After going electro with producer Xenomania on their 2009 effort Yes, the Pet Shop Boys return to a more elaborate pop sound on Elysium. Produced by Kanye West affiliate Andrew Dawson, this 2012 release was previewed by "Winner," an uplifting, slowly building pop anthem that's perfect for this year's Olympics, which just happens to be held in the Boys' hometown of London. Listen for a reaction to critics on the self-referencing "Your Early Stuff," but loyal fans who love it when PSB go over-the-top can jump right to the exquisitely titled closer, "Requiem in Denim and Leopardskin."
Professional Reviews
Q (Magazine) (p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here's wit, pathos, poignancy, optimism, insight, and some absolutely gorgeous music nestling among these 12-well crafted tracks."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.83) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Biting character portraits, such as the aging rocker in 'Your Early Stuff' and the depthless Lady Gaga-type in 'Ego Music,' are matched by a musical vocabulary which flies from Italo disco to low-slung funk..."
