Sleaford Mods - West End Girls - (12" Vinyl Single)

Sleaford Mods - West End Girls - (12" Vinyl Single)

Sleaford Mods are pleased to announce the release of their cover of the Pet Shop Boys’ iconic single “West End Girlsâ€, with all profits from the track going to the homeless charity Shelter.

The Nottingham duo created a version of the 1986 classic between tours for their latest album UK GRIM, and then sought the blessing of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe to put out the track.

Not only did Sleaford Mods’ “West End Girls†meet with the pair’s approval, but the Pet Shops Boys were inspired to remix the cover which will feature as one of the tracks on the limited edition single.

Hifi Sean has also contributed an Acid House meets Hi-NRG remix for the release, while Sleaford Mods’ own Andrew Fearn has added a heady vocoder led mix under his solo guise of Extnddntwrk.

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.

This esteem for the Pet Shop Boys can be clearly heard on their take on “West End Girlsâ€, although Jason and Andrew have not flinched from creating a version of the song which is truly Sleaford Mods.

If the original is a sophisticated exposé of the heartlessness of 80s Thatcherite Britain while also paying tribute to people’s ability to shine despite living in brutal times, then Sleaford Mods’ have skillfully distressed the shimmering classic with sharp synths and scuffed-up vocals, offering a sense of the resilience now required to survive in our disconnected and dysfunctional days.

Tracklisting

Side 1

1. West End Girls (clean)
2. West End Girls (dirty)

Side 2

1. West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys Remix)
2. West End Girls (HiFi Sean Remix)
3. West End Girls (Extnddntwrk Remix)

Format: 12" Vinyl Single
Barcode: 0191402046212
Catalogue Number: RT0462T
Label: Rough Trade Records
Release Date: Friday, 15th December 2023