Format cover

Format

Pet Shop Boys · 2012

156 min · 38 tracks · house · new wave · synth-pop

A vibrant collage of electronic beats and introspective lyrics, reflecting the duo's enduring innovation in pop music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • for late-night listening
  • vibrant beats for dance vibes
  • engaging storytelling throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon its release in 2012, 'Format' marked a significant moment for Pet Shop Boys as it was their first compilation album since 2006's 'Fundamental.' This collection brought together B-sides and previously unreleased tracks, showcasing the band's extensive catalog while reaffirming their status as pioneers in electronic music. Their career at this point was characterized by a continuous evolution of sound and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Erasure· New Order· Depeche Mode

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 The Truck Driver and His Mate 3:34
  • 2 Hit and Miss 4:07
  • 3 In the Night 1995 4:16
  • 4 Betrayed 5:19
  • 5 How I Learned to Hate Rock-And-Roll 4:37
  • 6 Discoteca (new version) 3:43
  • 7 The Calm Before the Storm 2:46
  • 8 Confidential (demo for Tina Turner) 4:46
  • 9 The Boy Who Couldn't Keep His Clothes On 6:05
  • 10 Delusions of Grandeur 5:03
  • 11 The View From Your Balcony 3:44
  • 12 Disco Potential 4:06
  • 13 Silver Age 3:32
  • 14 Screaming 4:55
  • 15 The Ghost of Myself 4:02
  • 16 Casting a Shadow 4:36
  • 17 Lies 4:39
  • 18 Sexy Northerner 3:42

Disc 2

  • 1 Always 5:03
  • 2 Nightlife 3:53
  • 3 Searching for the Face of Jesus 3:26
  • 4 Between Two Islands 5:06
  • 5 Friendly Fire 3:22
  • 6 We're the Pet Shop Boys 4:55
  • 7 Transparent 3:51
  • 8 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today 3:37
  • 9 The Resurrectionist 3:10
  • 10 Girls Don't Cry 2:34
  • 11 In Private (7-inch mix) 4:10
  • 12 Blue on Blue 3:11
  • 13 No Time for Tears (7-inch mix) 3:35
  • 14 Bright Young Things 4:55
  • 15 Party Song 3:39
  • 16 We're All Criminals Now 3:54
  • 17 Gin and Jag 4:28
  • 18 After the Event 5:15
  • 19 The Former Enfant Terrible 2:51
  • 20 Up and Down 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata