Synth-pop pioneers embark on an unexpected journey, reimagining tracks by musical legends and contemporaries.
Image: Adam Ihse/Keystone Press Agency/Global Look Press
The iconic synth-pop duo, Pet Shop Boys, renowned for their distinctive blend of melancholic melodies and astute lyrics, are once again set to captivate the music world. Following their recent 2024 album, Nonetheless, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have unearthed a long-dormant tradition, announcing the release of Disco 5. This new installment, promised for late autumn, is generating significant buzz among music critics and fans alike, largely because it represents a distinct departure from its predecessors.
A `Disco` Tradition Reimagined
Since 1986, the Pet Shop Boys have cultivated a unique legacy with their “Disco” series—special remix-focused releases that served as a canvas for the duo to rework their own material. The last such volume graced our ears seventeen years ago, leaving a substantial gap filled with anticipation. Now, with Disco 5, they’re not just breaking a long silence; they`re breaking a long-standing pattern.
Unlike previous “Disco” compilations, which primarily offered fresh interpretations of the band`s own tracks, Disco 5 shifts focus dramatically. This album is dedicated to the Pet Shop Boys` unique re-imaginings of songs by other well-known artists. This bold move has already sparked considerable excitement and intrigue, especially considering PSB themselves are revered figures whose music has been covered by countless others. It seems even legends can appreciate a good cover, particularly when they’re the ones doing the covering.
A Curated Journey Through Contemporary and Classic Sounds
The tracklist for Disco 5 is a meticulously curated selection that spans genres and generations, reflecting the Pet Shop Boys` eclectic tastes and enduring influence. Listeners can anticipate fascinating reinterpretations of:
- “Think Of A Number” by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
- “Innocent Money” by Primal Scream
- “Cosmic Fringes” by Paul Weller
- “West End Girls” by Sleaford Mods (a particularly cheeky nod, given the title`s resonance with PSB`s own seminal hit).
But the album isn`t merely a collection of covers. It also features exciting collaborations that bridge different eras and styles:
- “Purple Zone” sees the Pet Shop Boys joining forces with fellow synth-pop legends Soft Cell, creating a sonic dialogue between two defining acts of the genre.
- “Dreamland” is presented in a fresh rendition featuring Olly Alexander, the British singer who famously represented the UK at Eurovision 2024. While his performance garnered 46 points and an 18th-place finish – a result that, in true British fashion, likely inspired another wave of sarcastic commentary about the chasm between Eurovision and “actual good music” – his collaboration with PSB adds a modern pop sensibility to the album.
Unexpected Voices and Cinematic Connections
Adding further layers of intrigue, “informed sources” suggest two tracks on Disco 5 are particularly noteworthy:
- “I’m In Love With a German Film Star” features a performance by filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, an OBE recipient for her contributions to art and a close confidante of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, who personally produced the entire endeavor.
- A duet of “Let The Music Play” with singer Carrol Thompson, a track from the soundtrack of the early 1990s cult classic film The Crying Game.
The album`s roster of tackled artists also includes other notable names such as Tina Turner, Claptone, and Wolfgang Tillmans, further solidifying the “intergenerational and genre-diverse character” of the release. It’s a testament to the Pet Shop Boys` enduring relevance that they can draw such a wide array of talent into their orbit, both as subjects and collaborators.
For the Discerning Collector
Beyond the standard digital and CD formats, the Pet Shop Boys, ever connoisseurs of the refined, will also release a collector`s edition of Disco 5 on black and orange vinyl. For those who appreciate the tactile experience of music, this limited run promises to be a coveted addition to any collection. After all, when you`ve achieved their level of legendary status, one might as well live beautifully – and provide beautiful ways for fans to enjoy your latest work.
