Sunday, August 27, 2006

Summary

So what's become of the Pet Shop Boys since I last blogged about them? Plenty, actually.

  • They announced their first ever live album "Concert" which is a two disc souvenir for those who missed the Boys recent BBC orchestral gig "featuring guests Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright and Frances Barber". The events musical conductor was Trevor Horn and they brought Anne Dudley out to help as well so I'm sure it was very impressive in the theater while it was going on, but having heard the radio broadcast I wasn't blown away. Fortunately we get another chance tomorrow when BBC Radio 6 Music will broadcast the entire unedited 90 minutes at 7pm tomorrow evening (August 28) to be impressed again. If you miss it, check their site because the BBC usually offers on demand rebroadcasts for the week after something airs. Fun Fact: Neil previously opined that the concert DVD had killed the live album.
  • The documentary "Pet Shop Boys: A life in pop" is due to get a DVD release October 23rd, the same day as "Concert". It more than doubles the length of original tv broadcast and features interviews with Brandon Flowers, Jake Shears, Trevor Horn and Robbie Williams.
  • The Boys have produced a couple of tracks on the new Robbie Williams album. "She's Madonna" was written by Williams and the Boys, and they cover "We're The Pet Shop Boys" (again) proving that a PSB b-side is clearly album material for any lesser artist.
  • Neil has been in Berlin and has been working as consultant producer on Rufus Wainwright's new album that will be out in 2007. Can we expect it to be a bit disco?
  • Chris has written the music for a song in the play, "Bent", by Martin Sherman, which is to be revived in London at the Trafalgar Studios from September 22. Apparently they asked both of the Boys to write it but Neil was busy working on the Wainwright album. I'm expecting it to be a bit of disco.
  • The Boys did the PopJustice podcast a while ago and while the sound quality is horrible it's totally worthwhile just to hear Neil try to making a thinking persons argument for the lyrics to Sandi Thom's "I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)". He didn't change my mind, but it's still a fun listen.

1 comment:

xolondon said...

I wonder if Americans will be able to watch that DVD?