1986 Pet Shop Boys song "Suburbia" is based on a famous melody (from
the 80s I suppose).
What is the name of this melody, who is the composer, and what is the
name of a CD it can be found on?
A short part (about 10 seconds) of this melody is played in 1990 film
"Hard To Kill" (with Steven Seagal), in a scene where Seagal is
driving his car, listening to a cassette.

---

Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 10 Feb 2003 09:04 PST

I have not found an indication that the melody of "Suburbia" was based
on a famous melody.  However, I have read an interview where the Pet
Shop Boys explain that the bass line is nearly identical to the bass
line in a famous song from the previous year.  Is this what you are
thinking of?  If so, I can post an answer.

---

Clarification of Question by dave_o-ga on 10 Feb 2003 09:29 PST

I would like to clarify that despite what is claimed by the Pets in
certain interviews (that either "Suburbia" tune is original or that
only the bass line is taken from another song), the song's melody is
unmistakably similar to the tune I mentioned.
What I'm looking for is not a song, it is a tune I heard in several
occasions
during the 80s (by the way, when the song came out I remember some of
my friends saying its tune is stolen..)
Listening to the abovementioned film, I'm quite sure of the
resemblance.
I will try to add somehow a link to the sound clip from that film
(hoping it will ring a bell).

Indeed, Suburbia's bass line is somewhat alike like the bass line of
`Into the Groove' by Madonna (1985, You Can Dance, Madonna and Stephen
Bray.