Numb (Pet Shop Boys song)

"Numb" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys from their ninth studio album, Fundamental (2006). It was released on 15 October 2006 as the album's third and final single, peaking at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart. Up to that point, it was only the duo's second single in 39 releases to miss the UK top 20 (the other being "Was It Worth It?" from 1991, which peaked at number 24).

Composition
Heavily orchestrated, with strings arranged by Trevor Horn, the song describes the desire to sequester oneself from the world due to traumatic experiences it has brought about; within the context of Fundamental, it has been observed that the song can be interpreted as a reaction to terrorism and the state of the world brought about in its aftermath.

Sleeve
The sleeve photography was taken by Sam Taylor-Wood. They show Pet Shop Boys wearing plague doctor masks that were bought in Venice, and were taken at the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell, London.

Music video
The music video for "Numb" was directed by Julian Gibbs, Julian House, and Chris Sayer, who, as reported by the band's official site, describe it as inspired by "Russian constructivist cinema". Gibbs had previously directed a 2005 BBC television adaptation of The Snow Queen, which Sayer worked on as animation director. In addition, the Gibbs and House pair have previously directed music videos for Primal Scream, Luke Slater, and Doves.

Release
The Pet Shop Boys website announced the release of a new radio edit of "Numb" as the third single from Fundamental, accompanied by new songs "Party Song" and "Bright Young Things" as B-sides and a new remix of "Psychological" by Ewan Pearson to be included on the limited-edition 12-inch release.

"Bright Young Things" was recorded and written in 2003 with co-production by Chris Zippel. It was originally intended for a film of the same title made by Stephen Fry but film producers turned down the track. Neil Tennant stated in June 2006 on the official Pet Shop Boys website that it would be a B-side sometime soon.

The single package also includes a live version of "West End Girls", which was recorded by BBC Radio 2 at the Mermaid Theatre in May 2006. This live track is also featured on the Pet Shop Boys first live album, Concrete which was released the week following this single in October 2006.

The single peaked at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the duo's second most unsuccessful single in terms of chart placement after "Was It Worth It?" (1991).

Track listings

 * UK CD single (CDR 6723)
 * 1) "Numb" (new radio version) – 3:30
 * 2) "West End Girls" (live at the Mermaid Theatre) – 4:55


 * UK CD maxi single (CDRS 6723)
 * 1) "Numb" (PSB original demo) – 3:40
 * 2) "Party Song" – 3:44
 * 3) "Bright Young Things" – 4:57
 * 4) "Numb" (music video) – 4:40
 * Tracks 2 and 3 on this release are reversed, making the track listing incorrect.
 * "Party song" includes elements of "That's the Way (I Like It)" by KC and the Sunshine Band.


 * UK limited-edition 7-inch single (R 6723)
 * A. "Numb" (new radio version) – 3:30
 * B. "Party Song" – 3:44


 * UK limited-edition 12-inch single (12R 6723)
 * A1. "Numb" (album version) – 4:44
 * A2. "Numb" (a cappella) – 3:29
 * B. "Psychological" (Ewan Pearson mix) – 8:37