Episode 201: Pet Shop Boys – Please (1986) – Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of Brian and Sarah's discussion of Please, the debut album from the Pet Shop Boys. In Part 1, our hosts set the stage by talking about the formation of the band, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's work with Bobby Orlando, the recording of the album with producer Stephen Hague, and the release and reception of the album. Along with special guest Andrew Dineley, our hosts also shared their personal histories of becoming familiar with Pet Shop Boys' music and their memories of the album Please.

In this episode, it's time for Brian and Sarah to start talking about the actual album tracks. However, Brian decides that instead of hosting a music podcast, he instead wants to start a math podcast! This seems to have been triggered by the title of the album's opening song, "Two Divided By Zero."

Thankfully, this math podcast idea seems to be short-lived, and the two hosts get back to discussing the music on the album. But it's not without some additional detours into academic subjects such as history and literature. There are references to pop culture as well, such as the 1986 Sprite soft drink commercial featuring Kurtis Blow, and a mention of Brian's dearly departed Apple IIe computer.

The second track on Please is one of the biggest songs of the 1980s. "West End Girls" has an interesting history, as two different versions of the single were recorded and released. Brian and Sarah talk about both versions, and then go on to discuss reviews, chart positions, the video, and much more. Because there's so much to say about this iconic song, our hosts decide that Part 2 is more than long enough discussing just the first two songs on the album.

So settle in on the late train—or wherever you like to listen to podcasts—and check out this epic-length episode!

West End Girls – 1986 Video https://youtu.be/p3j2NYZ8FKs?si=Txk0BUtNL9y8y9M4

West End Girls (Lockdown Version) https://youtu.be/YRNJ9GbNULM?si=kqtbL1ixaQbLIxDD

Flight of the Conchords - Inner City Pressure https://youtu.be/cNfV1dTTMLU?si=odXhYPIzsjdjW1Mm

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