[Introspective] Winner in context? [Re: Hello]

[Jonathan]

Is that really the consensus, that Winner works in the context of the 
album?  I found that the album would not work for me until I set Winner 
aside as a bonus track, which is how I think of it, as an 
Olympics-themed bonus track.  I'm all for contrasts, e.g., the 
transition from Breathing space to Ego music, but to my ears, Winner 
just will not sit comfortably amidst the sophistication of the other 
tracks, and actually has an undermining effect on them.  Am I the only one?

I should say I've actually grown fond of the song itself (chord change 
notwithstanding); I like some of its melody and I think it was nice for 
the athletes parade.  But it's hard for me to think it would have made 
the Elysium tracklist if this hadn't been summer 2012.

Otherwise, I think Elysium is a beautiful, near-perfect Pet Shop Boys 
album.  Their third triumph in a row as far as I'm concerned. To be a 
Pet Shop Boys fan is a lucky thing.


On 9/20/2012 5:18 PM, introspective-request at lists.jameslick.com wrote:
>    *From:* Derek BD<derekbd1970 at gmail.com>
> >*Sent:* Thursday, September 20, 2012 9:46 PM
> >*To:* Chris Jones<chris_jones10 at hotmail.com>
> >*Cc:*introspective at lists.jameslick.com
> >*Subject:* Re: [Introspective] Hello
> >
> >*It seems to be a common feeling that Winner works much better in the
> >context of the album. I appreciate it much more than I did when it was
> >first revealed as a single.*
>
>
> >On 20 September 2012 14:22, Chris Jones<chris_jones10 at hotmail.com>  wrote:>
>> >>Derek, thank you very much for uploading the video of the Olympics
>> >>parade. I really enjoyed it. Winner is far from the best ever PSB track,
>> >>but it worked well in this context, and I think it works really well in the
>> >>context of Elysium too (which I?m thoroughly enjoying at the moment).
>> >>
>> >>Chris