Daily Song Discussion #102 – “No Excuse”
Released in 2017 as a bonus track with the Further Listening edition of “Release”. Written and produced by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.
Making extensive use of vocoder effects, the Boys present various situations in which people tend to indulge in harmful behavior: "rage is a commodity as hot as it gets." Very fitting with our current global climate.
There's also a really interesting line about a British gangster named Ronnie Kray and the fact that he was gay, few people knew about it and wouldn't dare say a word for obvious reasons. If any of you guys know more about him, you're free to share any fun facts!
Later on, the Boys would repurpose this track to conceive “Up and Down”, a b-side from the “Yes” era.
From 1 to 10 how would you rate this song? Do you have any favorite lyrics or production elements?
1-4: Not good/Skip
5-6: Average, but wouldn't skip
7-8: Good song, quite enjoyable
9: Amazing song
10: Masterpiece/Magnum opus
“DISCO 3” + BONUS:
Time on My Hands - 7.3
Try It (I'm In Love with a Married Man) - 8.1
If Looks Could Kill - 7
Miracles - 9
Flamboyant - 9.4
Love Life - 7
Motoring - 5
The Night Is a Time to Explore Who You Are - 7
Reunion - 6.8
A Powerful Friend - 5.2
No Excuse -
Jack & Jill Party (with Pete Burns) -
B-SIDES:
We're the Pet Shop Boys - 7.5
Transparent - 6
I Didn't Get Where I Am Today - 8