"We were never holding back or worried that time would come to an end." Living life to the fullest, never being boring. I like the disco guitar riff and the bassline. The song has a bright sound but there is a sadness to it. With the passage of time, there are losses along the way. "I never dreamt that I would get to be the creature that I always meant to be, but I thought in spite of dreams, you'd be sitting somewhere here with me." I love those lines. So much said, so much emotion. And I like the use of the harp throughout the song. The tune has the narrator reminiscing through important phases of his life, and the harp reflects that like a flashback in an old movie or TV show. And speaking of never being bored, looks like Lucca's ready for a rave!
"All the people i was kissing Some are here and some are missing" This line was so poignant and frighteningly relatable in the midst of the AIDS crisis.
Behaviour is such a beautiful and subdued album. Reflecting on the time where breakbeat sounds became popular and coherent within the music industry. Fabulous song from a fabulous band
The song is semi autobiographical, the song tells about a party with an invitation with an quote that becomes the theme of the song ( derived from a Zelda Fitzgerald quotation, "she refused to be bored chiefly because she wasn't boring" ) It then goes through time as he becomes famous and the parties he subsequently goes to and how, due to AIDS, some of those friends are not here any more
@@mattsnider2667 the album cover has them holding flowers and then the flowers on their own. It's very much about loss, and ironically is the most "Introspective" of their career to date
Fashion photographer Bruce Weber did the video, and it is visually gorgeous, but the b****h in me thinks that a bunch of preening, vacuous models probably are pretty boring to be around.
Oh, man. I’ve been waiting for you to get to this one. 1990s PSB music is incredible-their songwriting really grew in this decade, especially the first half. Everything about this song is sublime - lyrics, melody, arrangement, and production. I’ve always found it interesting that their previous album was called Introspective, when several of the songs on Behaviour are among the most introspective they’ve done. Johnny Marr from The Smiths contributed guitar on a couple of this album’s tracks (though not on Being Boring), and he really added a lot to it. I can’t wait for you to continue your journey through this album, and the next.
My favorite song from these guys.... the video is also beautiful. Just saw them last summer at the Hollywood Bowl, was so happy they included this song.
I'd have trouble giving you a top ten of favourite PSB tracks, but this is in the top 5. They have such an enormous catalog but Being Boring stands out for its dreamy wistfulness. For me this is driving across country on a summer evening to get to a gig, club or party. Soundtrack to a life type stuff.
OooOoo, this and Liza's album u are spoiling me. This is my favourite PSB album. It's one of those that divided opinion at the time , as they were coming off a run of no.1 hits in the UK so this , overall was a more sombre affair. It wasn't immediate to me , it was a grower and one that has stood the test of time as a collection, the most.
Oh you're doing some wonderful stuff today. This one of my favourite PSB tracks. It's such a beautiful song, wistful, and elegaic. It speaks to youth and dreams, to how those youthful hopes and ambitions find fruition for some but not for others, how life is taking chances and living with the consequences. The slow build, then the harp just before the chorus starts is like the mists of time clearing away as he begins to reminisce. The worked with Harold Faltermeyer (who had worked with Giorgio Moroder and donna Summer, and had a hit with Axel F from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack) and he had lots of old analogue synths which give it that lovely warm sounds, like being enveloped in memories. It's a track I fell in love with immediately but with every year that passes it becomes more poignant. It only reached No.20 on release, a huge pop injustice, but it's one of their best.
I have to be honest, back when this was released I didn't find this exciting enough for me to get the album. I was in my early 20's and the lyrics were too low key. But I have grown to appreciate the nostalgic dreamy quality of looking back happily on the past and your friends.
I don’t know if anyone pointed out, but it’s the tune Neil and Chris have always been the most proud of! The classic and fan favourite, infamously barely made it into UK’s top20 at the time, showing the PSB’s more global following than on their native turf. This is the album which basically has turned me into a pethead! On a side note. I don’t know if you’re going to react to their hits compilations, the first and the most famous one coming right after Behaviour. The thing is, you’ve missed the single version of “It’s alright” from the previous album, which is radically different from the album version.🤔😉
Fun Facts: (A) Axl Rose (Guns n Roses) is a big PSB fan and this is his favorite. (B) This is the PSB song that George Michael most wished that he had written. A song that is very dear to those of us of a certain age.It even touches on the subject of "survivor guilt". How many "pop songs" dare touch on these deeply personal yet universal topics.
Thanks for continuing the Pet Shop Boys journey, really enjoying your reactions! Being Boring really sets the sound for Behaviour, which is definitely one of the biggest fan favourites, both the album and the song (among all great PSB albums). Its not among my personal PSB favourite albums (more mid pack, if I have to rank them), not because it's bad, it's a great album, but it does take a different route. I always found the guitar elements un-Pet Shop Boysish, but they definitely work from a musical point of view. I feel that one of the reasons they are still going on though, is that they tried different things. If they made a dance album, they often want to go down a different parh for their next album, though they always come back to the more "dance" type albums. With that said, there are lot of great tracks on Behaviour (Being Boring definitely one of them) and just because it's not a personal favourite, doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, I definitely do!
This is how I got interested in the Pet Shop Boys after ignoring them mostly in the 80s. Probably the video played a huge part in it, but the first PSB albums I bought were DISCOGRAPHY and this very album. As others have said, it's not like the ones before, a lot more mellow and less dancey. Love it, and especially this very moody and still uplifting song. Isn't it interesting that although it's quite long you didn't seem to notice as it is never boring? There's an extended mix in the Further Listening folder that is more than 10 minutes in length (as well as the shorter single mix), so having said that I remember some people were asking you after the last PSB reaction to listen to the single version of "It's Alright". Just to let you know there are the Further Listening folders for each of the albums you already went through with a lot more to discover whenever you like, Matt. Oh, and the video for the song, no matter how hollow or boring those models were like back then, it's still a joy to watch.
The title phrase apparently derived from a conversation Neil had with a taxi driver who described the groups tv appearances as being boring. This was presumbably because these tended to involve relatively little movement from Neil and Chris. This tickled Neil and he thought it was an interesting title so decided to use it. The person referred to at the end of the song was one of Neil's best friends who had recently died of AIDS, the same one whose funeral was sung about in Your Funny Uncle.
Shortly after this song was released, the phrase ‘being boring’ quickly became code in the gay community for practicing safe sex. The song will forever remind me of the many friends lost to AIDS.
“Moving into the 90s … change in decades can be misleading” … welcome to Behaviour 🤣 At the time, this was a real change in their musical direction and Being Boring is such a deep gem, but I think already enough people have pointed that out ☺️ The track will grow on you.
The album is produced by Harold Faltermeyer, more famous for "Axel F" from the Beverly Hills Cop movie theme. They used him because he likes using old skool analogue synths. But upon hearing this news, we were expecting a dance album, and the lead single , "So Hard" did give that impression, but it's mostly a low-fi affair
Others have said similar things, but the entire song is not about a relationship in particular. It's about living for today, not concerned with yesterday, not worried about tomorrow. You weren't boring people with stories from your past or concerns about what's coming up. Today was today, and that was it. You weren't boring people with mundane life to life things that everyone goes through, but instead trying to enjoy the moment. For PSB, the music is a bit boring (pun intended), but lyrically, it's on point.
Nice melody and just the right mix of ingredients; not boring 😄, a nice balance, with not everything thrown into the mix like on other albums/occasions (I really like PSB’s btw, just saying).
"We were never holding back or worried that time would come to an end." Living life to the fullest, never being boring. I like the disco guitar riff and the bassline. The song has a bright sound but there is a sadness to it. With the passage of time, there are losses along the way. "I never dreamt that I would get to be the creature that I always meant to be, but I thought in spite of dreams, you'd be sitting somewhere here with me." I love those lines. So much said, so much emotion. And I like the use of the harp throughout the song. The tune has the narrator reminiscing through important phases of his life, and the harp reflects that like a flashback in an old movie or TV show. And speaking of never being bored, looks like Lucca's ready for a rave!
"All the people i was kissing
Some are here and some are missing"
This line was so poignant and frighteningly relatable in the midst of the AIDS crisis.
Behaviour is such a beautiful and subdued album. Reflecting on the time where breakbeat sounds became popular and coherent within the music industry. Fabulous song from a fabulous band
This is possibly my favourite song of all time.
It touches so deep, that there is no way to explain how it feels.
The song is semi autobiographical, the song tells about a party with an invitation with an quote that becomes the theme of the song ( derived from a Zelda Fitzgerald quotation, "she refused to be bored chiefly because she wasn't boring" )
It then goes through time as he becomes famous and the parties he subsequently goes to and how, due to AIDS, some of those friends are not here any more
Oh wow. Didn't catch that layer, obviously. As always, their songwriting has depth. Cheers for that detail, Izzy.
@@mattsnider2667 the album cover has them holding flowers and then the flowers on their own.
It's very much about loss, and ironically is the most "Introspective" of their career to date
Their best song and best video. And honestly, they’re inseparable.
This is such a great song. The video for it is gorgeous!
Fashion photographer Bruce Weber did the video, and it is visually gorgeous, but the b****h in me thinks that a bunch of preening, vacuous models probably are pretty boring to be around.
Such a beautiful song musically and lyrically. Really looking forward to you making further progress through the album.
Oh, man. I’ve been waiting for you to get to this one. 1990s PSB music is incredible-their songwriting really grew in this decade, especially the first half. Everything about this song is sublime - lyrics, melody, arrangement, and production. I’ve always found it interesting that their previous album was called Introspective, when several of the songs on Behaviour are among the most introspective they’ve done.
Johnny Marr from The Smiths contributed guitar on a couple of this album’s tracks (though not on Being Boring), and he really added a lot to it. I can’t wait for you to continue your journey through this album, and the next.
Just started Watching so excited for this one wonderful song from my favorite pet shop boys album behavior well worth diving into love you
Really enjoying your PSB journey and hearing your thoughts. Behaviour is a particular favourite album of mine but having said that, I like them all!
My favorite song from these guys.... the video is also beautiful. Just saw them last summer at the Hollywood Bowl, was so happy they included this song.
I'd have trouble giving you a top ten of favourite PSB tracks, but this is in the top 5. They have such an enormous catalog but Being Boring stands out for its dreamy wistfulness.
For me this is driving across country on a summer evening to get to a gig, club or party. Soundtrack to a life type stuff.
great pop music with existential lyrics
OooOoo, this and Liza's album u are spoiling me.
This is my favourite PSB album. It's one of those that divided opinion at the time , as they were coming off a run of no.1 hits in the UK so this , overall was a more sombre affair. It wasn't immediate to me , it was a grower and one that has stood the test of time as a collection, the most.
❤ One of my favorites 🎉
Oh you're doing some wonderful stuff today. This one of my favourite PSB tracks. It's such a beautiful song, wistful, and elegaic. It speaks to youth and dreams, to how those youthful hopes and ambitions find fruition for some but not for others, how life is taking chances and living with the consequences. The slow build, then the harp just before the chorus starts is like the mists of time clearing away as he begins to reminisce. The worked with Harold Faltermeyer (who had worked with Giorgio Moroder and donna Summer, and had a hit with Axel F from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack) and he had lots of old analogue synths which give it that lovely warm sounds, like being enveloped in memories. It's a track I fell in love with immediately but with every year that passes it becomes more poignant. It only reached No.20 on release, a huge pop injustice, but it's one of their best.
I have to be honest, back when this was released I didn't find this exciting enough for me to get the album. I was in my early 20's and the lyrics were too low key. But I have grown to appreciate the nostalgic dreamy quality of looking back happily on the past and your friends.
The beginning of another great PSB album❤
2 bangers. The end of the world and so hard.
I don’t know if anyone pointed out, but it’s the tune Neil and Chris have always been the most proud of! The classic and fan favourite, infamously barely made it into UK’s top20 at the time, showing the PSB’s more global following than on their native turf. This is the album which basically has turned me into a pethead!
On a side note. I don’t know if you’re going to react to their hits compilations, the first and the most famous one coming right after Behaviour. The thing is, you’ve missed the single version of “It’s alright” from the previous album, which is radically different from the album version.🤔😉
Great Pet shop boys
Fun Facts: (A) Axl Rose (Guns n Roses) is a big PSB fan and this is his favorite. (B) This is the PSB song that George Michael most wished that he had written. A song that is very dear to those of us of a certain age.It even touches on the subject of "survivor guilt". How many "pop songs" dare touch on these deeply personal yet universal topics.
Their best song.
Surprisingly the bass is a 303.
Thanks for continuing the Pet Shop Boys journey, really enjoying your reactions!
Being Boring really sets the sound for Behaviour, which is definitely one of the biggest fan favourites, both the album and the song (among all great PSB albums).
Its not among my personal PSB favourite albums (more mid pack, if I have to rank them), not because it's bad, it's a great album, but it does take a different route. I always found the guitar elements un-Pet Shop Boysish, but they definitely work from a musical point of view.
I feel that one of the reasons they are still going on though, is that they tried different things. If they made a dance album, they often want to go down a different parh for their next album, though they always come back to the more "dance" type albums.
With that said, there are lot of great tracks on Behaviour (Being Boring definitely one of them) and just because it's not a personal favourite, doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, I definitely do!
This is how I got interested in the Pet Shop Boys after ignoring them mostly in the 80s. Probably the video played a huge part in it, but the first PSB albums I bought were DISCOGRAPHY and this very album. As others have said, it's not like the ones before, a lot more mellow and less dancey. Love it, and especially this very moody and still uplifting song. Isn't it interesting that although it's quite long you didn't seem to notice as it is never boring? There's an extended mix in the Further Listening folder that is more than 10 minutes in length (as well as the shorter single mix), so having said that I remember some people were asking you after the last PSB reaction to listen to the single version of "It's Alright". Just to let you know there are the Further Listening folders for each of the albums you already went through with a lot more to discover whenever you like, Matt.
Oh, and the video for the song, no matter how hollow or boring those models were like back then, it's still a joy to watch.
The title phrase apparently derived from a conversation Neil had with a taxi driver who described the groups tv appearances as being boring. This was presumbably because these tended to involve relatively little movement from Neil and Chris. This tickled Neil and he thought it was an interesting title so decided to use it. The person referred to at the end of the song was one of Neil's best friends who had recently died of AIDS, the same one whose funeral was sung about in Your Funny Uncle.
My favourite PSB song. ❤
Shortly after this song was released, the phrase ‘being boring’ quickly became code in the gay community for practicing safe sex. The song will forever remind me of the many friends lost to AIDS.
“Moving into the 90s … change in decades can be misleading” … welcome to Behaviour 🤣 At the time, this was a real change in their musical direction and Being Boring is such a deep gem, but I think already enough people have pointed that out ☺️ The track will grow on you.
This is one of my favorite PSB songs, I feel like it's a small generational influence on my particular age cohort, Gen X.
The album is produced by Harold Faltermeyer, more famous for "Axel F" from the Beverly Hills Cop movie theme.
They used him because he likes using old skool analogue synths.
But upon hearing this news, we were expecting a dance album, and the lead single , "So Hard" did give that impression, but it's mostly a low-fi affair
Others have said similar things, but the entire song is not about a relationship in particular. It's about living for today, not concerned with yesterday, not worried about tomorrow. You weren't boring people with stories from your past or concerns about what's coming up. Today was today, and that was it. You weren't boring people with mundane life to life things that everyone goes through, but instead trying to enjoy the moment. For PSB, the music is a bit boring (pun intended), but lyrically, it's on point.
To be honest, Niel could just read out the lyrics and it would be gripping to listen to. With the music it becomes even more beautiful.
the sound always reminds me of "tour de france" by Kraftwerk
Nice melody and just the right mix of ingredients; not boring 😄, a nice balance, with not everything thrown into the mix like on other albums/occasions (I really like PSB’s btw, just saying).
Not a particularly successful single but definitely a fan favourite.