Minimal (song)


"Minimal" is a song by British synthpop band Pet Shop Boys and is featured on their 2006 album Fundamental. It was released 24 July 2006 as the second single from that album in the UK, entering the UK Singles Chart at number 19 in the first week of its release. It was their 37th Top 20 hit in the UK. The B-side "In Private" is a new version of a song originally written for Dusty Springfield, this time recorded as a duet between Neil Tennant and Elton John.

Overview

The lyrics, built around a chant of "M-I-N-I-M-A-L", are an abstract description of expressions of minimalism, such as "more is less" and "an empty box, an open space". This is contradicted by the upbeat, busy instrumentation and production.
Originally planned as the first single from Fundamental, it was subsequently moved down the release schedule when "I'm with Stupid" was chosen instead.

Track listings

CD: Parlophone / CDR6708 (UK)

  1. "Minimal" – 3:40
  2. "In Private" – 4:13

    CD: Parlophone / CDRS6708 (UK)

  3. "Minimal" – 3:40
  4. "Minimal" – 8:04
  5. "Minimal" – 8:49
  6. "Minimal"

    DVD: Parlophone / DVDR6708 (UK)

  7. "Minimal" – 6:19
  8. "Blue on Blue" – 3:15
  9. "No Time for Tears" – 3:39
  10. "Minimal"

    Clear 7"

  11. "Minimal" – 3:40
  12. "In Private" – 4:13

    Promos

CD: Parlophone / CDRDJ6708 (UK)

  1. "Minimal" – 3:27
  1. "Minimal" – 3:40
  2. "Minimal" – 8:04
  3. "Minimal" – 8:49
  4. "Minimal" – 7:44
  5. "Minimal" – 5:38
  6. "Minimal" – 5:38
  7. "Minimal" – 8:28
  8. "Minimal" – 6:19
  9. "Minimal" – 4:29
  10. "In private" – 3:51
  1. "Minimal" – 5:38
  2. "Minimal" – 5:38
  3. "Minimal" – 6:19
  4. "Minimal" – 4:29
Another remix of "Minimal" by Lobe appears on the limited edition bonus CD of Fundamental, Fundamentalism. The Tiga remix was included on the Japanese release.
Another remix of "Minimal" by Radio Slave appears on the B-side of a 12" promo with two remixes of "Psychological" on the A-side by Ewan Pearson. These are part of the "Numb" promotion.
In addition, it was the first PSB single release to feature the U-MYX software on the maxi-CD which allows people to create their own version of the single. On 25 July, Chris Lowe himself created a new version of the track using the software and uploaded it onto the U-MYX website.

Music video

On 5 June 2006, it was announced that the video, directed by Dan Cameron, was completed in Paris. It features a pair of dancers manoeuvering to form the letters of the chorus, while Tennant and Lowe perform in front of a light display.

Chart performance