“So young, so run
Into New York City”
Taken from the album Nightlife
UK #14
Now as much as I adore this song, it’s one of the very few Pet Shop Boys songs that could easily have been done by another act and not have a Pet Shop Boys vibe about it. It’s very universal, very dance floor anthem, very high energy. I can see it appearing on a club compilation and nobody batting an eyelid. For once, it isn’t about lyrical genius (it certainly isn’t with this song), or some emotional trauma set to music, or a clever turn of phrase, it’s just about the beats, the chorus, the feeling. And the feeling is fun with a capital F.
A little while ago some poll ranked ‘New York City Boy’ as one of the gayest songs of all time, which is absolutely true. You can’t deny it. As irritating as the concept of “gay music” is, if you were going to pick a song that fits the stereotype, ‘New York City Boy’ would meet the criteria. Gay icon singing it? Yes. Heavy club beat? Yes. “Coming out” story, even if it isn’t specifically about “coming out”? Yes. It may pigeonhole the song into appealing only to certain audiences (or frightening off people who fear being associated with something so camp) but for those who allow themselves to enjoy it, there is much to love.
The US Radio Edit, found on the greatest hits collection Pop Art, is probably the best version, short and to the point, getting to the meat of the song, that huge chorus, as quickly as possible. For that authentic gay club feel, though, check out the Almighty Definitive mix. The song positions Neil as wise older man, just like in ‘Being Boring’, except this time with much brighter subject matter. ‘New York City Boy’ describes a sort of fantasy land, escaping from suburban life into the club scene in New York, “where 7th Avenue meets Broadway”. Cascading choir voices (yes, just like in the other gay anthem ‘Go West’) and a carnival-meets-club instrumental makes this one of the very best “later” years (i.e. post Bilingual) Pet Shop Boys songs.
