Pet Shop Boys “Always On My Mind” (1987)

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In 1987, an Elvis Presley song became number 1 in the clubs thanks to an English duo, not really fans of the King, who turned the romantic ballad into a Hi-NRG hit: the Pet Shop Boys with ” Always On My”. lie”.

Iconic duo of the English synth-pop scene of the 80s, Pet Shop Boys arrived in 1984 and released unstoppable hits that shook clubs and charts around the world. But beyond the carefree nature of well-calibrated dance music, the group wants to make a difference, cultivating literary and historical references and looks at current affairs, the gay community and consumer society.

In 1987, the boys were invited to participate in a tribute show to Elvis Presley commemorating the ten years since his death and to cover one of his songs. They let themselves be convinced, and chose ”Always on my mind”, from the Las Vegas period of the King. They locked themselves in the studio for two days to work on the song and slightly revise the lyrics.

Initially planned as an upcoming B-side, their manager decided to make it an unreleased single. ”Always on My Mind” was immediately a major success: a #1 in the UK for 4 weeks, in Germany, Spain, Sweden, a #4 in the US, but only 22 in France where it is however number 1 in nightclubs.

Even today, the Pet Shop Boys’ version of “Always On My Mind” is considered one of the best covers of all time.

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