When vinyl enthusiasts went looking for a Pet Shop Boys compilation, their attention invariably fell on the album "Discography". Not only was this release relatively easy to find, but it also gathered together the singles from the band's commercial peak.
However, by 2023 this LP had been out of print for over thirty years and second hand prices were on the rise. Having noted this demand, Warner Music approached Neil and Chris for permission to repress "Discography" and fill a gap in the market.
Rather than grant this rather simple request, the boys elected to release a brand new box set called "Smash" instead. I'm not really sure a comprehensive six disc collection that retails for over £100 is what either the record company or the music buying public wanted; but it's what we got. How very Pet Shop Boys.
Here we have the limited edition version pressed on white vinyl and the standard black vinyl edition that were both released in 2023. The records are pressed by Optimal media and sound great, but the paper stock used for the inner sleeves feels very cheap and unsatisfactory. The less said about the graphic design the better, and the title is so bad it is laughable; but thankfully the music is the main attraction here.
Normally I wouldn't sit and listen all the way through a six disc box set that contains fifty five tracks, but I can make an exception for the Pet Shop Boys. If you are less inclined to persevere with such a marathon it is fairly easy to dip in and out of this compilation as the tracks are presented chronologically. As a comprehensive history of the Pet Shop Boys singles, "Smash" can't be beaten. Those looking for a more concise introduction would be better served by simply paying for a second hand copy of "Discography" and pocketing the difference. 4/5
