London (Pet Shop Boys song)


"London" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 14 October 2002 as the third and final single from their eighth studio album, Release. It was released exclusively in Germany and Europe and as a promotional-only release in the United Kingdom.

Background and composition

"London" was written in 2000. Neil Tennant wrote the chorus first on piano. He and Chris Lowe went to Berlin in March 2000 to record "Positive Role Model" and "Somebody Else's Business" with producer Chris Zippel. Zippel had written a piece of music that became the verse of "London". The lyrics are about two young Russian men coming to London looking for work. The narrator's father was killed in the Soviet–Afghan War. Tennant described "London" as a pro-immigration song.
"Positive Role Model" became the B-side to the single and was later included on the duo's remix album Disco 3.

Artwork

The single cover features a pigeon, as a reference to the city of London itself. The CD1 single has Pet Shop Boys in pink text and the CD2 single has green text, using the same typography as "Home and Dry". It was designed by Scott King, with photography by Jonathan de Villiers.

Music video

The music video for "London" was directed by Martin Parr, in the style of his observational photography. It features two young Russian men, as described in the song, wandering in the city of London. Tennant and Lowe are also seen busking on the streets and in the Underground. One of the men is played by Alexei Akinfiev.

Live performances

"London" was performed during the Release Tour in 2002.

Track listings

All tracks written by Tennant, Lowe, and Zippel, except where noted.
  1. "London" – 3:52
  2. "Positive Role Model" – 4:05
  3. "London" – 4:16
  1. "London" – 5:43
  2. "London" – 8:31
  3. "London" – 8:17
  1. "London" – 3:52
  2. "London" – 4:16
  1. "London" – 5:43
  2. "London" – 8:31
'''Notes'''

Personnel

Pet Shop Boys
Additional musicians
  • "Little Mike" – guitars, bass
  • Chris Zippel – keyboards
Technical personnel
  • Chris Zippel – production, engineering
  • Michael Brauer – mixing
  • Rick Chavarria – mix assistant
  • Kai Diener – premix
  • Florian Richter – premix
Artwork
  • Scott King – design
  • Jonathan de Villiers – photography