Disco de Pet Shop Boys: “Minimal, Pt. 2 [Maxi Single]”

"Minimal" was the second single from the Pet Shop Boy's ninth studio release, "Fundamental." This CD represented their return to dance music after experimenting with a more pop-rock sound on 2002's "Release." Appropriately, "Minimal" is a full on dance single, and one of their strongest offerings in years. The lyrics are somewhat obscure, focusing on, well I suppose on minimalism ("An empty box/ an open space"). However, the chorus with Neil chanting M-I-N-I-M-A-L will stick in your brain for weeks. The track has some great synth lines as well as a terrific backing orchestra, making it one of their most lush singles in ages.

The song did fairly well on the U.K. charts, peaking at #19 and becoming their 38th Top 20 single there. In the U.S., "Minimal" also scored on the Hot Dance Club Play chart, making it all the way to #3. Three versions of the song are included on this maxi-single, starting with the radio edit. The "Sunday at Space Mix" (by German DJ and producer, Tocadisco) is great addition, starting off somewhat slower than the original but gathering momentum and ending with big drum beats. The "M-Factor Mix" is a more straight-forward disco version of the song.

These two remixes are quite good, but additional remixes would have been terrific, particularly given the cost of this import. Indeed, several other mixes are included on different versions of this single, some of which are not available in the U.S. Perhaps to compensate, the song can be played in U-MYX format, which allows one to remix "Minimal" using the U-MYX software (which popped right up when I loaded the disk in my computer). Essentially, one can add and subtract the vocals, synths, bass, drums, percussion, and orchestra from the single and so forth. It's a fun addition, although the U-MYX software isn't very advanced. Overall, a solid and enjoyable effort from PSB.