Friday Video Pick: “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by the Pet Shop Boys

A still from the Pet Shop Boys' 1987 video for "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"

For today’s Friday Video Pick, we spotlight the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have a I Done to Deserve This?,” a track featuring the vocals of Dusty Springfield. Filmed in a music hall, this 1987 video makes use of chorus girls and theater curtains to keep the action moving, then culminates in a dramatic stage finale.

But interestingly enough, our favorite part occurs after the second verse, when Chris Lowe–the ultra-chill Pet Shop Boy–takes a break from his deadpan background presence and breaks into a dance interlude before calmly walking off set.

Not to mention, while much of the video has a vintage theater setting, there are some unforgettable ’80s abstract stage backdrops. You can try to take the video out of the ’80s, but you can’t take the ’80s out of the video… And how amazing are Dusty Springfield’s vocals in this piece? This track rightly renewed interest in her music.

Enjoy… and Happy Friday!