Search - Pet Shop Boys :: Always on My Mind

Always a keeper...

FrKurt Messick | Bloomington, IN USA | 10/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Pet Shop Boys developed the habit early of doing remakes of famous songs, and of doing them in between albums. In a way, it was a great marketing ploy. This particular single, a remake of the Elvis Presley song 'Always on my mind', came out after the album 'Actually' had received worldwide acclaim, and had generated several hits, including 'It's a Sin' and 'What have I done to deserve this?' In the lull between waiting for the next album, and about the time the PSB were exploring new territory with their not-so-magnificent film 'It Couldn't Happen Here', they released this over-the-top poppy version of 'Always on my mind' to the criticism of a few, but the enjoyment of many.



This was still the time of vinyl, so one had to seek out an expanded record shop (most did not carry extended singles in those days unless one was in the urban areas of New England and California). Or, one could repurchase the album 'Actually' with the extended single of 'Always on my mind' bundled with it. It was actually a very clever marketing ploy. I still have both vinyl versions of 'Actually'.



This contains the radio edit of 'Always on my mind', the extended version of 'Always on my mind' (which was done back when extended versions really were extended versions of the song, and not complete make-overs), and a bonus track, 'Do I have to?' This is an interesting, enigmatic song of which I've heard half a dozen interpretations, but the lyrics are fairly typical of the PSB - erudite, poetic without being heavy, and interesting. This song was remade by another group not too long ago.



In all, this is one for fans of the PSB as well as those who aren't so much fans but who like the 'Always on my mind' rendition. It is now considered a classic of dance-club remakes."