Whether you’re into them or not, it’s always interesting if not amusing to discover what Faithless or Morcheeba listen to when they keep the partying going back at home. After excellent offerings from New Order and Richard X comes another must have, this time from the Gilbert & George of brit pop. As you’d have expected the two Pet Shop Boys have each worked out a tracklisting that reflects their rich personalities. If Chris has often enjoyed coming across as the duo’s moody one, he’s also a natural born clubber and going back to his of course implies that the dancing will carry on late thanks to a delicious mix of lost poofy classics and sing-along biggies. There’s rare italo (the ‘West End Girls’ sampling ‘Don’t Cry Tonight’ by Savage), cult hi-nrg (The Flirts’ ‘Passion’ produced by Bobby O), anthemic disco (Carl Bean’s ‘I Was Born This Way’), killer electro (Justice’s ‘Never Be Alone’) and the obligatory camp number (Queen’s ‘The Show Must Go On’). However it’s an altogether more solemn mood when back at Neil’s for spliff and tea. Faithful to his reputation, the well-read vocalist shows impeccable tastes with a moving yet entertaining combination of calm, introspective music. Seventeen short pieces of deep, timeless emotion, this is where classical of the not obvious kind (Elgar, Grieg, Martynov) meets contemporary electronica via designer chill-out (Harlod bud, Craig Armstrong) and minimal druggy electro (Kompakt, Traum). Let’s not forget a couple of French oddities: ‘Promenade Sentimentale’ lifted off Diva’s soundtrack and the orchestral ‘La Baie’ from charismatic popstar Etienne Daho. Relaxing and inspired, this is one ambient trip that occasionally recalls the splendid classical/chill out comp Coldcut’s Jonathan Moore put out some years back. Tennant & Lowe might both have picked up a Dusty Springfield number – the Goffin/King penned ‘Goin’ Back’ and ‘I’d Rather leave while I’m In Love’ – but they have certainly told a different musical story here.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Jerry Bouthier
