Pet Shop Boys end 2009 with an interesting holiday release. Christmas offers up a couple of cover tracks, a couple of reworked originals, and a club remix.
First off is a new version of “It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas”, a track originally released in 1997 as a fan-club exclusive. This new version receives a bit more orchestral fill and overall production. In typical PSB style, it’s more cheeky than sentimental, but it is a fun track. The style is classic, very-era disco pop, and finds the Boys doing the holiday release thing without actually selling out.
“My Girl” is a cover of the classic Madness track. Here the song becomes very much their own, and almost sounds like it could be a lost b-side. Much like the preceding track, the arrangement here taps into the group’s strengths and maintains a very lighthearted and bouncy-pop feel.
“All Over The World” is an alternate version from what is found on their most recent album.
Continuing on in the covers category, the Boys undertake Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” The “Domino Dancing” synth hook is just as infectious as ever though and the Boys’ version of Coldplay’s hit song is extremely well done indeed.
Finally, there is the Our House Mix of “My Girl.” Maybe a stocking filler, but I don’t think you can really go wrong with it.
Tags: PetShopBoys, PSB, Xmas