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 (see 2006 in British music). It was their 37th Top 20 hit in the UK. The B-side "In Private" (Stuart Crichton 7" Mix) is a new version of a song originally written for Dusty Springfield, this time recorded as a duet between Neil Tennant and Elton John.

"Minimal"
Single by Pet Shop Boys
from the album Fundamental
B-side"In Private", "Blue on Blue", "No Time for Tears"
Released24 July 2006
Recorded2003–2005
GenreSynthpop
Length4:21 (album version)
3:27 (radio edit)
LabelParlophone
Songwriter(s)Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe[1]
Producer(s)Trevor Horn
Pet Shop Boys singles chronology
"I'm with Stupid"
(2006)		 "Minimal"
(2006)		 "Numb"
(2006)

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" (remix) – 3:40
  2. "In Private" (7-inch mix) – 4:13

CD: Parlophone / CDRS6708 (UK)
  1. "Minimal" (radio edit) – 3:40
  2. "Minimal" (Tocadisco's Sunday at Space Remix) – 8:04
  3. "Minimal" (M Factor Remix) – 8:49
  4. "Minimal" (U-MYX software)

DVD: Parlophone / DVDR6708 (UK)
  1. "Minimal" (Telex Hell mix) – 6:19
  2. "Blue on Blue" – 3:15
  3. "No Time for Tears" (7-inch mix) – 3:39
  4. "Minimal" (video)

Clear 7"
  1. "Minimal" (radio edit) – 3:40
  2. "In Private" (7-inch mix) – 4:13

Promos

CD: Parlophone / CDRDJ6708 (UK)
  1. "Minimal" (radio edit) – 3:27
  • released June 2006

CD: Parlophone / 00946 371144 2 1 (UK)
  1. "Minimal" (radio edit) – 3:40
  2. "Minimal" (Tocadisco's Sunday at Space Remix) – 8:04
  3. "Minimal" (M Factor Remix) – 8:49
  4. "Minimal" (M Factor dub) – 7:44
  5. "Minimal" (Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L remix) – 5:38
  6. "Minimal" (Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L dub) – 5:38
  7. "Minimal" (Superchumbo's Light and Shade dub) – 8:28
  8. "Minimal" (Telex Hell remix) – 6:19
  9. "Minimal" (Telex Heaven remix) – 4:29
  10. "In private" (Tomcraft 7" mix) – 3:51
  • Remix promo

12": Parlophone / MINIMAL001 (UK)
  1. "Minimal" (Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L remix) – 5:38
  2. "Minimal" (Tiga's M-I-N-I-M-A-L dub) – 5:38
  3. "Minimal" (Telex Hell remix) – 6:19
  4. "Minimal" (Telex Heaven remix) – 4:29
  • Remix promo

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 (Keir and Thailai Knight) manoeuvering to form the letters of the chorus, while Tennant and Lowe perform in front of a light display.

Chart performance
Chart (2006) Peak
position
Danish Singles Chart 7
German Singles Chart 63
Romanian Top 100 47
UK Singles Chart 19
US Hot Dance Club Play 3

References
  1. Ascap entry for song
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