Synth-Pop Homage
Deconstructing the West End Girls Phenomenon: An academic exploration into the Swedish synth-pop duo's unique interpretive approach to the Pet Shop Boys' legacy.
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The West End Girls
The Tribute Concept
West End Girls emerged from Stockholm, Sweden, as a synth-pop tribute band dedicated to performing cover versions of songs by the iconic English electronic/pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. Active from 2003 to 2009, their project offered a distinct reinterpretation of the original material.[1]
Beyond Cover Versions
Distinguishing themselves from conventional cover bands, West End Girls adopted a style that emulated the essence of the Pet Shop Boys rather than merely providing direct facsimiles. Their approach involved a thoughtful artistic interpretation, capturing the spirit and aesthetic of the original artists while infusing their own identity.[1]
Aesthetic Echoes
The band's visual presentation, encompassing their videos and photography, consciously echoed elements prevalent in the Pet Shop Boys' own projects. This included recurring motifs such as industrial architecture, distinctive hats, canine companions, specific costumes, characteristic gestures, vibrant colorful lighting, and the innovative blending of live action with computer graphics, creating a cohesive visual narrative.[1]
Key Personnel
Founding Duo
The original formation of West End Girls featured Isabelle Erkendal, who served as the primary vocalist, embodying the "Neil Tennant" figure of the Pet Shop Boys. Alongside her was Rosanna Jirebeck, who took on the role analogous to "Chris Lowe," providing instrumental and backing support.[1]
Lineup Evolution
In 2008, a significant change occurred within the band's lineup when Rosanna Jirebeck departed. Her role was subsequently filled by Emmeli Erkendal, Isabelle's cousin, who continued to fulfill the "Chris Lowe" capacity, maintaining the duo's established dynamic and performance style.[1]
Artistic Approach
Interpretive Performance
West End Girls' artistry was characterized by an interpretive performance style. Rather than simply replicating the Pet Shop Boys' tracks note-for-note, they aimed to capture the essence and mood of the originals, filtering them through their own creative lens. This approach allowed them to pay homage while still asserting a distinct artistic identity.[1]
Visual Homage
A critical component of their artistic output was the meticulous attention to visual aesthetics. Their music videos and promotional photography were crafted to resonate with the visual language established by the Pet Shop Boys. This included a deliberate use of specific visual tropes and production techniques, such as:
- Depictions of industrial architecture.
- Stylized headwear.
- Inclusion of dogs as symbolic elements.
- Distinctive costuming.
- Characteristic gestures and poses.
- Strategic application of colorful lighting.
- Integration of live-action footage with computer-generated graphics.
Singles Discography
Charting Success
West End Girls achieved notable chart success with their early releases. Their cover of "Domino Dancing," originally from the Pet Shop Boys' album *Introspective*, was released in October 2005. Produced by Johan Fjellstrรถm, this single debuted at number 6 on the Swedish single chart and subsequently peaked at an impressive number 3.[2] In January 2006, they released their rendition of "West End Girls," the seminal track that inspired the band's name.[3]
Media Integration
Their third single, a cover of "Suburbia," was released on June 7. This track gained additional exposure through its inclusion in *The Sims 2* expansion pack, *Pets*. For the game, the song was specially recorded in "Simlish," the game's native language, and retitled "Booglurbia," demonstrating a unique cross-media integration.[4]
Notable Collaborations
In December 2007, the band announced via their blog that a new single was slated for release in February/March 2008.[5] This was followed by an announcement on Popjustice in January 2008, detailing two forthcoming singles: "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" and "Little Black Dress." The former was a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' duet with Dusty Springfield, featuring Magnus Carlson from Weeping Willows as a guest vocalist, and later received an electro club remix by Nathan Heinze.[6][7] "Little Black Dress," an unreleased Pet Shop Boys song originally intended for their 2001 musical *Closer to Heaven*, was finally released by West End Girls in February 2009.[8]
Album Releases
Debut Album: Goes Petshopping
West End Girls' debut album, *Goes Petshopping*, was released on June 7, 2006. This album served as their primary collection of Pet Shop Boys interpretations. For the Japanese market, the album was retitled *We Love Pet Shop Boys!* and included an exclusive bonus track, their cover of "Go West."[9]
The Unreleased Shoplifters
In 2008, the band announced their second album, *Shoplifters*. However, despite the announcement, this album was ultimately not released, leaving fans to speculate about its potential content and direction.[10]
Other Appearances
Festive Contributions
The West End Girls extended their interpretive work to holiday-themed compilations. They covered "Always on My Mind," a track famously covered by the Pet Shop Boys (originally by Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley), for *The Best Kids Christmas Album in the World Ever Ever Ever!!!*[11]
Compilation Tracks
Further showcasing their versatility, the duo contributed to the 2008 *Super Dance Christmas Party* compilation album with their rendition of "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas." This track was originally a 1997 fan club-exclusive release by the Pet Shop Boys, highlighting West End Girls' deep engagement with the source material.[12]
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