Twenty-something

The second single from Super, Twenty-something starts off with a simple radio edit to reduce the length from the 4:22 found on the album to 3:37. The key noticeable difference is a shorter introduction, but it's important to note this isn't a remix. Inspired by the Latin style reggaeton, it's actually closer to the technobrega heard in Brazil and as such seems a canny move to gain success in the South American market. For anyone not familiar with those styles, it's a bouncy, infectious track, almost irresistibly so decrying the hardships faced by those in their 20's, with Neil's lyrics expressing sympathy with those just starting out in life with jobs harder to come by and the housing market more difficult to join via lyrics including "Sometimes it's hard to pay your way". Thematically it also echoes Pet Shop Boys' earlier Opportunities, with if anything the Thatcher-era commentary on "Loadsamoney" yuppies updated to show things are even tougher and dog eat dog for today's generation.Of course the main reason for fans to buy the single is the presence of two brand new b-sides - and here the pairing could hardly be more contrasting. The white dress is mainly instrumental, but towards the last third of this three and a half minute track brief vocals suddenly appear. It's highly polished, almost ambient yet having techno undercurrents courtesy of a throbbing synth line. The lyrics, brief though they are describe a woman dressing to impress - "When you wore the white dress I knew you had arrived" sings Neil cryptically, as usual being playful with lyrics with 'Arrived' on face value describing a woman simply making an imposing entrance or someone on the cusp of celebrity. It's a track that leaves you wanting more and stylistically fits the electronic theme of 'Super'.By complete contrast Wiedersehen is based on a simple piano backing. It's one of Neil's songs based on real history, and here his lyrical masterfulness is astonishing. Telling the story of Stefan Zweig, an Austrian Jewish author who fled his home country before the Nazi's arrived, it's is a stately, powerfully told evocation of someone seeing their homeland for the last time. With simple brush stokes Neil paints a Technicolor picture of the things that will be missed - the mountains, trees, ski slopes; and the sober process of leaving - the train pulling into the station, suitcases on the luggage rack. Told almost in the style of a show tune, Neil's voice has rarely sounded so fragile, so heavy with the weight of loss. With a chorus sung entirely in German, it's shows Pet Shop Boys at the top of their game in a beautifully poignant, carefully crafted whole.The Los Evo Jedis remix of Twenty-something reframes the track in an authentic reggaeton style. Full lyrics are overlaid over a partially new backing track, with the beat firmly on the third beat, indeed a 'hand clap' setting on the keyboard emphasises this. It's a lovely reworking.Just a word about the extra remix on the download version not available on the CD - for once this is a case of less definitely being more. The Kornêl Kôvacs remix has virtually nothing to do with the lead track, inserting just the occasional greatly slowed down, reversed and sonically altered lyric fragment over a completely different track. It's unfortunately a prime example of a DJ ego-trip and is undoubtedly the worst mix in the PSB canon since the E Smooove remix of 'Liberation'. Don't waste your time or money.

One of their best singles to date.

Great CD Single

enjoyed this single

Great Tracks

Good

love it

not the best b sides