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.
Why this album works
'Format' matters for its exploration of themes often overlooked in mainstream pop, combining humor with poignant social commentary. The album received positive reviews and highlighted the band's lasting influence within the synth-pop genre, cementing their legacy among contemporaries and new artists alike.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with varied pacing introspective lyrics for reflection for late-night listening
- 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
- New Order· Soft Cell· Cabaret Voltaire
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Truck Driver and His Mate Standout 3:34
- 2 Hit and Miss 4:07
- 3 In the Night 1995 4:16
- 4 Betrayed Standout 5:19
- 5 How I Learned to Hate Rock-And-Roll 4:37
- 6 Discoteca (new version) Standout 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
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