This track originally should have been on the "Behavior-album", but was (in the last minute) replaced by "The end of the world". If "Miserablism" would have been on the album, the album would have been somehow even "darker", I think. "Miserablism" is a great track with great lyrics - ends up every philosophical discussion immediatley - "is is and isn't isn't" - nothing more to say - I´ll dedicate my life to miserablism! Really somehow frustrating but also cool! PSB are fantastic!
"Miserablism" is about having a particular attitude towards life - a "philosophy" of being negative and feeling down, so that if bad news hits you, it doesn't really impact you as much, because you're already down and almost out.
The "is is and isn't isn't" line is what a friend of Neil Tennant's dad said on his death bed, apparently! And Neil thought it was pertinent to the song and put it in.
Maybe he is, but he does it amazingly. I hope this song isn't about Morrissey, cause I love him most of the time. And this is one of my favorite PSB songs!
Why do you hope it isn't about Moz...the song is really quite complementary, do you not think? I think it presents him in a sympathetic, thoughtful, intelligent light.
Great verses, weak chorus, I can see why it was a B-side.
mayakane 2 months ago
best b-side on alternative by far
stoojkm 2 months ago
Both the End Of The World and Miserablism should have both been on Behaviour....Miserablisn before EOTW of course
artfreak79 3 months ago
wasn't is is or isn't isn't in a clinton or blair speech ?
3anaurv2 3 months ago
@3anaurv2 definitely not blair, this came out in 1990/1.
risteard01 2 months ago
@risteard01 it's a mistake it's clinton
3anaurv2 2 months ago
Thought Neil Tennant said these were the last words of someone before they died: "Is is and isn't isn't"
booblys2 3 months ago
"Just for the sake of it make sure you're always frowning. It shows the world that you've got substance and depth."
Post-modernist irony successfully dissing on post-modernist irony. These guys were/are off-the-chart brilliant.
fractalchez 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Unbelievable how good the Pet Shop Boys B-sides were/are over the years. 'Alternative' could be an A side album from lessor bands. Brilliant
foggytown80 5 months ago
Comment removed
foggytown80 5 months ago
This track originally should have been on the "Behavior-album", but was (in the last minute) replaced by "The end of the world". If "Miserablism" would have been on the album, the album would have been somehow even "darker", I think. "Miserablism" is a great track with great lyrics - ends up every philosophical discussion immediatley - "is is and isn't isn't" - nothing more to say - I´ll dedicate my life to miserablism! Really somehow frustrating but also cool! PSB are fantastic!
thecoldheart2012 6 months ago
cool
ExcitingValence 8 months ago
it is about Morrissey. I
eeyoresque 8 months ago
I adore this record.
hegarty1974 10 months ago
They should so an Alternative 2.
upfrontbear74 1 year ago 3
"Miserablism" is about having a particular attitude towards life - a "philosophy" of being negative and feeling down, so that if bad news hits you, it doesn't really impact you as much, because you're already down and almost out.
The "is is and isn't isn't" line is what a friend of Neil Tennant's dad said on his death bed, apparently! And Neil thought it was pertinent to the song and put it in.
r1chards1m0n 1 year ago
morrissey and the smiths suck.
newportvtman37 1 year ago
@newportvtman37 You better go hide, because of the comments here I suspect that most pet shop Boys fans are fans of Morrisey as well.
MiaoPurrington 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@newportvtman37 That's a bold statement!
D0ST03VSKY 8 months ago
PET SHOP BOYS RULEZ THE WORLD!!!
RainerZufall56 1 year ago
Alternative rocks!!!
PSBelectronica 1 year ago 13
@PSBelectronica
Agreed, this is classic!
lpeformiga 1 year ago
Alternative is such as great album! I love those outtlakes of songs from other albums.
cinebeatl 2 years ago
I had lost Alternative somewhere in my move but this song makes me want to buy it again from Amazon just now!!
Actuallysalemslot 2 years ago
Maybe he is, but he does it amazingly. I hope this song isn't about Morrissey, cause I love him most of the time. And this is one of my favorite PSB songs!
markandjohntube 2 years ago 5
@markandjohntube
Why do you hope it isn't about Moz...the song is really quite complementary, do you not think? I think it presents him in a sympathetic, thoughtful, intelligent light.
simonzon 1 year ago
@markandjohntube it IS in fact about Morrissey
spinct83 11 months ago
@spinct83 if only disappointment did disappear overnight
stoojkm 1 month ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This song is about that asshole Morrissey.
razrsabr 2 years ago
Excelente música dos Pet Shop Boys!!
cosmedasilvafarias1 2 years ago 2
can't compare with??so original..tks 4 post
feripsb 2 years ago