Average Rating: 
Rating: - Intellectual pop
From the opening beat of "West End Girls" (the Pet Shop Boys'first big hit) it is clear that this collection of greatest hits would be phenomenal, and I say this as a relatively hesitant Pet Shop Boys fan. Some of their songs ("Rent" and its semi-inane lyrics) leave me nauseated, although I admire the fact that the brilliant Neil Tennant can pull these sorts of things off so well. However, there are moments of pure perfection on this album... unadultered pleasure, fun, and sheer musical genius. It is impossible to hate the Pet Shop Boys. They are infinitely danceable, infectiously catchy, often extremely intelligent, clever, and they have a balance of snobbery and charm that makes one a fan, even when one does not wish to be. Apart from the unforgettable "West End Girls" (which should be branded in the memories of everyone alive in the 80s), other incredible tracks include "It's a Sin", "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" (with the late, great Dusty Springfield), "Always on my Mind" (which is an extremely well-done remake), "It's Alright", "So Hard", "Being Boring" and the stunning "Jealousy". I would also recommend their album Alternative for more intellectual joys ("Don Juan" is of particular note.)
Rating: - An Essential Greatest Hits Collection
This is a must-have collection from one of the best pop groups of the 1980s. I was familiar with their big hits before I bought the collection, but now I'm a huge fan. The PSB transcend dance music by infusing brilliant and deeply emotional lyrics into their tracks. Each of the songs in incredibly catchy and hooky, but deeply layered and complex. Neil Tennant's vocals are crisp and well sung; you can understand every word. Each song acts like a story, and the lyrics make you think about the circumstances and people in your life. "It's A Sin" about the things you've done in your life that maybe you regret, "Domino Dancing" about dating someone with a wandering eye, "Left To My Own Devices" about living life the way you want to live it, "Always On My Mind" about all the people you've known in your life that maybe you didn't always give your best to. Of course, then there's the hits like "West End Girls" which conjures up images of London, "What Have I Done To Deserve This" a classic break-up song, and "Suburbia" about the American stereotype of escaping to suburbia. But, whew, after all this contemplating and thinking this is music you can dance to and escape your troubles. That's what's so amazing about them, you get both the serious and the fun at the same time. I think the PSB fan base gets pigeon-holed now but my opinion is gay, straight, black, white, whatever, everybody can appreciate amazing music. Discography is also remarkable in its format as a greatest hits CD. The booklet contains cover art from each of the PSB single releases, the peak UK chart positions for each single, and Neil Tennant's personal critique of each song. The tongue-in-cheek personal critiques are something you'll rarely find in a best of collection. The album is complete; not a single important PSB track up through the early '90s is missing, something else you can't say about many other hits collections. These reviews speak the truth: this should be at the top of your CD collection.
Rating: - Essential early Pet Shop Boys Compilation
The Pet Shop Boys had an enormous string of hits during the 80s and early 90s, especially in the UK. This album collects them all. While most compilations leave out essential hits to make you buy the original albums (Dire Straits, Prince, U2 and Simple Minds come to mind) this album has them all (OK, "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously" is missing). From the first single "West end Girls" on all the hits are here. High points include "Suburbia" , "Heart", "Always on my Mind" and "Left to my own Devices". 80s music was partly shaped by these guys. For longer versions/remixes check out "Disco", which includes very long remixes of "West end Girls", "Suburbia", "Opportunities", "Love Comes Quickly" and the in 1995 remixed b-side "Paninaro". "Introspective" includes a strong techno-oriented remix of "Always on My Mind" and long versions of "It's Alright", "Domino Dancing" and "Left to my own devices"Essential
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