Pet Shop Boys

The West End boys of '86 show they still have pop-appeal with their eighth LP, Release. Less electronic than 2001's Nightlife, Tennant's vocals on "Home And Dry" will bring you back to the group's glory days while Lowe's washy synth progressions on "E-Mail" will send charming messages to your inbox.

It must be said: The Pet Shop Boys are among the finest British songwriters to emerge from
the Eighties. Many rockers might find that notion ludicrous, because they can't get past the
British duo's willfully synthetic textures and trend-conscious beats. Yet admirers of
melodic craft and pointed poetry -- even those stricken with synth-pop allergies -- should
consider Release. Some arrangements remain lush, while others keep computeri... More >

Eventually, the tunes fall into place. What never materialize in sufficient number are the billowing climaxes and cutting remarks that mark their best albums, meaning most of them. Continuing their tragically heartening journey into normality, they provide several highly serviceable straight love songs, and I hope someone explains to me whether "Birthday Boy" is really Jesus or somebody just thinks so. And then there's the Eminem track. The Eminem track is . . . wondrous, transcendent, a blow against rap homophobia, a great work of art. If buying this album is the only way you can hear it, don't hesitate. Form a pool if you have to. (Grade - B+)