"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 (2002). 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 (2003).
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" (2002). 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.
German CD maxi single 1 "London" (Berlin radio mix) – 3:52 (mixed by Chris Zippel and Kai Diener) "Positive Role Model" – 4:05 (Tennant, Lowe, Barry White, Peter Radcliffe, Tony Sepe) "London" (Genuine Piano mix) – 4:16 (mixed by Chris Zippel)
German CD maxi single 2 "London" (Westbam In Berlin mix) – 5:43 (remixed by Klaus Jankuhn and Westbam) "London" (Thee Radikal Blaklite mix) – 8:31 (remixed by Felix da Housecat) "London" (Thee Radikal dub) – 8:17 (remixed by Felix da Housecat)
UK promotional CD single "London" (Berlin radio mix) – 3:52 (mixed by Chris Zippel and Kai Diener) "London" (Genuine Piano mix) – 4:16 (mixed by Chris Zippel)
German promotional 12-inch single "London" (Westbam In Berlin mix) – 5:43 (remixed by Klaus Jankuhn and Westbam) "London" (Thee Radikal Blaklite mix) – 8:31 (remixed by Felix da Housecat)
Notes
Personnel Pet Shop Boys Chris Lowe Neil Tennant
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
Charts + Chart performance for "London" Chart (2002) Peakposition UK Singles (OCC) 118
References
External links Lyrics: London