Pet Shop Boys - Actually (#435)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats Podcast, hosts Carl and Dan dive deep into the 435th album on Rolling Stone’s top 500 list: Pet Shop Boys’ sophomore album, Actually (1987). What follows is an entertaining, technical, and highly opinionated debate on the merits of 80s synth-pop. Carl brings heavy critiques against the duo’s flat dynamic range, mechanical loop production, and Neil Tennant’s deadpan vocal delivery. Dan, on the other hand, finds charm in their understated vulnerability, clever harmonic modulations, and deep-cut storytelling. Despite their clashing viewpoints on the front half, both hosts find themselves pleasantly surprised by the cinematic arrangements of the album's back half—featuring legendary collaborations with Ennio Morricone, Dusty Springfield, and Angelo Badalamenti. Key Points The Vocal & Production Debate: Carl and Dan face off over Neil Tennant's signature deadpan vocals. While Carl finds the delivery flat and lacking breath support, Dan defends it as an intentional stylistic choice that perfectly serves the duo's themes of apathy and social critique. They also discuss the stark differences between the thin 1987 original mix and the much-needed low-end boost of the 2018 remaster. Music References Crazy train by Ozzy Osbourne Nick Lowe Neil Tennant Chris Lowe Smashmouth Bobby O Orlando Steven Hague Diplo Julian Mendelssohn Daft Punk is playing at my house by LCD sound system LCD sound system James Discovery by Daft Punk around the world by Daft Punk Daft Punk Animals by Pink Floyd Pink Floyd we like it here by snarky puppy snarky puppy always on my mind by Willie Nelson Willie Nelson always on my mind by Brenda Lee Brenda Lee Chris Stapleson Warner Williams always on my mind by Wayne Carson Wayne Carson always on my mind by Johnny Christopher Johnny Christopher always on my mind by Mark James Mark James What have I done to deserve this by Dusty Springfield Son of a preacher man by Dusty Springfield Dusty Springfield Al Green BTS John Legend Janelle Monet hot to go by chappel roan chappel roan Odelay by Beck Beck Maroon Five ACDC Jan Hommer chemical brothers fatboy Slim L.T.J. Bookham black holes and revelations by muse Madness by muse city of delusion by muse Knights of Cydonia by muse muse Lonely Island Freddie Mercury MGMT Barbara Streisand Tina Turner walking on sunshine by Katrina and the waves Katrina and the waves INXS shopping by Barenaked ladies Barenaked ladies the clash Mikey Free the Ecstacy of Gold by Ennio Morricone Ennio Morricone Angela Badalamenti Julie Cruise Crazy On You by Hart Hart wild world by Steven Steven Tied Away of Mystery by Capital Cities Safe and Sound by Capital Cities Capital Cities heartbeat city by cars Drive by cars cars Frank Moody Love Stinks by The J. Giles Band The J. Giles Band Peter Wolf pavement Enzlo Alice Cooper Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino Fats Domino Floyd Dixon wagon wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show Old Crow Medicine Show I will survive by Gloria Gaynor Gloria Gaynor ABBA Killing me softly by Roberta Flack Roberta Flack Join us next week when we dive into the slacker genre with Crooked Rain by pavement