| Numb | |
| Cover: | NumbPSB.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Pet Shop Boys |
| Album: | Fundamental |
| Released: | 15 October 2006 |
| Recorded: | 6 May 2003 |
| Genre: | |
| Length: | 3:30 (single version) 4:42 (album version) |
| Label: | Parlophone |
| Producer: | Trevor Horn |
| Prev Title: | Minimal |
| Prev Year: | 2006 |
| Next Title: | She's Madonna |
| Next Year: | 2007 |
"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,[1] 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).
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.[2]
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.
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.[3] In addition, the Gibbs and House pair have previously directed music videos for Primal Scream, Luke Slater, and Doves.
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).
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.
A. "Numb" (new radio version) – 3:30
B. "Party Song" – 3:44
A1. "Numb" (album version) – 4:44
A2. "Numb" (a cappella) – 3:29
B. "Psychological" (Ewan Pearson mix) – 8:37