Pet Shop Boys - Actually (LP, 2018 Reissue)
- LP
- 1 piece(s)
- 1987
- 10 tracks
- 48 min
- synthpop
ActuallyCheapest atlunchboxrecords.com
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4.3
Average of 18 reviews
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I gotta say, this mastering and pressing is really quite nice. I checked out the 2018 remaster, but honestly, I like this 1987 pressing or the CD version better.
Once again, this version showcases the variation on track 1-8 'I Want To Wake Up' that was first presented on the 2001 remastered edition. It's simple to spot at the 4:20 mark, as in the original 1987 recording Neil belts out '..with youu oooohh', whereas here it's '..with youu uuuhh'.
Fantastic quality pressing. The mastering is superb and perfectly balanced. Absolutely grab it before it becomes scarce and costly.
While "Please" seemed like a trial run, "Actually" takes a significant leap forward. The album balances melancholy and joy equally, but "Actually" introduces a darker edge. The opener, "One More Chance," sets a somber tone, originally produced by Bobby Orlando. A club hit at the time, it was later re-recorded by Julian Mendelsohn. PSB initially rejected a '7" mix' version, leading Mendelsohn to craft a darker take (initially intended as a 12" mix) that made it to the album. Through this process, PSB absorbed influences from Hi-NRG and Italo/Euro disco, shaping their signature electro-pop sound. The album version outshines both previous mixes—Orlando's gloomy original and the lazy 7" rework. The snare drum and piano intro collide into a restless beat, accented by screeching tires and synthetic crickets, creating a creepy, threatening nighttime atmosphere that mirrors Neil Tennant's lyrics. The tension eases with "What Have I Done To Deserve This?", a wry yet soothing duet featuring Dusty Springfield, who revitalized her career with this track. "Shopping" critiques consumerism sharply, while "Rent" boldly explores high-class prostitution. The simple "Hit Music" closes side one on a cheeky note about mindless radio play, shifting from catchy to sleepy. Side two continues the smooth, melancholic balladry. "It Coudn't Happen Here" stands out with its blend of sadness and uncertainty, enhanced by Angelo Badalamenti's lush orchestral/keyboard work (a possible inspiration for Myléne Farmer's 1988 hit "Ainsi Soit Je"). "It's a Sin" shines brilliantly on "Actually," with added orchestral punch and gothic effects. "I Want To Wake Up" serves as a perfect interlude—a hidden gem for repeated listens. "Heart" feels somewhat diminished here compared to its single version, marred by an unnecessary fade-out. A cold ending would better lead into "King's Cross," the album's closing masterpiece, which eerily foreshadows a fire incident at St. Pancras tube station shortly after its release.
Fantastic collection of tracks, switching between lovey-dovey ballads such as King's cross, Rent, I wanna wake up and It couldn't happen here (Ennio Morricone) and high-energy bangers like It's a sin, One more shot and Heart. PSB at their absolute best. I'm not usually into chart music but hey, nobody's flawless. Amazing sound quality and variety.
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| Mar 31, 2025 | $22.99 | $23.98 |
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| Oct 31, 2025 | $22.99 | $25.73 |
| Nov 30, 2025 | $22.99 | $25.73 |
| Dec 31, 2025 | $22.99 | $25.99 |
| Jan 31, 2026 | $22.99 | $25.73 |
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| Mar 27, 2026 | $22.99 | $25.73 |