Coming soon: Pop

Review: Few synth-pop acts have captured the elegance, wit, and sheer dancefloor appeal of this UK dance pop duo, and this compilation remains the definitive snapshot of their first five years. Originally released in 1992, this double album compiles 18 of their biggest hits, now reissued on striking blue vinyliis a remarkable album that is full of excellent songs that flow like a no other. The track list reads like a masterclass in electronic pop. From the moody, detached cool of 'West End Girls' to the euphoric satire of 'Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)', the duo's signature mix of sharp social commentary and irresistible melodies is on full display. 'It's a Sin' and 'Always on My Mind' showcase their ability to turn theatrical drama into anthemic dancefloor epics, while 'Domino Dancing' and 'Left to My Own Devices' reveal a Latin-infused, orchestral ambition. The collection also includes 'Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)', a bold, unexpected U2/Frankie Valli mashup and 'Was It Worth It?', a then-new single that closes the album with reflective melancholy. Sonically, the reissue retains the crisp production that made these tracks timeless, while the blue vinyl adds a collector's appeal. More than just a greatest hits album, Discography is an album that gathered their impact in a perfect compilation.

Review: Coming on a 2CD + Blu-ray is a celebration of the iconic duo's 40th-anniversary tour with a dazzling live performance at Copenhagen's Royal Arena. Recorded in June 2023 as part of their Dreamworld Greatest Hits tour, this show features a career-spanning setlist, all impeccably shot on 14 cameras in crisp 4K and mixed in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound by David and Mike Woolley. From the opening beats of 'Suburbia' to the euphoric finale of 'Being Boring', Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe take fans on a nostalgic journey through their vast catalog. The tracklist reads like a history of synth-pop, including timeless hits like 'West End Girls', 'It's A Sin', 'Heart' and 'Domino Dancing'. Visually and sonically, the concert film promises an immersive experience, showing the band's ability to blend theatrical performance with infectious dance rhythms. The Blu-ray format ensures fans get the full spectacle, enhanced by the meticulous surround sound mix. For both longtime devotees and newcomers, Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live is a fitting tribute to the Pet Shop Boys' enduring influence on pop and dance musicia joyous celebration of four decades of innovative and irresistible tunes.