PET SHOP BOYS – Christmas (cd+5) The European new wave
dance legends that made fame in the 80’s for such timeless
hits as ‘West End Girls,’ ‘It’s a
Sin,’ and many more, have stood the test of time as one of
the most enduring, successful, and talented innovators in the
world of dance music of all time. Having sold over 100 million
records, and having had 20 top ten hits in the UK, they are
ranked among the most successful pop duos in music history.
The EP here of ‘Christmas’ proves that their musical
genius and innovation has no limits, as they here yet again give
fans an exciting 5 tracks of power, excitement, and ingenuity.
‘It doesn’t snow at Christmas’ opens this dance
release here with poppy disco beats and choral backing in a
‘we are the world, don’t they know it’s
Christmas time’ feel of innocence and purity, with a
‘hark the herald angels sing’ homage from a horn
section.
‘My Girl’ gradually picks up the power, shifting the
tone with a searing, dark and beautifully intense bass beat on
keys, with Tenant’s unmistakable and outstanding vocals
throwing out some sad lyrics about a lover’s quarrel and
miscommunication between a couple, that will go down as a
timeless classic.
‘All Over the World’ at first slows down the tempo,
yet lifts up the mood, bringing in a classical orchestra for some
horn and string movements, mixing a horn rendition of
‘March’ from Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s two act
ballet, ‘The Nutcracker,’ that flows into a dance
beat, working well. It ultimately gives the feeling of a classic
big band orchestra, and epic Hollywood storytelling, in the
spirit of ‘bringing our boys back home from the war.’
Track 4, ‘Viva La Vida / Domino Dancing (long life)
launches into high power dance spirit that is giving me chills
yet again on this, my second listen. This track truly touches to
the core of emotion and spirit with a musical power matched by
few and is a masterful song perfect to uplift you on the lowest
day.
‘My Girl (our house mix) closes this collection with a more
complexly layered mix, tighter packed beats, and is a must hear.
Pet Shop Boys are one of the best bands on the planet and when I
had the pleasure to see them live, proved to be one of the most
exciting concerts of all time out of the literal hundreds that I
have seen. Highly recommended.
(Bruce Edwin) Paralphone / EMI.
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