Released this week, Pet Shop Boys' Fundamental offers a mix for both the casual and hard-core fan.
Key to my review process is how ancillary a track is to working out. The best possible review is that I drop the weights, find a dark corner and start dancing with myself in the mirror. The worst is that I smash my iPod with a 35-pound dumbell, screaming, "Defiler! Defiler!" Fundamental is neither of the above.
What it is, is an above average more pop than electro album. Several tracks (Psychological, The Sodom And Gomorrah Show, Minimal, Integral) move nicely and will surely be remixed and on the floor soon. As per usual, there are also the pop ballads which are somewhat less memorable, but solid. I'm with Stupid is the strongest of these, a love ballad for Tony Blair and George W. Bush.
For the fans of Pet Shop Boys, Fundamental is an obvious must. It is true to their sound at its best, perhaps because of the work of producer Trevor Horn who has been behind many of their biggest hits. For the casual listener, the tracks could be a bit lull-y, but the lyrical pop numbers are solid.
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After the jump, track listings for both Fundamental and Fundamentalism, the bonus album of remixes available on the deluxe set.
FUNDAMENTAL
1. “Psychological”
2. “The Sodom And Gomorrah Show”
3. “I Made My Excuses And Left”
4. “Minimal”
5. “Numb”
6. “God Willing”
7. “Luna Park”
8. “I’m With Stupid”
9. “Casanova In Hell”
10. “Twentieth Century”
11. “Indefinite Leave To Remain”
12. “Integral”
FUNDAMENTALISM
1. “Fugitive” (Richard X Extended Mix)
2. “Sodom” (Trentmoller Remix)
3. “Psychological” (Alter Ego Remix)
4. “Flamboyant” (Michael Mayer Kompakt Mix)
5. “I’m With Stupid” (Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix)
6. “In Private” [featuring Elton John] (Stuart Crichton Club Mix)
7. “Minimal” (Lobe Mix)
8. “Gomorrah” (Dettinger Remix)
