Not so much a new album as a stop gap, the Pet Shop Boy's latest release is half new material and half remixes of tracks from their last studio album proper Release'. However, fans who couldn't understand why they'd ditched the electronic pop sound they pioneered for a more organic sound on the last album will feel at home with this. Most of the tracks have that cold electronic sound married with the humanity of Tennant's vocals that's so distinctive of the Pet Shop Boys. Felix da Housecat's mix of London' gives it a tougher electro-clash edge while the PSB's own extended remix of Here' milks it for more emotion than the original.
It's a return to form and it shows that they should really ditch the acoustic guitars and stick with what they do best. It's also a varied collection, ranging from the dark pop of the above to dancefloor pounders (Tom Stephan's tribal workover of Sexy Northerner and Blank & Jone's sugary amyl rush version of Home and Dry') and the sparse, emotive piano version of London from their ill-fated musical project. Plus, you get the Daily Mail baiting Try it (I'm in love with a married man)', featuring Neil Tennant's most risque lyrics yet.
An essential release for fans that bodes well for the next full album release.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article