Pet Shop Boys 'It Couldn't Happen Here'

PSB's "It Couldn’t Happen Here" recreated from the original Fairlight Series III Page-RS sequences.

There are three individual sequence files that together build up the complete song. Looking at these and how they work together, really illustrates both the musical and technical expertise of those involved in composing this track back in 87.

The overall song is 100% Fairlight; there are no external instruments shown in the system set up file. Each track was individually recorded from the sequences into Cubase using the correct instrumentation from the Fairlight (per the track names in Cubase). It was mixed in Cubase with VCC (SSL E) and SSL Duende Channel strips on each channel, Lexicon reverbs (PCM80 and Relab LX-480), with UAD comps to try and mimic the hardware that the original would have been mixed through.

The tonal balance isn’t quite right (I’m no Julian Mendelsohn!), and hasn’t been helped by YT compression emphasising the bass and losing some treble but the essence of the song is there.

[andyanderson]

The arrangement is legendary- what an amazing song even without lyrics. This is back when bands MADE real music.

[osvaldojoseecheverriacolla]

Respect to all those geniuses: Psb, Mr. Ennio Morricone(R.I.P.) & all collaborators from "Actually Album" 1987.

[thatscousedude]

Very nice - if you had Kings Cross I could die happy 😂

[zippy]

I’m 48 and I’ve followed the pet shops from 84 . Remix’s early stuff . This whole album holds a place in my heart especially this song it’s beautiful

[MrIvarlira]

The strings arrangement is a masterpiece

[douglasfernandes]

One of the most beautiful songs of these guys.

[cappaculla]

As mentioned elsewhere in the comments Badalamenti's score was programmed into the Farirlight due to PSB not getting an orchestra in time to get Actually released on its release date. Ennio Morricone is also credited on this piece due to it being based on a piece he'd previously written

[kevinw]

This has really stood the test of time, I still listen to it 30+ years later :-)

[paullivesey]

Fairlight - wow, what a machine- what a great job on this fantastic tune

[AshleyPomeroy]

It's fascinating to learn it was sampled strings. It really shows how good orchestration can make what would otherwise be fairly static samples come alive. Listening closely some of the loops become apparent in the high notes and I wonder if they added all the reverb to disguise the rough edges.

[nitishcheriyan]

Amazing! It couldn’t happen here and kings cross are my favorites

[RasputinWatchSite]

A great piece of music originally co-written with Italian legendary composer Ennio Morricone

[JammyGit]

Yesterday, remember how clear it seems.
In 6 inch heels, quoting magazines.
Go all the way, you knew you could. So far....so good.

Now it almost seems impossible.
We've drunk too much and woke up everyone.
I may be wrong, but I thought we said it couldn't happen here.

[PaulinhoThompson]

This has to be one of my all time favorite Pet Shop Boys songs, thank you for sharing this, it's made my day finding your channel.

[washingtonpaiva]

AMAZING!!! this is my favourite PSB song, and this instrumental song its perfect! Congrats!

[EspenKraft]

Well done! I've listened to this track a lot through the years and it's a perfect blend of Morricone and the Boys, especially on the chorus. You did a great job displaying the arrangement. the strings were originally arranged by Angelo Badalament wasn't they? So one of my favorite synth-duos combined with two of my most favored movie composers. It had to be good!

[Alex-bcqi]

There was an old CD picture interview disc with the PSB back in the day where they talked about this track. They said they were going to have an orchestra play the Badalamenti score, but it was the weekend and they couldn't get one. The album was due early the next week, so out of options, they put the score into the Fairlight instead. They said it was difficult because the attack times of the instrument samples were all different, so it was a big job getting all the tracks aligned and sequenced in time with each other.

I'll look forward to any more PSB videos you do - they're great! Anything Series III is great too. I used to dream of owning one listening to PSB's Actually and Art of Noise as a teenager. PSBs never sounded better than when they were using the likes of Andy Richards, Blue Weaver etc.

[Yoofaloof]

Can't believe my dream has been shattered. I'd always thought that this was recorded in the studio with a full orchestra and Badalamenti conducting.

[torbenanschau]

Wow - this is awesome! By far my most prefered PSB-Song and you brought up something I was always interested in!

[matthewmoore]

Totally outstanding! I have been a massive PSB fan since I first heard "West End Girls" on the radio as a kid in the 80's. I really love the passion you have taken to recreate this masterpiece of pop . I bow down in respect of the respect you gave for the original track, and thank you.