Pet Shop Boys - Yes

The Boys are back. More than 20 years after singer Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe topped the charts, Britain’s Pet Shop Boys once again seem destined for dance clubs. The synth-pop duo first made its mark in the 1980s, crafting catchy, irreverent hits like “West End Girls” and “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money).” During the ’90s, the Boys scored another hit with their post-modern take on the Village People’s campy “Go West.” Meanwhile, their concerts became increasingly elaborate affairs, featuring the work of top designers from the theatre, opera and fashion worlds.

More recently, Neil and Chris have branched into musicals and, along the way, worked with artists including Dusty Springfield, David Bowie, Liza Minnelli, Robbie Williams and Madonna. And last month, while earning a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, the Boys announced they are writing the music for a full-length story ballet, based on a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale.

Now, with their 10th studio album, the positively titled Yes, Neil and Chris are again bringing their creativity to the dancefloor. There’s plenty to be positive about. Working with ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and Canadian violinist-arranger Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy, Arcade Fire), the duo delivers a fresh approach to electronic pop, dabbling in Tchaikovsky on “All Over the World” and bringing Phil Spector-ish flourishes to “Beautiful People.” They even open with an acoustic guitar on the buoyant “Did You See Me Coming.” Always the innovators, the Pet Shop Boys keep finding ways to stay relevant.

March 2009