1st single from their Spring 2002 full length with ex-Smith's guitarist Johnny Marr lending a hand. Tracks 'High And Dry' (radio edit), 'Sexy Northerner' & 'Always'.
CD Reviews
Nothing "dry" about this single
The Groove | Boston, MA | 07/01/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's no "Can You Forgive Her?," nor is it as gorgeous as "Being Boring," but "Home and Dry," the first single off the "Release" album, is a song that requires some getting used to from those who know PSB best for their disco-heavy beats. Instead of going the synth-heavy route, "Home and Dry" is a straight-up, guitar-fueled ditty about a man who longs for the safe return of his lover from a business trip. Only Neil Tennant can sing the line "Oh, tonight/I miss you" and pull it off without sounding so wimpy. In an age where much pop is divided between rock-macho posing and thuggish boorishness, this is an unusually sensitive and lyrically thoughtful song from the Boys.Even better are the b-sides, which offer the more familar electronic sound we've come to expect from PSB. The first b-side is the energetic disco number "Sexy Northerner," followed by the ballad "Always." The latter song bored me at first, but as with all great songs, it grows on you as the layers of its beauty unfold over time.While I can't say that this is the best they've done, it's nonetheless a welcome return to the spotlight, and I recommend this disc with enthusiasm."
Atypical PSB single
Westley | Stuck in my head | 03/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the PSB were recording their upcoming CD "Release," they kept saying that it was going to be a rock record. They haven't gone that far afield, but the first single from that CD shows their continuing evolution and experimentation. "Home and Dry" is one of the most beautiful love songs they have ever written. It is a mid-tempo song that sounds more than a bit like Savage Garden, but in a good way. The song lyrics are about missing a partner, who is away on business travel. A bit of a mundane topic, but the boys manage to imbue it with great beauty.Two b-side singles are also included. "Sexy Northerner" is more of a dance song that also has guitars and a great sing-along chorus. "Always" is a ballad, with an electronica sound. I think it is the weakest of the three songs, but it's hard to dislike a song that contains the lyrics "You go from A to B to C
on demand like algebra or geometry diagrammed."Of course, any new single from the PSB is an event for fans, and this three-song compilation is a great preview of their upcoming CD. All three songs sound current and yet very Pet Shop Boys!Highly recommended."
Cool "in-between" album outing!
Mike Perez | Miami Beach, FL | 03/26/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, this is the review of the single (w/ B-ides), not the mix of "Home & Dry." The first track, "Home & Dry" reminds me of Electronic (probably because Johhny Marr's [from The Smiths], involved). Great vocal delivery on Neil Tennan't part. The b-sides are cool too - "Sexy Northerner" has a cool hook, "Its not all... Football ....!" Hilarious & oh so Pet Shop Boys. The last track is "Always," kinda sounds like Pet Shop circa their first album "Please", which is a good thing. "Always" reminds me of an Erasure track, 'cause Neil's voice is "processed" sounding.
Check it out, the PSB website makes it sound like it is NOT being released in US. See the review for CD #2 too."
Mediocre?
Kevin Church | Somerville, MA, USA | 04/02/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I've loved Neil and Chris since I was old enough to scrape together some coinage to buy a tape or record, and this is the first time I've not been excited about a release they've made. Where it always seemed they were moving forward with records like VERY, BILINGUAL, and even the much-maligned NIGHTLIFE, this single sounds like a PLEASE-era b-side with Johnny Marr guesting. It's still better than most pop, but it's shockingly sub-par for the duo. Of the other two tracks, "Sexy Northener" has the edge, as I can remember the chorus. Poor "Always" is so bland it had me looking at my watch while listening to it."
"It's Not A Sin" to Listen To PSB!!!!!!!
Alfredo Duque | Rancho Cucamonga, California USA | 08/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Home and Dry, It's A Great Song. Good Lyrics, Catchy Music, And If you like Guitars...You'll like this song. I know it sounds different from the previous PSB tunes, But believe me "This is a must LISTEN!" Once you listen to it, You'll Buy it.Neil Tennant's great voice, Chris Lowe's Fantastic programming, and Johnny Marr's unmistakable Guitar Makes this Song Short from DRY."
