Release

Pet Shop Boys

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: April 23, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B0000657ZC
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,296 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Pet Shop Boys eighth studio album Release, though not the rock album it was purported to be, does have enough guitar (courtesy of ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr) and percussion to create a sound that's as sumptuous as it is unexpected. It may raise a few snooty eyebrows among synth purists, but this twosome has never really been an electronic band in the purest sense. Neil Tennant's voice is less nasal than it's often been, and the occasional use of that now ubiquitous vocal-wobbling effect (thanks, Cher) actually works very well with his trademarked, introspective-yet-precious lyrics. While there are no big sing-along anthems here, and nothing that screams "single" (with the exception of the Beatles-esque "I Get Along"), almost all of the 10 tracks are the kind of inventive pop that many better-selling artists seem incapable of producing these days. It's a return to the form that went slightly iffy somewhere between Behavior and Nightlife, and deserves to catapult Pet Shop Boys back to the top of the album charts for a very long time. Unfortunately, it's probably too clever for such a happy fate. --Rikki Price

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ....And now for something a little different., May 2, 2002

By	Trevor Tolliver (Duarte, California USA) - See all my reviews

After wearing down all my PSB albums from PLEASE up through NIGHTLIFE, I couldn't wait for their new one to finally hit stores. After hearing the bits of new songs online, though, I wasn't sure if I would be so enthusiastic about the album.

I was happily surprised. This probably isn't the best album to buy if you're a fairly new fan of the Pet Shop Boys....if you want a sense of what they're most popular for, pick up the DISCOGRAPHY cd, along with VERY, BILINGUAL, and the stunning NIGHTLIFE. But for the hardcore, long-time fan, RELEASE is a refreshing and interesting departure from "typical" PSB music, with the usual thoughtful lyrics, lovely melodies, Chris's experimention with sound, and Neil's smooth, sad voice.

Songs like "Home and Dry" and "Birthday Boy" are worth the purchase alone, but each track is an interesting listen, and it's easy for each one to get stuck in your head. Sadly, the U.S. is still far too saturated with useless teen pop idols and mediocre rock bands to give Pet Shop Boys and RELEASE the attention they deserve.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pet Shop Boys in Autumn, June 19, 2002

By	Elizabeth Reams "Miss Elizabeth" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is definitely a Fall Season type of album, but what does it matter what time of year you choose to listen to this...it's beautiful and as usual, completely DIFFERENT from every album that was previously released. I'm not as fond of the guitar dominated songs as I am with their lyrics in them; Neil's voice in "Birthday Boy" is quite angelic despite it all, and every song seems to have more meaning than the last. I applaud them for having the guts to write about something as shallow as "Email", but the music is what's important in this album. They have their usual electronic style, and their experimental guitar style which is, thank heaven, subtle. It's not wild playing, but just chords underlying the words.
I feel that they could have done better with most of the songs on here, only because Pet Shop Boy fans are familiar with the music and are aware of what amazing pieces they can do. But for a beginning Pet Shop Boy person who gets dizzy when they hear a song of theirs...this is a good album to listen to and get that beginning understanding of the diversity of their music. Some very passionate songs, some very simple ones...but good songs all the same.
One comment: If you decide to buy the CD, get the one with the EXTRA CD on it, the 2-disc set. I believe it's only a few bucks more. The second CD is true, hardcore Pet Shop Boys. I knew they wouldn't let us down.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent 'Release', May 2, 2002

By	Matthew Gladney (Champaign-Urbana, IL USA) - See all my reviews

There is something about the Pet Shop Boys which I can not explain; something in their music, their lyrics, their overall sound, which satisfies me nearly every time. The latest album by the British duo is no different. In fact, "Release" surpasses my expectations. It is simply a very good, solid album.

Beginning with the quiet, plaintive opening song of 'Home and Dry', we know we are in for something a little different from the synth/pop band. The familiar Pet Shop Boys sound is there, but we also hear guitars, and more percussion than is normal on a standard PSB album. Though not the strongest song in the group's canon, it starts "Release" out on the right track.

With "Release", the Boys have brought a sincerely 'earthy' sound to their music, and the result is superb. I must confess that not every song grabbed me at first, but most did. And with further listening, the album only grows in its depth and richness. These are some of the most intricate songs that the duo has ever compiled for one offering.

There are a few tracks that I'm still getting into, discerning their full meaning. While others are rather more straightforward. 'E-mail' is a funny little song about love. 'Here' is a deeper song about the same subject. It gave me chills. Even the synthy, bouncy 'The Samurai In Autumn' fits-in well amongst the other, slower pieces.

Aside from one song, "Release" is produced solely by the Pet Shop Boys, and it shows. The coherence which some of their other works have lacked is readily apparent here. The album flows along beautifully. The conclusion is an easy one:

The Pet Shop Boys make really good music.