From Amazon.co.uk
When they released
Actually, their second proper album, in 1987, the Pet Shop Boys proved they were no flash-in-the-pan pop sensation. Neil Tennant wrote about disaffected consumerism ("Rent", "Shopping") with the wry insight only the former editor of a teen-pop magazine could have. Often accused of being emotionally bankrupt by their critics, Tennant and his partner, keyboardist Chris Lowe, effortlessly proved them wrong, camouflaging clever commentary ("It's a Sin") behind deadpan attitude and catchy dance music. The jewel in
Actually's crown is probably "What Have I Done to Deserve This?", a classic hit for which Lowe and Tennant coaxed 60s pop icon Dusty Springfield out of semi-retirement.
Actually has aged better than anybody--including perhaps the Pet Shop Boys themselves--could have expected. --
Elisabeth Vincentelli