TS: Spandaul Ballet, "Tu Cut A Long Story Short" vs Pet Shop Boys, "Rent"

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

Both about rent boys, or at least "kept men." The first is a rather purple, lurid performrance (vocally, musically, lyrically); "Rent" has a melody to die for. I know which one I prefer, but I want your feedback.

― Alfred Soto (Alfred Soto), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 13:57 (twenty years ago)

"Rent" obv. but I appreciate the ham-handedness of Spandau as something perversely successful in and of itself.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 14:09 (twenty years ago)

"Rent" is one of the greatest songs ever written.

― The Ghost of Black Elegance (Dan Perry), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 14:14 (twenty years ago)

I was surprised/horrified/amused to find I liked a Spandau Ballet song when I first heard To Cut A Long Story Short! I'll vote for them.

― Colonel Poo (Colonel Poo), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 14:41 (twenty years ago)

I like Spandau (well, middle period Spandau anyway), but this one isn't even remotely close for me. As GBE points out, "Rent" is one of the best songs ever written.

A tougher battle between two songs about (possibly) mercenary love might be "Rent" vs. "Say Hello Wave Goodbye."

― brittle-lemon (brittle-lemon), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 14:47 (twenty years ago)

"Rent" owns this thread.

I never realized that "TCALSS" was about a kept man! It will always remind me of hanging out in ca.1981 NYC "rock discos," watching video monitors and endlessly waiting for the band to come on.

― m coleman (lovebug starski), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 14:51 (twenty years ago)

"Rent" is one of the greatest songs ever written, yes. I think that the implications of the song go beyond the "kept man" theme to cast a tired, sad eye over the nature of relationships in general, but "I love you, you pay my rent" is sincere too, romantic love mediated by money but still trying to affirm a different truth.

TCALSS is my favourite Spandau song, but it isn't in the same league.

― I Ain't No Addict, Whoever Heard of a Junkie as Old as Me? (noodle vague), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 16:09 (twenty years ago)

I gotta go with "Rent" too, that's PSB at the top of their game.

― ryansf (ryansf), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 16:11 (twenty years ago)

"Rent" no contest. But I'd always side with the Pet Shop Boys anyway. They're my friends :-)

― LeRooLeRoo (Seb), Wednesday, 17 August 2005 16:37 (twenty years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.