Name: Format (2012 Remaster) by Pet Shop Boys
Brand: Pet Shop Boys
SKU: 5099995571652
Price: 9.9 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 3 (266 reviews)

COMPILATION

Volume 1

Volume 2

The fan-geared Format follows in the footsteps of 1995's Alternative which collected the synth pop group's B-sides from the years 1985-1994. Here, it's 1996-2009, which means from Bilingual to Yes with a couple of musicals, ballets, and silent film soundtracks in between. Remixes are, for the most part, left for another set and while many fans keep up with PSB singles for the B-sides, this set, like Alternative, is appreciated by the faithful for its ease of use alone. Highlights include grand moments like "The Truck Driver and His Mate" and "How I Learned to Hate Rock 'N' Roll," along with some more whim-like numbers like "We're the Pet Shop Boys." If B-side collections spawned singles, the redo of "In Private" with Elton John as guest would be huge, and it's interesting how the demo of "Confidential" for Tina Turner recasts the song as one wistfully pining for a closeted lover. If you're not a PSB B-side regular, then Format will be a roller coaster ride of styles while jumping, without warning, from the sublime to the ridiculous, but the physical version and some downloadable versions come with helpful liner notes featuring an interview with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe conducted by pop music writer Jon Savage.
© David Jeffries /TiVo

Format (2012 Remaster)

Product information

Release options

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 1

1. The Truck Driver and His Mate (2012 Remaster)

2. Hit and Miss (2012 Remaster)

3. In the Night 1995 (2012 Remaster)

4. Betrayed (2012 Remaster)

5. How I Learned to Hate Rock 'n' Roll (2012 Remaster)

6. Discoteca (New Version) [2012 Remaster]

7. The Calm Before the Storm (2012 Remaster)

8. Confidential (Demo for Tina Turner) [2012 Remaster]

9. The Boy Who Couldn't Keep His Clothes On (2012 Remaster)

10. Delusions of Grandeur (2012 Remaster)

11. The View from Your Balcony (2012 Remaster)

12. Disco Potential (2012 Remaster)

13. Silver Age (2012 Remaster)

14. Screaming (2012 Remaster)

15. The Ghost of Myself (2012 Remaster)

16. Casting a Shadow (2012 Remaster)

17. Lies (2012 Remaster)

18. Sexy Northerner (2012 Remaster)

Volume 2

1. Always (2012 Remaster)

2. Nightlife (2012 Remaster)

3. Searching for the Face of Jesus (2012 Remaster)

4. Between Two Islands (2012 Remaster)

5. Friendly Fire (2012 Remaster)

6. We're the Pet Shop Boys (2012 Remaster)

7. Transparent (2012 Remaster)

8. I Didn't Get Where I Am Today (2012 Remaster)

9. The Resurrectionist (2012 Remaster)

10. Girls Don't Cry (2012 Remaster)

11. In Private (feat. Elton John) [7-inch Mix] [2012 Remaster]

12. Blue on Blue (2012 Remaster)

13. No Time for Tears (7-Inch Mix) (2012 Remaster)

14. Bright Young Things (2012 Remaster)

15. Party Song (2012 Remaster)

16. We're All Criminals Now (2012 Remaster)

17. Gin and Jag (2012 Remaster)

18. After the Event (2012 Remaster)

19. The Former Enfant Terrible (2012 Remaster)

20. Up and Down (2012 Remaster)

Technical Specifications