Exploring the Timeless Influence of the Pet Shop Boys: A Look into Their New Album 'Nonetheless'

Neil Tennant wrote the lyrics for 'Nonetheless' during lockdown, referencing his past experiences as a gay man and pop star.
The album includes references to Oscar Wilde, Rudolf Nureyev's defection from Soviet Russia, and the 1970s queer art/activist troupe Les Petits Bon-Bons.
Their music has been used in various forms of media, including advertising and movies. Their classic hits were used in the films Saltburn and All of Us Strangers last year.
The Pet Shop Boys, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, are a British synth-pop duo with a four-decade long career.
They have released their 15th studio album, 'Nonetheless', which has generated buzz for its reported queer themes and references to iconic figures.
Exploring the Timeless Influence of the Pet Shop Boys: A Look into Their New Album 'Nonetheless'

In the world of music, few acts have managed to maintain their relevance and influence for over four decades. The Pet Shop Boys, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, are one such act. With their signature synth-pop sound and intellectually sophisticated lyrics, they have been putting out music since their debut in 1984 with the album 'Please.' Their latest offering is the 15th studio album, 'Nonetheless,' which has generated significant buzz due to its reported queer themes and references to iconic figures from Oscar Wilde to Rudolf Nureyev. Let's delve deeper into this musical renaissance and explore what makes the Pet Shop Boys a timeless act.

The duo's last single before the pandemic was 'Loneliness,' which showcased their signature wistful and danceable sound. Their music has been a staple in various forms of media, from advertising to movies. For instance, their classic hits were used in two cult films last year: Saltburn and All of Us Strangers.

Despite their long-standing success, the Pet Shop Boys remain grounded and unpretentious. They dislike fans taking selfies during their performances and instead encourage them to move out of the way. Artificial intelligence is changing the industry, but they don't plan to use it in their music yet.

Neil Tennant, who wrote the lyrics for 'Nonetheless' during lockdown, references his past experiences as a gay man and pop star in 'New London Boy.' The album includes references to Oscar Wilde and Rudolf Nureyev's defection from Soviet Russia. A song entitled 'A New Bohemia' is inspired by the 1970s queer art/activist troupe Les Petits Bon-Bons, who worked with disco trailblazer Sylvester. The second single from the album, 'Dancing Star,' centers on gay ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev's defection from the Soviet Union to the West in the 1960s.

The Pet Shop Boys have always been known for their canny cultural commentary, and 'Nonetheless' is no exception. Their music continues to resonate with audiences due to its timeless themes and relevance. As Tennant puts it, 'We have just followed our own path.'


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • I have not fact-checked all of the specific references in the album to ensure they are accurate.
  • It is unclear if there are any other significant themes or messages in the album beyond what has been reported.

Sources

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Pet Shop Boys on Calls From Madonna, Partying With Liza Minnelli and the Kylie Minogue Collab That Wasn’t

The Hollywood Reporter Seth Abramovitch Thursday, 25 April 2024 19:54
  • Unique Points
    • Pet Shop Boys have been putting out music since their debut in 1984 with the album Please.
    • Their signature sound is wistful, danceable, intellectually sophisticated synth-pop.
    • Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's last single before the pandemic was ‘Loneliness’.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Pet Shop Boys, Nonetheless review: The duo’s canny cultural commentary is always right on the money

The Independent Helen Brown Thursday, 25 April 2024 13:04
  • Unique Points
    • Pet Shop Boys released their 15th studio album, Nonetheless.
    • Neil Tennant wrote the lyrics during lockdown.
    • Tennant references his past experiences as a gay man and pop star in ‘New London Boy’.
    • The album includes references to Oscar Wilde and Rudolf Nuryev’s defection from Soviet Russia.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes several statements that are not fallacies but rather observations and interpretations of the music and the artists. However, there are a few instances where the author uses inflammatory rhetoric to describe certain individuals or groups. For example, she refers to 'skinheads' as mocking and calling someone a 'f**'. While this may be true in some cases, it is not an accurate representation of all skinheads and can be seen as derogatory. Additionally, the author uses the phrase 'canny cultural commentary' to describe the Pet Shop Boys, which could be seen as an appeal to authority if it is not clear who she is referring to when she uses the term 'canny'. However, in this context, it is clear that she is referring to the Pet Shop Boys and their ability to comment on culture. Therefore, while there are some instances of inflammatory rhetoric and a possible appeal to authority, they do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the article.
    • ]Skinheads will mock you/ Call you a f**[
    • canny cultural commentary
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Legendary 80s band surprises fans with announcement of new 'queer album’

Metro.co.uk Brooke Ivey Wednesday, 24 April 2024 10:43
  • Unique Points
    • Pet Shop Boys are releasing a new album called Nonetheless.
    • The upcoming album is being referred to as their ‘queer album’.
    • Neil Tennant came out as gay in 1994.
    • Love Is The Law is inspired by Oscar Wilde and his time in France after being released from prison.
    • A New Bohemia was inspired by a 1970s queer conceptual art troupe called Les Petitis Bon-Bons.
    • The video for Loneliness features a glory hole.
    • Dancing Star recounts the story of gay ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s escape from Russia to the West during the Cold War.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (95%)
    The author uses the term 'queer album' multiple times to describe Pet Shop Boys' upcoming release. While it is not inherently biased to use this term, the repeated use of it in relation to a specific group (Pet Shop Boys) could be seen as disproportionately reflecting a particular position. The author also quotes Neil Tennant using language related to sexual transactions and references gay icons and concepts throughout the article.
    • Another track on the album, entitled A New Bohemia, was inspired by a 1970s queer conceptual art troupe called Les Petitis Bon-Bons.
      • Pet Shop Boys have declared their upcoming new album will be their ‘queer album’.
        • So the language I’m trying to use is of sexual transactions – trade, trick – American slang for picking someone up.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Four decades in, the Pet Shop Boys know the secret to staying cool

        The Associated Press News Thursday, 25 April 2024 16:30
        • Unique Points
          • The Pet Shop Boys are releasing their 15th studio album, Nonetheless.
          • Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe rose to fame with the single 'West End Girls' over 40 years ago.
          • Classic Pet Shop Boys hits were used in two cult movies last year: Saltburn and All of Us Strangers.
          • The band dislikes fans taking selfies during their performances and moving out of the way instead.
          • Artificial intelligence is changing the industry, but Pet Shop Boys don't plan to use it in their music yet.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        99%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Pet Shop Boys say their new music is their gayest yet: "This is our queer album"

        Queerty Johnny Lopez Thursday, 25 April 2024 18:00
        • Unique Points
          • Pet Shop Boys are releasing their 15th studio album Nonetheless on April 26, 2024.
          • Neil Tennant, vocalist of the Pet Shop Boys, declared their new album as their ‘queer album’.
          • A song entitled ‘A New Bohemia’ is inspired by the 70s queer art/activist troupe Les Petitis Bon-Bons who worked with disco trailblazer Sylvester.
          • The second single from the album is called ‘Dancing Star’ and it centers on gay ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev’s defection from the Soviet Union to the West in the 60s.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (95%)
          The author uses the term 'queer album' multiple times to describe the new release from Pet Shop Boys, which could be seen as an attempt to label and categorize the music based on its perceived connection to LGBTQ+ identity. This could be considered ideological bias.
          • “So the language I m trying to use is of sexual transactions – ‘trade’, ‘trick’ – American slang for picking someone up.”
            • “This is our queer album.”
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication