Pet Shop Boys Collect B-Sides On ‘Format’

Robbie Daw | November 17, 2011 9:11 am

Over 16 years after the release of Alternative, a two-disc collection that boasted all of Pet Shop Boys’ B-sides from singles off first album Please (1985) up to Very (1993), the duo have announced its follow-up. Due out on February 6, Format will contain 38 tracks from the flip sides of the iconic UK pop act‘s singles — plus a few bonus tracks from over the years — spanning from 1996 (Bilingual) through 2009 (Yes). “All tracks have been remastered and the CD booklet features an interview with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe by Jon Savage,” the Boys’ official site notes. Catch the tracklist below. The site also mentions that Neil and Chris are working on their 11th studio album, which is “due for release in early autumn next year.”

One definite highlight on Format is the self-referential 2003 B-side (from single “Miracles”) “We’re The Pet Shop Boys”, which was originally recorded by My Robot Friend, and later covered by Robbie Williams on his album Rudebox.

Dig that vocoded Chris Lowe rap!

Pet Shop Boys, Format

CD1 1. The truck driver and his mate 2. Hit and miss 3. In the night (1995) 4. Betrayed 5. How I learned to hate rock ‘n’ roll 6. Discoteca (New Version) 7. The calm before the storm 8. Confidential (Demo for Tina) 9. The boy who couldn’t keep his clothes on 10. Delusions of grandeur 11. The view from your balcony 12. Disco potential 13. Silver age 14. Screaming 15. The ghost of myself 16. Casting a shadow 17. Lies 18. Sexy Northerner

CD2 1. Always 2. Nightlife 3. Searching for the face of Jesus 4. Between two islands 5. Friendly fire 6. We’re the Pet Shop Boys 7. Transparent 8. I didn’t get where I am today 9. The Resurrectionist 10. Girls don’t cry 11. In private (7-inch mix): Pet Shop Boys with Elton John 12. Blue on blue 13. No time for tears (7-inch mix) 14. Bright young things 15. Party song 16. We’re all criminals now 17. Gin and Jag 18. After the event 19. The former enfant terrible 20. Up and down