Episode 43: Erasure - Crackers International (1988) Part 2 plus Pet Shop Boys - "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas"

For the last episode of 2017, Brian and Sarah take a quick break from holiday preparations to finish their discussion of the 1988 EP by British synthpop duo Erasure, titled "Crackers International." (And it just so happens there's a big box of Christmas crackers in the studio with our hosts as they record!) And in keeping with both the episode's Christmas theme and the "British synthpop duo" theme, Brian and Sarah also discuss the song "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas" by the Pet Shop Boys.

Part 3: Track by Track, Continued

The second side of the UK release contains only two songs, just like the first side. However, Brian does get into discussing the various remixes of the first song on side two, "Knocking On Your Door." Both Brian and Sarah continue to praise Vince Clarke for his effortless keyboard riffs, and they also have very complimentary things to say about Andy Bell's vocals on both tracks. But they're a little more critical about Erasure's decision to release these four tracks as an EP, rather than as individual singles.

Knocking On Your Door She Won't Be Home

Part 4: Final Review and Rating

Sarah goes first and gives what seems for her to be a rather off-the-cuff review and rating of this EP. Brian, on the other hand, sounds like he's somewhat conflicted about giving a rating to this collection of songs. He does finally provide one, though, and it surprises Sarah a bit.

Part 5: Christmas Bonus Track

Brian and Sarah are still in the mood to discuss Christmas songs, so they decide to talk about the Pet Shop Boys' song "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas." Originally a gift to the Pet Shop Boys' fan club members in 1997, this song found its way onto a CD in 2005, but it wasn't until 2009 that it made it onto an actual Pet Shop Boys release-- and it was yet another EP, aptly titled "Christmas." While certainly a fan favorite, this song didn't get a wide release like Wham!'s "Last Christmas," much to the chagrin of both Brian and Sarah.

Part 6: Year End Recap and Favorite Episodes

It's been a year since the Permanent Record Podcast first started, and Brian and Sarah decide to wax nostalgic. They each talk about their favorite things about doing the podcast, and they try to narrow down their favorite episodes as well. It's clear the hosts have been having a lot of fun so far, and they seem eager to continue the fun into 2018!

Part 7: Christmas Giveaway

In the time since the previous episode was made available, someone claimed the first giveaway, so now all that's left to win is the new, unopened LP of "Into the Gap" by The Thompson Twins. Brian once again provides the details on how to get a chance to win this excellent classic album. Don't forget to enter!

See the video we discuss here:

Pet Shop Boys - It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas - Live at The O2, 2009

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