PET SHOP BOYS - MY OCTOBER SYMPHONY

Released: October 22, 1990 

Album: Behavior

"My October Symphony" is the sixth track on the Pet shop Boys’ 1990 album “Behavior” produced by the boys and Harold Faltermeyer. The song is a reflection on the personal and existential crisis faced by an artist or individual when the foundations of their beliefs and identity are shaken by significant societal changes. Neil Tennant's lyrical narrative delves into the turmoil experienced by a Russian composer who had dedicated his life and work to the ideals of the October Revolution, only to find himself bewildered and betrayed by the collapse of communism.

The song explores themes of disillusionment, questioning the relevance and meaning of the composer's work in the aftermath of profound political and social transformations. The composer grapples with the dilemma of whether to revise or rewrite his symphony, symbolizing a profound reevaluation of his life's purpose and creative endeavors. The reference to October alludes to the 1917 russian October Revolution.

Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns and Roses, claimed that the group's hit single "November Rain" was influenced by "My October Symphony" (as well as by "Being Boring"), which has probably been one of the most unexpected influences of Pet Shop Boys on other artists, given the disparity of styles. Rose confessed: "I used to hate them. I was the guy at the MTV Awards yelling, 'The Pet Shop Boys suck.'" The musician recalled his famous protest at the 1986 MTV Awards when, in a moment of silence, he expressed his discontent. However, his attitude changed over time, and he embarked on a journey of musical discovery. Axl explained: "When I really hate someone, I buy all their records to try to find out why. And I realized that I really liked them."

"My October Symphony", which could be considered the reverse of "Being Boring" as it contained a political message about the fall of the Soviet bloc, is undoubtedly one of his best lyrics and one of the most outstanding songs on the album, although little known to the big audience.

On “Behavior” the Pet Shop Boys wanted to make their work more personal and they succeeded. Neil himself said it in an interview: "For many we were a dance factory, but now they can see that we can also do things that are far from musical fast-food."

They had the help of exceptional collaborators such as Johnny Marr (ex-Smiths), who contributed his guitar in a discreet background, and Angelo Badalamenti, to whom we owe the orchestrations that sound above mid-tempo. Critics applauded the work, the public not so much, but perhaps it’s their best album. 

A piece of advice: listen to the work today and we will sense something colossal in it because, until that moment, PSB electronics had never sounded so emotional. It must also be said that no entire album of his could achieve the harmonic and poetic perfection that this one gives off. Ten songs in a row where not even a second is left.