[Introspective] Yes, Etc et al

[Kurt Foy Booker]

I'm a bit surprised I haven't seen any detailed track-by-track 
reviews of the new album, that everyone seems so fond of doing... 
maybe you are waiting for the proper release date out of respect?

Well, I'm not.  I got plenty of time, and plenty of good vibes for 
this album, and I better get them on paper while the turntable's hot. 
I won't make a stupid joke, like "I say YES to this album, 
guffaw!"... but that's how I feel.

So if you want to know how I REALLY feel, in a detailed 
track-by-track review, read on...

-------------

Prologue:  I've been a fan as long as they've been releasing records. 
My love of the Pet Shop Boys is legendary among my friends.  But I'm 
not a fanatic.  I've never mailed a letter signed in blood to Neil or 
anything like that.  I just enjoy their music.

I drove around the beautiful countryside of western Oregon this 
morning, with many of these tracks cranked up on the car stereo.  My 
favorite way to listen!  (original) ratings were from a couple days 
ago, when I began writing this.  (current) ratings are in the now.

Also... I care mostly about music and not much about lyrics (except 
maybe to sing along).


01 - Love etc
Not a bad song... fine for the lead off track... much better than 
some clunkers that lie ahead... but 1st single?  Pffft.
kfb rating:
(original) 6
(current)    6
(Gui Boratto Mix on the car stereo) 8

02 - All over the world
This one is sticking.  Really good.  I love singing along to the 
chorus.  It's like they revamped Se A Vida E and got it right this 
time.
kfb rating:
(original)   7.5
(current)    8

03 - Beautiful people
No matter how many times I listen, I can never remember what it 
sounds like.  Forgettable.
kfb rating:
(original)  5
(current)  forgotten

04 - Did you see me coming
A highlight of the album.  Lovely.
kfb rating:
(original)   8
(current) 7.5

05 - Vulnerable
Yawn... I'm sure this will have its fans, but I am not among them.  Filler.
kfb rating:
(original) 6
(current)  5

06 - More than a dream
As I write this (then and now), it's my favorite track.  3:00 is the 
only part of the entire album where I feel the old magic making my 
body tingly.
kfb rating:
(original)   9
(current)  8.5

07 - Building a wall
One of those songs that you won't immediately think of when thinking 
of the PSB, but is quite good nonetheless, especially the chorus.  My 
2nd favorite track.  Reminds me of Too Many People (not musically, 
but how I respond to it.  I love Too Many People).
kfb rating:
(original)  7
(current)  8

08 - King of Rome
Blech.  Now we know why some tracks were leaked early and others 
weren't.  Let's hope the Italian soccer team doesn't win the world 
cup and they rush this shit out as a single.
kfb rating:
(original)   2
(current)  -2

09 - Pandemonium
Will likely be a single, none of the remixers will use the gary 
glitter beat, and all the remixes will suck.  But this album version 
rocks.
kfb rating:
(original)  8
(current)  8

10 - The way it used to be
A solid track.  It's growing on me.  Should be superb live.
kfb rating:
(original) 7
(current)  8

11 - Legacy
I hated this track at first, now I merely dislike it, and a few 
minutes ago I figured out why.  I think it could benefit from putting 
the vocals way more up front in the mix, kinda like on Nervously. 
And just when it gets going, it comes to an end!  I was hoping for a 
slam-bang-psb-and-xenomania-strut-their-production-stuff-and-make-the-end-of-Jealousy-sound-like-a-single-theramin-with-no-reverb 
type ending!
kfb rating:
(original) 2
(current)  3


Yes Etc dubs (all of them)
I like them.


This used to be the future
I like the part where it goes: BUM BUM... BA BUM!
kfb rating:
(original) 6
(current)  6


Gin and Jag
Interesting... but I may never listen to it again.
kfb rating:
who cares...


Wrong (Thin White Duke Mix)
pretty damn good...
oops!  wrong band... :-)




Original overall summation:
This is a very good collection of music, but those who proclaim this 
to be the best album since Very are out of their fucking minds. 
Well, let me rephrase that:  we have differing musical tastes, how's 
that? :-)  This disc is nowhere near Bilingual's greatness, and I 
would put Release slightly ahead of it too.  Time will tell how it 
stacks up to Nightlife and Fundamental.  I haven't heard all of Yes 
Etc yet, and it might improve my overall opinion of the Yes Era. 
Fingers crossed.

Current overall summation:
Well, I've been playing Yes Etc et al over and over again, and for 
the most part thoroughly enjoying it.   It's a mighty fine piece of 
musical production.  Good job Neil, Chris and Xenomania!  I might now 
rate it neck and neck with Release, but still nowhere near 
Bilingual's greatness, and everything before that is just in another 
league entirely.  Pop music is the realm of the young, and these boys 
are old men.  But these men remain masters of their craft.

Here's the best way to describe Yes.  It's like Bob Ross and the Joy 
of Painting.  For those non-Americans who may not know this legendary 
tv personality, go here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross

Bob painted hundreds of pictures on tv.  He cranked them out like it 
was the easiest thing in the world.  He could do them in his sleep. 
It could be criticized every painting looked the same, and it was 
almost paint-by-numbers.   And yet, they are all lovely creations, 
most pleasing to the eye.  Bob Ross was Da Man!

kfb