated Play Boy magazine( I said that because Chris said in the commentary that did some nasty tricks (I think that's what he said) like pictures sticking together, you never know what you might find when he opened it up. Then Mark and Trevor do their dance number with their little wings while Chris is rapping the lyrics and he said they call him the Noel Coward of pop. Now you see Derek and Sylvia singing the chorus line "We All Feel Better in the Dark" I think Neil's voice is there too, but recorded maybe. There you have good ol' Chris about to do his dancing number with Mark and Trevor that they choreographed together, which unfortunately he stated it was embarrassing and he left out for a moment and left Neil and Chris Heath to continue watching and commenting. I don't understand why Chris had to leave during the commentary, it was funny but he know he can dance! I mean I have two left feet when it comes to dancing, I rather sketch. Anyway, then you have Chris doing more of the lyrics, I was thinking of doing the extended version but I guess it would have taken a bit longer probably. Both Chris Heath and Neil love the bit where the Chris Lowe is dancing with Mark and Trevor, even Neil said he watches the scene backstage since he didn't really have a costume change. I like how Chris did have a bit of a piece on his own to know that he's got talent too. Then you have more dancers with sensual and eccentric costumes on doing dancing that look to be erotic. Then Chris comes back and asked was it finished, Chris Heath said not quite( probably meant the entire number) and Neil said the dancing part is finished then Chris is sitting with the magazine again. Then the developing of the other version of "We All Feel Better in the Dark" (Brothers in Rhythm After Hours Climax mix) begins while Derek, Sylvia and now Pam singing "The Secrets of Sexual Attraction" and you have the some of the dancers are doing almost ballet like dancing and have the other dancers acting out what to be looking they oral sex. You can definitely tell that sex here seems to be more on the comedic and erotic at the same time: comedic because you see dancers in some bizarre costumes and erotic because the movements are pretty erotic. Chris said It's based on a book called The Secret of Sexual Attraction and was based on that. Chris said that Neil sings it of We all "look" better in the dark and then Neil said he changed it to "feel" I personally thought the sound said We all living in the dark, but I couldn't hear the voice so well until now. After that, Chris and the dancers are doing some dancing look like something a man would do during sex maybe. There's more on the commentary about this bit that is hilarious but I leave wondering for now. Now you see Pam, Derek, and Sylvia moving in a humping style, which is similar in my opinion in Cubism where Sylvia and the two back up singers were grinding on her considering calling it dirty dancing. Chris Heath throws out Erotica and Neil throws out the word Romance which is pretty much what's going on in this piece, I think they were being funny. Two of the costumes that stuck out was the Shim (she -him)one where you see half man and half woman so I guess this person can pleasure shim-self, and the fat lady, what was something I never expect. The other ones, I can see you could put that in some kind of cartoon possibly. I like the humor in the commentary Chris said when the song is over you can hear her sing (meaning the fat lady sings) that's actually some silly saying that would hear "It's not over until the fat lady sings." Moving along, while you have the dancers doing sexual like dancing, you see Derek in the middle of the couch like prop with Sylvia and Pam look like they are about to portray something more sensual, well you can tell because they are singing Oh baby or I like it in the dark or something like that; something a passionate couple would say while making love is occurring. What struck me the most on this piece is seeing two women giving oral on one man, I never knew it was possible even if it was acting. So that's something exaggerated, unless it's possible to do that. And Chris says "It's sex, sex, and more sex." The angle of this was a brilliant move there, because you can't tell if they are really doing something or they aren't. Well if your mind isn't in the gutter, then you know it's acting, or if you feel in that type of mood then you would think something is happening, and Derek looks liked he gotten well pleasured from two women, and conveniently that's the After hours "Climax" mix, so it fit perfectly. You can defintely tell that one of their influences were Soft Cell, the kinkiness of this piece.

Pet Shop Boys - Rent (live) 1991 [HD]

"Rent"

This is one of my least favourite songs by them, but the way they did the Liza Minnelli version of their song was pretty good and more dramatic with a dash of soul. It's almost something you see on Broadway acting. The "you dress me up, I'm your puppet" line cracked me up, well the way he says puppet it's like pupot or something and him and Chris saying it on the commentary is just hilarious. I gotten the Broadway feel because of the he's positioned and singing. There's a reason why they used this version, but I will let you guys figure it out, if you have the DVD. I think he was portraying the victim of someone using him for his money. I mean to me, it made sense because how Sylvia is still dressed up like that(glamorous). When she start singoing "Look at the two of us...." line, the tone of the song I started to like because its in a key minor I don't what key it is, but I love that key of any song. This matches it perfectly well, because she seems like she's the gold digger and took everything from him, In other words, loves him for his money. Pam's and Derek's chorus "oohs" really gives it that tense feel of the song, rather than the pop version. It's like how The Fray did the song "Heartless" and Kanye West as well, but the The Fray captured the song more because it's softer and the way it was done it more tense if you will, you can definitely feel how the person was hurt from a heartless woman, where as West's version was so pop-ish, I'm not saying it wasn't good, but the point wasn't conveyed as much as the The Fray's. Like this version of Rent same thing, I'm not knocking down Pet Shop Boys's version of the song, but Liza's version of a soft and slower makes it more sensual, sadistic and dramatic and it gives it more a dynamic feel, but that's just me. The way Sylvia sings it, she seems like she was the one that was using him for his money, and it seem if they were a fictional character couple, she probably did love him until it was more of the money especially how she sings "I love you, you pay my Rent." Her and the other singers really outdone themselves on the Liza version of Rent, especially the chorus. Sorry If I sound repetitive here, but it does bring out the song more especially the sensual, mellow, and dramatic.

Pet Shop Boys - How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously (live) 1991 [HD]

"How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously?"
This is another of ideas I liked for this song, because now this is where the just of things are starting to unravel. The scene is open up as they were left off on "Opportunities." Trevor raps in this song which I think it pulls out the song more I think. They should perform this song more often so people can know what not to do on being an upcoming celebrity. Mark and Trevor are dancing but it's a bit different dance than in the music video. I like the line in the rap Living a life in a dream and that's how it is. Neil is singing to Chris about it which is pretty funny, because his character is just as bad as Chris's.And Chris is just sitting there being what he's told to do what he would be told to do in a performance. And the dancers instead of briefcases and phones, now they are representing the media: press and paparazzi. The back up singers are pointing out their finger gestures which I also like because how can you expect to be Taken Seriously? Then Neil says "Do you have a message for your fans, for your fans?" and Chris shook his head as a response to "No" and Neil's gestures of shrugging his shoulders is like "oh I see, Oh well then" that was a good acting bit there, I think that was a mocking or teasing in a way. The had a thing about the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame as well and it categorized different rock bands for something unique; Neil points out in the commentary that how things have changed especially their point of view of rock in some cases and I guess some of it is irrelevant too and no real point of it anymore, it is what it is really. I also notice the keyboard of the computer, all the keys aren't on there either so its like the idealistic keyboard you would see in a cartoon with a bunch of buttons and a space bar. Neil couldn't figure out the portraits being on stage, but I think I can. Those portraits happen to be from the "Heart" single cover and from their book Annually, so it made sense that it represents their fragile hearts being sucked in and the portraits points it out even further. They started off trying to be something and now, would they whined up with nothing? Or it could me when they looked at it, they are looking at the old them and thinking that's not me anymore, this is what I am now. Or it can be their spirits trapped inside (the whole superstition of taking a photo and it traps your soul scenario) and they can't do nothing about it, and their mind isn't focused on what's real anymore the characters that is. All those two portrait needed was them in chains really that would really brought my theory more because of their faces don't look too ecstatic. I would call it "chained to reality" a friend I know used to have this nickname but since she's fully Christian now, I thought I use it to signify it's meaning. Mark and Trevor are holding the portraits as if they gotten their very souls. Then you have Neil and Chris standing next to them as well which the dancers are being what paparazzi do: take photos, but in this sense, it's more like they are almost demonic and captured them and now there's really no turning back. It's like what happened to the characters, do they not miss being what artists represents, and now being sucked in and it's almost like a stage of hell minus the fire. Even Neil did look at himself for a brief moment, maybe thinking should I go back being this way, and apparently didn't and turned front word and let the pigs take their photos. I think some rock stars do the blow up photo of themselves but I don't know as in taking pictures with it. Then Trevor raps again, I love that rap he wrote and did for the song, the way he does it now, it's like their life is flashing before their eyes like. Then you see the pig dancers with forks and knives, now it's time for the characters being eating alive by the media, it does happen, but this is a symbolism base as you can see. The slow motion gives it more of the more dramatic way of what happens when you get eating alive by the media. You usually see tabloids, gossip, rumours, etc that's what really happens. Then the portraits are being dragged away as well, I think it's a way to get the props off, but it's also good because that's also their life being gone down the toilet. I find it hilarious, but it is all true unfortunately. It's the way they conveyed it animated but realism style capture that perfectly. Chris and then Neil said in the commentary,"Mein Teil" which in German means "my parts" it's also a song done by Rammstein, which a man actually cooked private parts and eats them, I wonder if they know that too. I personally thought it was an understatement, but being eaten alive and someone cooking penises does seems to go hand in hand on pain, whoever ate the private parts, the victim wasn't too thrilled with that. They did a remix of the song as well. Anyway, they are so gobbled and chowed down by the press, it looks almost unreal. Then they are laughing with forks in their hands and doing nosies, and looks like humping too, meaning they won and the celebs lost in the world of misfortune. Chris Heath stated the point about the pigs and Neil points out further and confirms that the people are feeding off the artists. Then the dancers are dancing in some comedic strange way of sex, but this is like some victorious dry humping more like. Then on to the backstage funny bit where you see them especially Chris and his real hair. I like this as well because it's like a continuation of the celeb life is being carried out, it's not what it really seems.

Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (let's make lots of money) (live) 1991 [HD]

"Opportunities"

After the shock therapy and umbrellas with question marks on top of them, the fictional character Neil and Chris portrayed were at the rising action of being pop/rock stars(mostly rock because of the outfits they wore). I like how it starts off seeing the dancers being dressed up like pigs or hogs in work suits, I thought it personally was some kind of racist kind of thing because in some terms, white people are called pigs. But after watching a decent amount of times, I fully see what the pig ideal represent: greed and corruption. Even though Neil said in the commentary that someone said it was the pigs were ripped off by Pink Floyd. That's how most stars, or beginning stars mess up on, meeting the wrong people that screw them over. Moving along, you see the dancers doing typical movements of what people in show business do, the wrong ones that is: being on phones chatting and doing secret scams, holding a briefcase, and ripping musicians off of money, the lights of dollar signs on the floor and the dancers a moving like they are either picking up the money or swimming in loads of cash and taking money off from the artist themselves. In other words: doing some illegal damage that might terrorize the life of an star, well partially that. Even the back up singers were wearing pig masks and wearing extravagant attires and hold a small stack of money. Pam look like she represents a worker or an assistance manger, Sylvia looks like one of those woman that only love you if you have money and Derek looks like type of hustler that gotten you in some kind of scandal. The dancers did some sort of "The Wave" movement too. The door entrance that Neil comes out of looked animated because of the the way the bricks are aligned. You have him looking like some sort of Elvis Presley mixed with Grease get up: the wiz kid hairdo, the leather jacket and attire, and the shoes look so 70's at the same time, they looked like the ones Pee-Wee Herman wore when he dances to "Tequila" by the Champs. Neil and Chris said in the commentary that Grease is the word so I'm guessing that had to be inspired by Grease. The dancers are moving around in some sort of being prideful and boastful knowing they can attack on an upcoming star. Some of the dancers look like they can be couples too, even couple do some phony things to stay on top. It's practically cliched in movies. Then they are dancing like money is like sex to them: fast and more to burn. Some of the dancers are appearing to look like they are laughing as well, which is another thing you would see as well. When they know they got you under their trap, THERE'S NO ESCAPE! Well there is one way, but I am not going to reveal it until that review is up. You probably can guess. During the tour in Canada, Chris gave Neil the idea to put a banana in his trousers this can be hear on the commentary and a friend told me it's in PSB vs. America as well. The way the pigs are moving now, they seem to spot their victim or victims, gifted artists with natural talents getting sucked in and playing the fate card. I think the reason the dancers lined up and Neil is second to last could point out that even the nicest one can mess up too and get up caught up with the wrong people. That moving bit was a bit stiff, but he has a microphone in one hand so I see why it would be difficult to move around. Then Neil pointed out to Chris Heath that the "two heroes arrived in the music business and it being run by capitalists pigs, what a way to add a hit of political science to it! I love the leaning table with the computer and I think a fax machine/printer because some cartoons you would see something like that and they captured that perfectly well. Then Chris Lowe appearing with his synthesizer again and wearing a wig that is more like a structured Kid 'n' Play style mix with Grease and the leopard skin suit. One of the pigs come up to him with "where's the money? hand gesture" and Chris is being blank and playing with the keyboard. Usually the manager would say look good but don't say anything. Then you see another pig with documents that can be disasterous for the musician but they won't know until they start seeing the changes. The new coat Neil wears, I'm not sure if that's Elvis Presley inspired, but the gold on it can represent wealth possibly, and he's being pampered which is another thing happens when you get the star treatment. The dancers are really portraying what would happen behind closed doors of some scammed managers. Then it's official, they became rock stars well their characters, and then the dancers are acting as if they got them now and there's no turning back. The way Neil have his hands up and and Chris with sunglasses, proves to them that money is power..or is it? Their life is on the line, how long would you think they would last? This is one of my favourite piece because it delivers a powerful message about celebrity life, this is part one of it.

Pet Shop Boys - Im Not Scared (live) 1991 [HD]

"I'm Not Scared"

It seems in this piece looks like another do with a break out, but instead it looks more of a robbery taken place. The beginning of the song, I didn't know what it was so I asked good friends of mine about it, one of them told me based on Dr. Studer's www.geowayne.com site said that the beginning bit is from the sounds of the 1968 Paris Riots, which made perfect sense on the scene. I thought personally it was the Russian anthem which proves my lack of knowledge of the culture .Moving along, the piece have white silhouettes of the figures in a running position you see on the DVD cover as well but inversed coloured. I think Neil said the song is based off a book on the commentary, if I'm not mistaken. The setting that seem to be a stretch of road looks like optical illusion, you think it's actually leading to something, but that's the background and you will be knocked out if you run towards it. That's the beauty optical illusion which also conveys the animated look. One of the dancers is carrying a giant suitcase and then dances around in the middle of the setting of a street, then leaves with the suitcase and holding it as if it was dear. Then you see another one with two suitcases and then were place in which Neil and Chris will be carrying them. Then you see two more dancers behind Neil and Chris, I guess the riots was probably an outbreak or something. Then you see them dancing and the suitcases are part of it. Neil says in the commentary they're on the run from school or authority (I personally think the authority only because of the age and the suitcase) then they wanted to be fabulous but the society wouldn't let them, that explains the overcoats they look like they are incognito. Chris with binoculars possibly indicate they are looking for a good place to hide and fit in the crowd, and start a new life. Even the yellow masked dancers seem to be trying to look for a new identity. The lights on the floor look like an animated ground something you would see in a comic book. Which ironically Neil did work in Marvel comics, it would make perfect sense. The audio of voices could be still part of the 1968 Paris Riots, I'm not sure. The dancers running in place and moving in unison does give that feel of wanting to escape. The costumes remind of a Van Gogh's piece Flower Beds in Holland (with the flowers where you have one unique white flower and the rest are in the same colour.) Like one of the dancers wearing a beige and the others with a dark colour. Chris is still searching and Neil pointed out in the commentary that they provide entertainment without relying on them, which is true in their concerts, they do some action as they call "acting alerts" which I still find that hilarious they can be actors if they really wanted to, but you see that the dancers are doing more of the entertainment, giving other cultures a chance to shine even; which I adore a lot because most of them seem pretty successful in the long run, opening doors and explore. I see that the dancers are doing a small bit of the "Running Man" dance. Then you see the angels dancers again probably trying to help the main characters on their journey or protecting them maybe? Then two of the dancers have a fake bomb, the ones you see in cartoons, if only it have the word "Acme" instead of "bomb" then one threw one out. Which mean people better run before they get caught in the explosion possibly. Then you see Neil exiting out of the stage where the angel dancers having their heads down. Then Chris is left alone and now running because his buddy left him, while he was looking through the binoculars.

Pet Shop Boys - My October Symphony (live) 1991 [HD]

"My October Symphony"

After getting their coats on, on the backstage footage, they get ready for "My October Symphony" which Neil doesn't sing or Chris comes without his keyboard. Instead they are portraying tourists in Russia on a snowy day, where you have Derek, Pam and Sylvia singing the song, it was a decision made by them, Neil says it in the commentary. You would see some Russian writing which can depict the song have to do with a Russian theme, like a clue breaker. This and the next song "I'm Not Scared" these two pieces I definitely can tell or what I think that represent Neil and Chris in personality wise, because Neil adores the Russian culture and then Chris appears to be quite a dancer, even though this whole masterpiece represents them and other themes completely, but these two stuck it out for me. This is also as the DVD cover which Neil and Chris are silhouettes and then that back ground with those strange figures. You can see the lighting looking like snow on the floor on the background to give it that scenery. Then you have the dancers dressing in black Russian attire and bringing out the chairs to sit and doing hand gestures and you see a ballerina taking off her coat and revealing herself as a dancer. Derek still wearing the dog collar even though you faintly see it, is quite funny to me. Then you have Neil and Chris walking slowly down the set, with their umbrellas and Chris with his camera. Then you have some other dancers smashing a giant man's head with the hammer and the sickle(also the same instruments you see on the flag of the Soviet Union, which represented the nation's workers and peasants while the red star represented the rule of the Communist Party) this information can be found on encyclopedias and dictionaries. Just a brief trivia there, anyway, after the head was cracked wide open, Neil stands next to it while Chris took a photo of him. Something tourist do. Then you have the angel dancers again, to me it's like they are watching them on their journey of adulthood and God won this round where they can be one of the crowd as Neil said in the commentary. Then you have where they are walking off the stage slowly and then the dancers are moving the chair which is another good way of dancing and moving the chairs off stage. I do like the real clouds in the back ground, but the snow doesn't look too real. The way Derek, Pam and Sylvia sing this song sounds pretty soulful.

A small update just thought about this (I don't know too much about the Russian culture and I'm NOT no where racist!) but I thought about this when I saw a cartoon.  The giant head only prove that it could have been an exaggerated symbolism of the falling of communism when the dancers was cracking the head open, I saw a cartoon where several people knocked over a statue and was supposedly the fallen of communism, since Neil is fascination to the Russian culture, it made sense! Not to also mention in the song "Left to My Own Devices" the lyric line "....Che Guevara to Debussy to a disco beat" Guevara was also part of the communism movement too along with few others, it seems to start making sense now! What's even more shocking, I found this out on an adult cartoon! 

Pet Shop Boys - What Have I Done To Deserve This (live) 1991 [HD]

"What Have I Done to Deserve This"

You would hear an instrumental bit of "This Must Be The Place I Waited Years to Leave" only a brief moment so people can get into character and place. The background have a wave of water if someone is surfing and you see fish moving, that is the lighting apparently. That was another good move. Then you hear like some sound of water, beach birds chirping and see four fish coming about in green, white or light blue? and red(if it was red, white and green, that could symbolize as their love for the Latin culture, because that's the colour of the Mexican flag). Then you have the people backstage getting ready as they put their costumes on and what not. Seeing crew members as well. Then now you have two dancers with wings doing some hip hop-ish dancing, I think it is probably a way that God have won this round meaning that the main characters aren't dead yet. Then Neil and Chris look like mature men with mustaches and surf board and of course Chris' keyboard. I like this bit because of the bright colour of pink and yellow and their surf boards have the opposite colours, like some inverse. It is hilarious to see them in mustaches, Chris says in the commentary they are being chased down the corridor. I could picture that in my mine definitely, more acting alerts, which is another part I love as well. I think the mustaches indicate that they definitely not in their childhood anymore...or are they? I did get the sense of The Thompson Twins on the surfing and bright colours and this Pettibone mix of "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" The back up singers are behind them singing and then you see the female dancers wearing dresses that look like some Dorothy would wear in the Wizard of Oz, not to mention the pumpkin heads. Neil said in the commentary that didn't quite understand that whole bit. I think I can interpret it though: The pumpkin heads and the men wearing luchador masks I think suppose to represent hell maybe? The line "We don't need to go to hell and back every night..." that's what I'm picking up. I could be wrong so you don't have to take my word for it. The props of briefcases or purses and bats could also mean that the relationship one does everything and the other is the abuser but then the relationship makes up but goes back into the disaster. Towards the end of the song, Derek is singing that last bit and Pam and Sylvia are like "I don't think so, let's go." It would make sense, they crew got to get the props ready for the next scene.

Pet Shop Boys - Losing My Mind (live) 1991 [HD]

"Losing My Mind"

Now this part of the show should be a continuation of "Yesterday When I Was Mad" music video because of the madness you would see, the title speaks for itself, you have screams and seem to be in the dormitory only with additional crazy asylum props to make it seem that way. I also think this is also part two of the nightmare that was from "It's a Sin." Where you have the additional vocal singers appearing: Sylvia Mason-James and Derek Green as kinky sex couples but seem to be off and on with each other(again it looks comedic because Sylvia's hair looks animated or cartoonish with red curly spikes and holding a whip and Derek's dog collar looks exaggeratedly big even the spikes on it depicts that as well) and you have Pam Sheyne as a woman on a wheel chair, plus her hair style looked a bit cartoonish too, I don't know if that silver streak in her hair represents that, but that is what I am picking up. Maybe this scene is also where maybe when you're younger you fallen in love officially and you think about someone.Then it gets dark and you hear screams sound animated to me, I think it's probably from Derek I'm not sure. Then you have Derek doing some bizarre things such as touching boys inappropriately, behind the bed shaking and pulling people from behind and placing his chain leash on random people, like Sylvia while she walks around with her whip and letting it slide on people, I think Neil is one of them. Then you have Pam moving around in the wheelchair. What was funny to see Sylvia up on the bed: with high heels, swinging her whip, and singing at the same time, that doesn't look possible especially if that bed looks like it have a thin matress. Neil and Chris seems to be acting pretty well in the scene, seem like they are "losing their minds" literately. Which oddly enough is like a dramatic version of "Tainted Love" to me. Then Pam falls gets out of the wheelchair but have fallen down but gotten support on the bed where Neil is located. Derek looked like he was having fun playing his part so well, it's rather laughable. Then you lightening come about the lights and you see light images of lightening in flashing red, white and blue. The clock's long hand is moving back and forth also indicate how lightening is very strong. Then you have a dancer spinning around a bed, I think they are moving the props around to get it off stage, that was a creative move on their part. I think I hear sirens as well the screaming again. The moving lights is also another type of animated move because when you see that people escape in cartoons, you hear sirens as well as moving lights trying to capture the people who escaped. The smoke cloud was another good move. Maybe this signify how someone can escape of childhood and become an adult.