The Pet Shop Boys are leftover from the original Midsummer Musical Theatre. Initially, I downloaded a few of their songs after reading good things from AllMusic. I also knew of them very casually out and about, but only by name. I found their music to be atmospheric and dense and fit well with the production. Their style of rich, textured songs also match up admirably with the summer heat and humid days. This style is something I would like to continue in this version of the Midsummer Musical Theatre.
 

Blur immediately comes to mind when I hear a Pet Shop Boys song. The lead singer's voice is similar to Damon Albarn (of Blur) in a high-pitched, charismatic kind of way. However, Pet Shop Boys are nowhere near as guitar-driven or rock-oriented as Blur.
 

The only album I have from them is called Behavior. The album was recorded in 1990 and spawned four singles. To my knowledge, this is one of their more "dance"-oriented albums, although it does not get in the way. I personally consider it to be more ambient or electronic sounding. There are a number of great songs on Behavior, some of which I have grown to love. "How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously?" and "To Face the Truth" in particular are among my favorites. The former was the first song I ever downloaded from the Pet Shop Boys and really got me excited to hear more. Then I downloaded this album.
 

Since the Pet Shop Boys have exactly eleven other albums that I have yet to get into, I'd say the chances are good that I'll be listening to them for a while. At least rest of the summer. Although I would classify their sound as pop, most of their songs are very textured which extends replay value. It took me a few spins to start to acclimate myself to the songs on Behavior, so that bodes well for them sticking around.