Nottingham post punk/alt duo Sleaford Mods (aka Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn) have aired their cover of Pet Shop Boys 1986 classic “West End Girls” alongside a video.
The duo created this catchy version between tours for their latest album UK GRIM, and then sought the blessing of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe to put out the track, who have also contribute with a remix for an additional new version that will feature on the limited edition single.
Clearly apparent from their own minimal approach to music, the Pet Shop Boys have always been an important influence for Sleaford Mods, with Chris and Neil’s ability to merge sophisticated electronics and rich character often serving as a lodestar for the partnership between producer Andrew Fearn and front man Jason Williamson.
“’West End Girls’ is a song that’s very close to my heart, my coming-of-age track in so many ways.” says Andrew Fearn of the original.
Jason Williamson continues: “I’ve been listening to the Pet Shop Boys albums ‘Please’ and ‘Actually’ a lot, the music still fits this landscape so well. When Andrew suggested we cover “West End Girls”, it was important to honour the track’s brilliance. So when Neil and Chris gave the track their blessing, our tiny minds were blown, and when we received their remix… it was almost too much, it was brilliant!”
In addition, Neil/Chris said, “Sleaford Mods have brought East End boys back to the West End streets for a great cause and we love their new version.”
Watch the Ewen Spencer-directed video below.
The cover will be available on a limited edition 12-inch with remixes from the Pet Shop Boys, HiFi Sean and Extnnddntwrk, on 15th December, with all profits going to the homeless charity Shelter. Get it here.
Photo credit: Ewen Spencer
