Customer Reviews

Discography: Complete Singles Collection

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This album, along with New Order's Substance 1987, form what is to me the soundtrack of the 80's.

This album literally lives up to its title as a discography, collecting the 7" versions of all of the boy's first 18 singles on one disc in chronological order. As such, it makes a terrific CD to buy as your first Pet Shop Boys disc as its a terrific overview of their material.

The Pet Shop Boys wit and irony, along with Neal Tennant's excellent voice combined to make some of the best pop songs of the 80's. Included are lot of well known hits like West End Girls, Suburbia, Always On My Mind, and What Have I Done To Deserve This?. There are also a lot of songs here that are virtually unknown in the U.S. but every bit as good as the afformentioned titles, such as "Love Comes Quickly" - a beautiful ballad - and "Heart", a song that they had considered giving to Madonna. Just as important, these songs have held up well to the test of time, even though some were recorded as early as 1984. Through these singles, the boy's take shots at capitalism (Opportunities), cover Elvis Presley and U2 (Always On My Mind and Where the Streets Have No Name), sing about the Gulf War (DJ Culture), urban decay (Suburbia), and 'rent boys' (Rent). The music always holds up and the lyrics display a level of intellegence unmatched by nearly every other group - for instance, in DJ Culture Neal quips "Like Liz [Taylor] before Betty [as in the Betty Ford Clinic], She [madonna] before Sean [Penn], suddenly you're missing, then you're reborn" - and in Left To My Own Devices, they invoke references to classical composers - "Che Guvara and Debussy to a disco beat" are just a few examples.

Also, carrying the discography theme further, this album scores bonus points as the CD booklet that comes with the album folds out to show a chart that includes information about all the songs, including a picture of the single cover of each, its peak UK chart position, and a brief blurb from the boys about each song. I wish more compilation albums would follow the Boy's lead in this regard.

The Pet Shop Boys had an enormous string of hits during the 80s and early 90s, especially in the UK. This album collects them all. While most compilations leave out essential hits to make you buy the original albums (Dire Straits, Prince, U2 and Simple Minds come to mind) this album has them all (OK, "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously" is missing). From the first single "West end Girls" on all the hits are here. High points include "Suburbia" , "Heart", "Always on my Mind" and "Left to my own Devices". 80s music was partly shaped by these guys. For longer versions/remixes check out "Disco", which includes very long remixes of "West end Girls", "Suburbia", "Opportunities", "Love Comes Quickly" and the in 1995 remixed b-side "Paninaro". "Introspective" includes a strong techno-oriented remix of "Always on My Mind" and long versions of "It's Alright", "Domino Dancing" and "Left to my own devices"

Essential

From the opening beat of "West End Girls" (the Pet Shop Boys'first big hit) it is clear that this collection of greatest hits would be phenomenal, and I say this as a relatively hesitant Pet Shop Boys fan. Some of their songs ("Rent" and its semi-inane lyrics) leave me nauseated, although I admire the fact that the brilliant Neil Tennant can pull these sorts of things off so well. However, there are moments of pure perfection on this album... unadultered pleasure, fun, and sheer musical genius.

It is impossible to hate the Pet Shop Boys. They are infinitely danceable, infectiously catchy, often extremely intelligent, clever, and they have a balance of snobbery and charm that makes one a fan, even when one does not wish to be.

Apart from the unforgettable "West End Girls" (which should be branded in the memories of everyone alive in the 80s), other incredible tracks include "It's a Sin", "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" (with the late, great Dusty Springfield), "Always on my Mind" (which is an extremely well-done remake), "It's Alright", "So Hard", "Being Boring" and the stunning "Jealousy".

I would also recommend their album Alternative for more intellectual joys ("Don Juan" is of particular note.)

the real kings of pop music are so overlooked these days. But it doesn't matter: We, the ones who understand how good they are are having lots of fund and sheer quality. This is the first greatest hits from this unique band preceding their other golden item Popart. While it collects the entire catalogue of the Boys this is only up to 1991 and it has the wonderful Was It Worth it? I discovered them by chance when I heard their song I don't Know what you want but..from the Nightlife era and I have been collecting their items since then. Discography is a must for anyone having a good taste in music. These guys are simply geniuses no matter what the overproud Amazon.com reviewer says.

Boys, you are always on my mind!

This CD is a good introduction to the Pet Shop Boys, but here are a couple things to keep in mind. Since 1991 they have released eighteen(18!) more songs that have made the top 20 in the UK. Also, CD technology has come a long way since 1991.

To get the big picture, pick up "PopArt", which includes all of the songs on this CD (except "was it worth it"), plus the 18 hits that came after this album was compiled, all in glorious remastered form.

After you do this, you will probably want to pick up some of the individual albums that these songs came from. I would recommend the remastered versions that came out in 2001, which all include an extra disc of b-sides, rarities, 12" mixes, etc. These are available on the Amazon UK site (www.amazon.co.uk)

Actually I have to thank Kylie..I bought her greatest hits package "Ultimate" because I mildly like some of her songs...At the cash register, the cashgirl recommended that if I liked Kylie, I would definitely like this band and offered me Discography. I wouldn't buy- I vaguely remember them with their stomping disco number "New York City Boy" but it was nothing to write home about and this package seemed too old- 1991 c'mon...Just for the sake of not hurting the over-excited girl, I check the insert and saw Dusty Springfield's name..Dusty Springfield? With a synth-pop band from other side of Atlantic? What was she thinking? But enough is enough I eventually paid and drove home.

I first listened Kylie but it got thin after a couple of songs- same melodies, same ussh hissshh, same number over and over- very good for jumping on the disco floor but not so exciting to make you go on a dreamland and the lyrics are simply stupid.

Then I put Discography on the stereo...listened two first songs with amusing curiousity-lyrics and structure of the songs were quite interesting- but then the real stomper arrived knocking on all doors of my life: Opportunities...and the rest is just a story, as they say, and I simply fell in love with them.

There is not a single bad or insipid song in the album. Can you believe it?. From the first tunes of West End Girls until the end of Was it Worth it, it almost flows like a magic walk through clouds, through heaven, you laugh, you cry, you dance, you sing, you tap your feet, you think, you are depressed...God, you make everything that music should make you.

But what's more important is the band's striking intelligence...lyrics, structures, compositions, backvocals, production, small touches...are all very well calculated and sincere, just for the sake of making things more fun. Melodies are incredibly catchy and also very complex...miles better than anything Erasure (whom I listened afterwards upon Amazon recommendaton but not impressed) can achieve in their lifetime.

Particular highlights of highlights: Opportunities...Suburbia...What have I done (not surprised Dusty agreed to duet), It's A Sin, Always On My Mind (oh a tepid Elvis song becomes an unbelievably disco stomping piece but what an underlying sadness my friends), Heart, Left To My Own Devices, It's Alright, So Hard,DJ Culture...See, almost the entire album..

Well I have been missing a very important thing in my life and I am sure millions of Americans are still missing it. If only I had the chance to promote them through the Promised Land.

All in all, Discography is a must and Pet Shop Boys are true and clever wizards of Pop. Now back to backcatalogue- my first click on purchase items in Amazon: Please, the first album that started the ball to roll on.

Feverishly recommended!

I 'came of age' in the 80s, and was working in London when the PSB first began releasing music. 'West End Girls' is a quintessentially London song; I immediately went out and bought their album. I've been purchasing all their albums since.

This collection contains the major songs (the single releases) from their first four albums, plus a few new songs. For anyone who wants to have a good collection of 80s music, this is a must for the collection. The disco is present but not banal nor overpowering; the lyrics are intelligent and neither syrupy-sung nor screamed. The videos which go along with these songs are clever and artfully done.

The playlist includes:
West End Girls -- a number one hit in America, Europe, Britain and Asia
Love comes quickly
Opportunities
Suburbia -- music perhaps inspired by EastEnders
It's a Sin -- another international no. 1 hit
What have I done to deserve this - a collaboration with Dusty Springfield
Rent
Always on my mind -- a remake of the classic
Heart
Domino dancing
Left to my own devices
It's alright
So hard
Being boring - name derived from Gertrude Stein
Where the streets have no name (can't take my eyes off of you) -- a combination of songs cleverly done
Jealousy
DJ Culture -- a new song released with the album
Was it worth it? -- another new song, released later

The PSB don't easily fit into any particular category -- while they are gay performers, they are not exclusively 'gay' performers; their music reached a wide audience and was not preachy (in fact, their song 'How Can You Expect to be Taken Seriously' consciously pokes fun at pop stars who become spokesmen and 'experts' simply for being famous in another field). Unfortunately, due to the limitations imposed upon the length of CDs, this song had to be omitted from this collection (it does appear on the video compilation, however).

Rolling Stone recently described them as being 'the Grateful Dead of the europop scene'. This is rather close to the mark in that they have dedicated followers who devour everything they produce as well as a more general audience who like them without obsessing. There are a few US No. 1 hits on this album, as well as songs that were much bigger hits in the broader world as American trends in music (at least as driven by radio and MTV airtime) have changed while the PSB sound is very much the same.

And of course, the over-the-top disco version of 'Always on my Mind' makes me laugh and sing along every time I hear it. Neil Tennant has such a wonderful dead-pan delivery, and Chris Lowe's artful use of brass, string and bass together with backing beats, all from the electronic keyboard, is truly a wonder.

This is an essential CD to have to understand the 1980s, London in the 80s, pop culture in the 80s. Also, to just have a good time! A great discography.

Long having loved the songs of the Boys, I picked this disc up in the mid-90's to discover that the tunes I loved sounded as great as I remembered, and songs I hadn't ever heard were pleasant surprises. 'West end Girls' was my introduction to the Boys back in the day and like most New Wave classics it never disappoints. It begins this collection like a warm memory recalled from school (high-school for me) and it's infectious melody and dancy rhythms sound as fresh as they did 15 years ago.

As sublime a synth-pop classic 'Girls' is, for me song 2 is the reason I really recommend 'Discography'. 'Love comes quickly' has long been my personal favorite and after what must be 1000 listens it still gives me chills. Hard-driving dance rhythms surge along beneath haunting lyrics of unavoidable love-love that we all must submit to sooner or later. Not your average ballad. It's not often that love is portrayed as a relentless, searching force and for this fan it's always been perversely refreshing. 'Oppurtunities', 'Suburbia', and 'It's a sin' are all well crafted, multi-layered pop tunes and welcome additions to this collection but I think 'What have I done to deserve this?' stands apart as another true triumph. For me it's as catchy and terrific as a pop song can get, bar none. Amidst other entries, all polished but varying in depth, 'Heart', 'Domino Dancing', and the sorely underappreciated 'So Hard' rise to the top for me. 'Being Boring' is cool too. If you're even a casual fan of the band, this is a must-have collection, and hopefully you'll experience hours of synth-pop pleasure, as this fan has.

Pep Shop Boys fused European beats with sharp pop sensibilities to produce their numerous chart-topping hits. This one CD has just about everything, except for the several albums released in the mid- to late 90s (which contain some awesome tunes). While this compilation is by no means complete, it does provide a good aural snapshot of the 'Boys from the beginning through the mid-point of their careers.

From the great bassline of "West End Girls", the thundering sound of "Always on My Mind", to the hearfelt longing of "What Have I Done To Deserve This", these songs are 80s classics.

Lowe and Tennant were ahead of their time, and this CD proves it.

Ah, the Pet Shop Boys. That band that everybody loves to hate...but actually just hates to love. After all, there was no better way to lose the respect of your peers back in the day than to admit you were a fan. But what's REALLY interesting is just how many Pet Shop Boys 'haters' admit now (at 30+ years of age, that is) that they liked the band all along! Those smart, catchy, danceable tunes are just SOOO irresistable that even the head-banging crowd listened to them when nobody was watching! So should you buy this CD? It all depends. Perhaps you already have all the albums, in which case it would be pointless to do so. Or maybe you want to go out and buy them anyways. But if you just want one Pet Shop Boys CD, this is by far the best one to get! After all, it has most of their great, older songs. Yes, it may be missing some of them. But what do you expect from a compilation? If anything, you might want to go on to buy more of their CDs. Hey, worse things can happen. And regardless, I won't tell anyone!