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.
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