Search - Pet Shop Boys :: Back to Mine

Best Compilation of 21st Century - So Far

B. Holland | san diego | 01/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The songs chosen by British pop stars Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe represent a fascinating mix of new wave, electro-ambient, and classical musics. Disc One, compiled by Lowe, will speak most directly to the gay generation that discovered its culture in the 80's and 90's. The drum machine clicks away until Dusty Springfield's "I'd rather leave while I'm in love," ends the disc, bringing back high school memories of roller-rink slow songs and high-school close dancing (which was dreadfully awful if you were in love with your same-sex best friend). Tennants disc is a lush, kaleidoscopic mix of electronic moods, and digital dreaminess, interspersed with modern symphonic works. The violin solo in "Come In!" captures the flying spirit of 20th century Russian high art - ever reaching skyward, yet never allowed to fly free. How Tennant ever managed the segue between Springfield's "I'm going back" to the next track is worthy of a Grammy, itself. The two discs are likely to be overlooked because of the price. But in this case, you get infinitely more than you pay for."