The third in an infrequent series of albums made up of remixes and new creations aimed at the dancefloor, Disco 3 isn't geared toward casual listeners or casual Pet Shop Boys fans, for that matter; these songs target nightclubs and perhaps listeners who crave high-tech musical sheen for speeding down European motorways. Par for the course on Disco 3 are punchy bass beats, snippets of Neil Tennant's vocals, standard but classy house effects, and massive dollops of New Order inspiration. Indeed, virtually every track on the album seems like an experiment in mixing dancier New Order atmosphere with new millennium electro-clash dynamics. Except of course the low-key finale, a piano version of "London," which reimagines the song as a performance in a jazz club at midnight. The Felix da Housecat remix of "London" couldn't be further stylistically from the piano version, but its "Can't Get You Out of My Head" feel and relentless beat make for equally invigorating listening. Tennant shines brightest on the gorgeous remix of "Home and Dry," a thundering yet lush take on the original, blending moody futuristic tones, gorgeous rave elements, and perfectly processed Tennant vocals. The band's cover of Oh Romeo's "Try It (I'm In Love with a Married Man)" is another highlight, its weird tone/phase shifts, robotic voice accompaniment, and druggy sludge textures making for an unsettling yet pretty experience. For dance club gurus, band completists, and anyone who wonders what the Pet Shop Boys would sound like if they were New Order fanatics, Disco 3 is essential; others might do best to stick with Release.
© Tim DiGravina /TiVo