Pet Shop Boys - Catalogue

by Chris Heath

A visual feast of art, music, and design for devoted fans of the Pet Shop Boys and for anyone interested in popular culture.

The Pet Shop Boys are one of the most influential pop acts ever. With number-one singles such as "West End girls," "It's a sin," and "Go west," numerous gold- and platinum-selling albums such as Please, Actually, and Very, and hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are the most successful British writing duo since Lennon and McCartney.

But the Pet Shop Boys' influence has been as much visual as it has been musical. Uniquely spanning the worlds of music, art, film, theater, and fashion, Tennant and Lowe have consistently devoted themselves to creating a style and an image that have set them apart from their contemporaries. From the iconic photography and seminal graphic design of their record sleeves to their groundbreaking videos and innovative stage shows, they have set the standard for the visual presentation of pop.

Originally published in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of their first album, this book is a lavish visual retrospective of Tennant and Lowe's career. Every aspect of their work is featured: elegantly designed sleeve artwork and packaging; stills and behind-the-scenes shots; experimental stage sets and cutting-edge fashion and costume designs; collaborations; publications; merchandising; photo shoots; and even their personally designed invitations and Christmas cards.

Short texts by music journalist Chris Heath and historian Philip Hoare accompany hundreds of illustrations and provide illuminating insights into the genesis and creation of each project. 1,955 illustrations and photographs, 1,727 in color.