Numb (Pet Shop Boys song)

Composed by American songwriter Diane Warren, known for many commercial radio-friendly hits, "Numb" was originally procured by the Pet Shop Boys to be one of the new singles on the 2003 compilation PopArt: The Hits. The song was previously offered to Aerosmith, whose song "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" was written by Warren, but they turned it down. The Pet Shop Boys recorded a demo of "Numb" in 2003 but decided to save it for Fundamental. The album version, produced by Trevor Horn, opens with a dramatic orchestral intro, arranged by Steve Sidwell. The Pet Shop Boys' interpretation alludes to the desire to sequester oneself from distressing news in the modern world. ==Cover art==

The cover photo was taken by Sam Taylor-Wood at the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell, London. It shows Pet Shop Boys wearing plague doctor masks that were bought in Venice. ==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". 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. 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 at the time in terms of chart placement, after "Was It Worth It?" (#24 in 1991). ==Usage in other media==

BBC used the song as the closing montage following England's defeat to Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final. ==Track listings==

"Numb" is written by Diane Warren; additional tracks are by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. • UK CD single (CDR 6723) • "Numb" (new radio version) – 3:30 • "West End Girls" (live at the Mermaid Theatre) – 4:55 • UK CD maxi single (CDRS 6723) • "Numb" (PSB original demo) – 3:40 • "Party Song" – 3:44 • "Bright Young Things" – 4:57 • "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 ==Personnel==

Credits adapted from the liner notes for Fundamental: Further Listening 2005–2007 and "Numb". Pet Shop Boys • Neil Tennant • Chris Lowe Additional musicians • Gavyn Wright – orchestra leader • Pete Murray – additional keyboards • Jamie Muhoberac – additional keyboards • Tim Pierce – acoustic guitars, electric guitars • Earl Harvin – acoustic drums • Luís Jardim – percussion • Pete Gleadall – original programming • Sylvia Mason-James – additional vocals (radio version) Technical • Trevor Horn – production • Steve Sidwell – orchestral arrangement, conducting • Robert Orton – recording engineering • Tim Lambert – additional engineering • Tim Weidner – engineering, mixing • Phil Tyreman – engineering assistance • Isobel Griffiths – orchestra contractor Artwork • Farrow and PSB – design, art direction • Sam Taylor-Wood – photography ==Charts==