200 ALBUMS. Today: #88. Continues next week.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#88

VERY: PET SHOP BOYS

 

 [1993] 

"West End Girls" introduced the planet to the exciting new dance approach of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as the Pet Shop Boys in 1984. The duo has remained prolific in the decades since, releasing a new album ever few years without a gap exceeding 4 years. Few of their 80s contemporaries can boast such an achievement. A decade into its existence, the duo served its most accessible album. 'Very' is easily the best of The Pet Shop Boys' works. Its dance tracks have a strong pop and commercial sensibility applied throughout. Their other albums contain moments of inspiration and brilliance, but the duo fails to maintain it consistently throughout the album. 'Very' is the exception. Bursting with drama and aural delights, this is one PSB album that can be played from beginning to end. "Can You Forgive Her?" opens the album, giving it a genuine sense of occasion. Here, the synth-pop elements are augmented with orchestral splashes. Lyrically, this song is intriguing too; dealing with a man who is in the closet and dating a woman who has become aware of her partner's hidden sexual orientation. The upbeat enjoyment continues with the hit singles and some of the lesser known songs such as "Young Offender", "Liberation", "One In A Million" and "A Different Point Of View". Only a compilation of PSB's greatest hits could beat this album from the duo. Unlike so many dance albums, 'Very' remains timeless fun.

Highlight tracks: Can You Forgive Her?; Go West; Yesterday When I Was Mad & I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing.