Alternative cover

Alternative

Pet Shop Boys · 1995

134 min · 30 tracks · house · new wave · synth-pop

A vibrant collection of synth-driven anthems and introspective ballads that showcases the duo's eclectic artistry.

Why this album works

The album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, further solidifying Pet Shop Boys' status in the pop landscape. It is particularly notable for its critical acclaim, being recognized for its artistic merit while also demonstrating the duo's ability to blend mainstream appeal with avant-garde sensibilities.
Best for
long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys contemplative late-night vibes
Context
By the time 'Alternative' was released in August 1995, Pet Shop Boys had already established themselves as a leading force in synth-pop and electronic music, following their successful albums like 'Very' (1993). This compilation album served as a retrospective of their B-sides and remixes, highlighting their versatility and creative depth during a period when they were exploring new musical territories.
Stylistic neighbors
New Order· Soft Cell· Cabaret Voltaire

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 In the Night 4:50
  • 2 A Man Could Get Arrested 4:19
  • 3 That's My Impression Standout 5:18
  • 4 Was That What It Was? 5:14
  • 5 Paninaro Standout 4:40
  • 6 Jack the Lad 4:31
  • 7 You Know Where You Went Wrong 5:51
  • 8 A New Life 4:56
  • 9 I Want a Dog 4:58
  • 10 Do I Have To? 5:14
  • 11 I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too) 4:54
  • 12 Don Juan 3:54
  • 13 The Sound of the Atom Splitting 5:12
  • 14 One of the Crowd 3:55
  • 15 Your Funny Uncle 2:16

Disc 2

  • 1 It Must Be Obvious 4:24
  • 2 We All Feel Better in the Dark 4:00
  • 3 Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend 4:28
  • 4 Losing My Mind Standout 4:34
  • 5 Music for Boys 3:36
  • 6 Miserablism 4:10
  • 7 Hey, Headmaster 3:06
  • 8 What Keeps Mankind Alive? 3:24
  • 9 Shameless 5:02
  • 10 Too Many People 4:17
  • 11 Violence (Haçienda version) 4:58
  • 12 Decadence 3:56
  • 13 If Love Were All 2:59
  • 14 Euroboy 4:27
  • 15 Some Speculation 6:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata