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Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 11:18 am
by TallThinMan
I'm torn don't the middle on this, I really am.
Pet Shop Boys have always been about looking forward and never back. The past two years has seen them unusually retrospective with the whole fortieth anniversary/Since 1984 thing. I can understand a certain desire to cement their legacy. I adore the work they did with Stephen, Julian, Trevor and Harold as much as the next fan, but I don't want to hear the sound of three old men trying to recapture past glories. It feels like they should be working with someone talented and perhaps not widely known who can get them out of their comfort zone a bit.
All that said, the other half of me would be intrigued and delighted to hear a third and final act with Stephen Hague.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 3:58 pm
by richwill
Had been thinking Kneecap would do a great job, but. It seems they're not fans.
https://plyric.com/kneecap-an-ra
Phenomenal track though.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 4:47 pm
by rathound
haha, this seems a little unfair:
Murdering minors and mining in Africa
This is the land that gave us the Pet Shop Boys
Without them at Christmas we'd have no sweat shop toys
Toddlers in China wouldn't be employed
is a good tune though as you say
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 4:54 pm
by Tom Angel
Boy Harsher is a good call as their (?) mix of New London boy is genuinely amazing.
Richard X would understand PSB very well and has flirted around them for a while - Psychological was amazing. As was Fugitive (obvs)
Otherwise Stephen Hague, for the final album called Swansong or Final. Hague could wrap their career up with any old songs - if there's any left - from early 80s with some new material and his soundtrack aesthetic 40 years later.
Hague was at the Electric Ballroom gig on Friday although I'm unsure if he's still working. I wonder what his last production job was?
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 5:19 pm
by Tom Angel
Tom Angel wrote: Fri 01 May 2026, 4:54 pm
Boy Harsher is a good call as their (?) mix of New London boy is genuinely amazing.
Richard X would understand PSB very well and has flirted around them for a while - Psychological was amazing. As was Fugitive (obvs)
Otherwise Stephen Hague, for the final album called Swansong or Final. Hague could wrap their career up with any old songs - if there's any left - from early 80s with some new material and his soundtrack aesthetic 40 years later.
They could open with Yes In A No Kind Of Way.
Hague was at the Electric Ballroom gig on Friday although I'm unsure if he's still working. I wonder what his last production job was?
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Fri 01 May 2026, 8:12 pm
by daveid
TallThinMan wrote: Fri 01 May 2026, 11:18 am
I'm torn don't the middle on this, I really am.
Pet Shop Boys have always been about looking forward and never back. The past two years has seen them unusually retrospective with the whole fortieth anniversary/Since 1984 thing. I can understand a certain desire to cement their legacy. I adore the work they did with Stephen, Julian, Trevor and Harold as much as the next fan, but I don't want to hear the sound of three old men trying to recapture past glories. It feels like they should be working with someone talented and perhaps not widely known who can get them out of their comfort zone a bit.
All that said, the other half of me would be intrigued and delighted to hear a third and final act with Stephen Hague.
I'm really not a fan of this since 1984 stuff. It's all a bit predictable, cynical and nostalgic, the sort of thing OMD and Marillion do in their pursuit of endless fan love. Just record another album or two, bring out a couple more compilations and arty sideprojects then retire gracefully.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Sun 03 May 2026, 5:26 am
by jasonjohn
I doubt they will ever announce a retirement.
They will just continue to exist.
The last album won't be announced, because they themselves won't even realise it. They will mill about doing mixes, smaller shows, co-productions, books. EPs, etc, forever.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Sun 03 May 2026, 11:02 am
by Nickname
I like the idea of a K-pop producer.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Tue 05 May 2026, 11:58 am
by LabratLex
Many options to choose from, but I hope they choose someone new. Please no Stuart Price again, to me he's the most disappointing producer they've ever had. Too much production and effects that did more damage to the songs than improve them.
Some suggestions/ideas of mine:
- Will Gregory of the band Goldfrapp
- Royksopp would be a match made in heaven
- Richard X needs a mention, he'd be amazing
- maybe someone surprising like Danger Mouse. Amazing producer and out of the box for the boys
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Tue 05 May 2026, 8:41 pm
by TallThinMan
I've just read the title of this thread properly and yes, I would like to produce the next album.
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Tue 05 May 2026, 8:59 pm
by Morse
I've just been listening to the Boys Noize produced new Nine Inch Nails album "Nine Inch Noize" and reckon he could be an interesting fella for Neil and Chris to work with.
(Incidentally I still think NIN's Pretty Hate Machine sounds wonderful, nearly 40 years on)
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Wed 06 May 2026, 1:33 pm
by Sandy Shaw
TallThinMan wrote: Tue 05 May 2026, 8:41 pm
I've just read the title of this thread properly and yes, I would like to produce the next album.
No harm in throwing your hat into the ring!
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Wed 06 May 2026, 1:47 pm
by jasonjohn
LabratLex wrote: Tue 05 May 2026, 11:58 am
Please no Stuart Price again, to me he's the most disappointing producer they've ever had. Too much production and effects that did more damage to the songs than improve them.
Anyone else a little baffled by Madonna's preview of Confessions II? Will keep an open mind, but I can't hear what the fuss is about - so many glowing reviews
Sandy Shaw wrote: Wed 06 May 2026, 1:33 pm
TallThinMan wrote: Tue 05 May 2026, 8:41 pm
I've just read the title of this thread properly and yes, I would like to produce the next album.
No harm in throwing your hat into the ring!
lmao, you guys!
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Wed 06 May 2026, 3:37 pm
by dylanww73
Real Lies
Re: Who would like to produce the next album?
Posted: Wed 06 May 2026, 3:53 pm
by Xakrij
Dolly Parton!
Finally we will get the full-on Country & Western version of You only tell me you love me when you're drunk that we've been lusting for!