Episode 69: Pet Shop Boys - Introspective (1988) Part 1

 

Brian and Sarah are thrilled to once again welcome Andrew Dineley to the show. Andrew is a graphic designer, contributor to Classic Pop magazine, and host of the excellent podcast Art On Your Sleeve. He's also a self-confessed, long-time Pet Head, so it seemed only fitting to include him in a 30th-anniversary look at the Pet Shop Boys 1988 album, Introspective.

Part 1 - Album History

 

This third studio album by the Pet Shop Boys finds the duo breaking from traditions, both their own and that of the music industry in general. The format, production, and visual design of Introspective  differ significantly from the first two albums, and the three hosts take some time to discuss these differences and what impact they may have had on the album's chart positions and sales around the world. And of course, having a graphic designer on the show means Sarah and Brian can ask lots of questions about the design of the album cover, which Andrew obligingly answers.

 

Part 2 - Personal History

Both Andrew and Brian share some fond memories of obtaining the album, with Andrew's stories of British record shop extras evoking some jealousy from his American co-hosts. Sarah, however, earns yet another failing score in the "personal history" category for this album. Thank goodness for the other two!

 

Part 3 - Track by Track

Side One contains three songs, but they're all extended in length. So, too, is the discussion of the songs by the three hosts. Andrew, Brian, and Sarah find plenty of things to talk about with these tracks, including: Trevor Horn, house music, freestyle music, triple meanings, an enjoyable video, and a rather boring video--oh, and come to think of it, lists!

Left to My Own Devices I Want a Dog Domino Dancing

See the videos here:

Left to My Own Devices

Domino Dancing

 

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