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Originally posted February 4, 2013
Few songs encapsulate the sound of the mid-80s like West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys. Originally released in 1984, the song was re-recorded in 1985 with producer Stephen Hague. It became an international hit in 1986, topping charts worldwide. Its mix of moody synth-pop, hip-hop-inspired beats, and Neil Tennant’s signature deadpan delivery created a track that still resonates today. But for remix enthusiasts, one particular version stands out—the Shep Pettibone Mastermix.
Shep Pettibone, a legend in the remix world, was at the height of his powers in the mid-to-late ’80s, working with artists like Madonna, New Order, and Janet Jackson. His take on West End Girls amplifies its dancefloor appeal, giving it a sharper, club-friendly edge while retaining the song’s atmospheric charm. Clocking in at over eight minutes, Pettibone’s remix extends and reshapes the track, introducing new percussive elements, enhanced synth layers, and a driving rhythm that makes the song even more energetic and dynamic.
One of the standout elements of the Shep Pettibone Mastermix is its use of breakdowns and vocal manipulation. Tennant’s vocals are layered and looped, adding depth and drama to the track. The bassline, already a defining feature of the original, is pushed forward, creating a groove that feels tailor-made for dance floors. The result is a remix that not only respects the essence of the song but elevates it into something fresh and dynamic.
It’s important to note that the Shep Pettibone Mastermix that appears on the 12″ single is not the same version that appeared on DISCO: The Remix Album. Additionally, to my knowledge, neither version on the 12″ single has appeared on CD. The B-side A Man Could Get Arrested is also a different version than the one that appears on the Alternative compilation or the Please Further Listening edition.
Though the Shep Pettibone Mastermix wasn’t the most commercially promoted remix of West End Girls, it remains a favorite among DJs and collectors, capturing a moment when remix culture was beginning to redefine pop music. It’s a testament to both Pet Shop Boys’ innovative songwriting and Pettibone’s ability to transform great songs into club classics.
For those who appreciate the extended mix era, this remix is a must-listen—a perfect blend of the Pet Shop Boys’ signature style and Shep Pettibone’s remix mastery. If you haven’t revisited it in a while, now’s the time to put it back on and experience West End Girls in a whole new way.
SIDE A:
West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) 8:13
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
SIDE B:
West End Dub 9:35
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
A Man Could Get Arrested 4:21
Producer – Bobby Orlando, The Pet Shop Boys*
Remix – Frank Roszak
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | West End Girls | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1986 | West End Girls | U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks | #26 |
| 1986 | West End Girls | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play | #1 |
| 1986 | West End Girls | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #36 |
| 1986 | West End Girls | U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks | #37 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 060-20 0998 6, EMI – 1C K 060 20 0998 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Europe
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Written-By – Tennant / Lowe
NOTES:
Tracks A and B1: Mixing and additional production for Mastermix Productions
Printed in Germany
Made in EEC.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
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In 1986, I was 15, and I really started collecting PSB releases. I had found the EMI Belgium phone number… in the phone book and reached a very nice woman who sent me a list (written on a typewriter) of all the releases still in their stock. Most were the usual, easy to find, “common” releases but two of them were not: 1) West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix)2) Opporunities: one specific version I went to my record shop with my little note and ordered those 2. A week later they were delivered. New. Sealed. I played them…once since… Read more »
To be precise, the version of A Man Could Get Arrested from this single is a regular version, very rarely on some releases it’s also called Disco Mix. There is a 7-Inch Version of A Man Could Get Arrested, it’s a completely different recording, this version was re-recorded with live percussions. Both versions are presented on Please / Further Listening 1984–1986 CD. West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) was relatively recently released on CD compilation “Dance Masters: Shep Pettibone (The Classic Master-Mixes)”, in a longer, previously unreleased version, its duration is 8:37. Many thanks to DjPaulT for the high-quality… Read more »
Indeed the version on the CD compilation “Dance Masters: Shep Pettibone (The Classic Master-Mixes)” is exactly the same as the one from the 12″.
It just repeats the fade out a little bit longer.
Tx Paul !
always found it interesting that the 7″ version of A Man could get arrested was about 40 seconds longer than the 12″ version. You always assume the 12″ version of ANYTHING will be longer.
Just read that this mix of “A Man” is actually labelled as “A man could get arrested (12″ Alternative Mix)” and is the only mix remixed solely by Frank Roszak. the regular 12″ mix is mixed by Pet Shop Boys, Bobby Orlando, and Frank Roszak and the 7″ mix is mixed by Steven Spiro
Thanks for the great share. I would not have known about the subtle, but important differences on these rare tracks with you.
Amazing!
Are you planning on re-post these two?
Information Society – walking Away
Will To Power – Fading Away
Both 12”s were remixed by Pettibone as well!
Thank you!!
Shep Pettibone took this “already” great production to a whole new level with his mastermix. The dub is new to me however, but the brilliance still shines bright.
The mix i play the most is the 10” Mix of West End Girls.
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome, Mark. The 10″ version is great. 🙂
I’ve had your 2013 transfer in my iTunes for a very long time and it is interesting to compare it to the new transfer. Other than the extra 3 seconds on this new transfer, the differences are very subtle. Starting around 5:35 it’s easier to notice that the bass sounds a little fuller in the new transfer, but other than that I’m hard pressed to find obvious differences. Chalk it up to your perfectionism, even 12 years ago! I wonder if there are some Flirts waiting in the wings for You & Me…
Thank you for the comparison, River. I have changed my equipment and needles a couple of times since 2013. I think I was even using ClickRepair software to remove clicks and pops, which I now do manually..
Pettibone week is turning into quite a treasure trove! WOW!!! Thank you for this ultra-rare PSB vinyl! What a missed opportunity that they didn’t include these versions on the “Further Listening” edition of “PLEASE“. I’ve always loved PSB, but unfortunately I didn’t realize until much later that they had all these different versions of most of their early singles. I wish they would release a comprehensive Remix Box Set like Depeche and Erasure did. I imagine they could easily fill 2 CDs with just remixes of WEST END GIRLS!
“Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying Pettibone Week! These rare mixes really do highlight how much magic he brought to the PSB sound. Totally agree—it’s a shame these versions weren’t included on the ‘Further Listening’ edition. A proper PSB remix box set would be incredible, especially for those early singles. ‘West End Girls’ alone has so many versions that, like you said, they could probably fill two CDs! Fingers crossed they consider something like that in the future!”
One can only dream 🙂 Luckily, we have your amazing rips in the meantime.
You got me sold, LOL! Every time I hear this song it’s mesmerizing. Again, the Shep Pettibone mix is new to me. Same with the Dub and B-side. Hopefully Shep Pettibone is smiling somewhere knowing how his legacy still resonates. Thank you Paul for shining a light on his work and making us your very happy recipients!
You’re so welcome, Retro Hound 🙂
One of my favorite PSB songs. Thanks for posting it!
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks Paul. I think the version on Disco is actually the “Disco Mix”. At least that’s how it’s called on PSB official Youtube and Spotify verified accounts. Shep Pettibone Remixography on Discogs also mentions the Disco Mix 9:04 min. For the Disco album Discogs motions “West End Girls” is a remix edit exclusive to this album; it is essentially the ‘Shep Pettibone Mastermix’, but with the intro of the ‘West End Dub’, and an extended fade.
You are correct, Edwin. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.
Thanks, Paul! I believe this mix was never released on USA 12″ singles (I don’t own it) but I have heard it before. The mix I have on Arthur Baker Presents Dance Masters – The Shep Pettibone Master-Mixes is 27 seconds longer at the end and quite worth it! Thanks again and have a great day!
I think the version on Dance Masters is the “Disco Mix” from the Disco remix Album.
No…it is the same mix as you posted here except 27 seconds longer clocking in at 8:37. I cannot find it on Youtube so here is a WeTransfer link to my mp3. https://we.tl/t-4ExfMD1gPp
Hey Paul. Thanks for the re-up of this one. Especially for the dub version. Interesting to know that this mix is different than the one from their DISCO album. My CD is in storage, but I’ll have to compare them one day. The mix I’m most familiar with is the Ultimix version which used both A and B sides to create their version. It’s so exciting having you celebrate these Shep Pettibone remixes. I love remix culture, especially from the 1980’s where the song would be respected and valued with additional production making the song shine brighter than ever. I… Read more »
You’re welcome, Jeff. I love remix culture; I am so thankful to have like-minded readers like you and, of course, the remixers themselves.
Had an idea this one was on the way! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Raymond 🙂
It’s an amazing mix. Kinda prefer the Dub more, strangely.
I enjoy the dub as well 🙂