Graham and Chris celebrate episode 45 by turning their attention to a subject that has defined so much of Pet Shop Boys’ career: the single.

From the birth of the 7-inch 45rpm record and the golden age of chart countdowns to the streaming era, they explore how the pop single evolved across seven-inches, twelve-inches, cassingles, CD singles, and digital downloads, tracing four decades of changing music culture through the lens of Pet Shop Boys.

Running through the episode are two very different Top 10 countdowns, as Graham and Chris each reveal their personal favourite Pet Shop Boys singles. They revisit classics from every era, debate the difference between a great song and a great single, and uncover the memories, stories and emotions attached to records ranging from Always On My Mind and It’s A Sin to Vocal, The Pop Kids and Dancing Star.

The discussion expands into Pet Shop Boys’ lifelong relationship with formats, chart success and collectability, from Smash Hits flexi-discs and limited-edition vinyl to deluxe CD singles and the streaming revolution. Along the way there are reflections on first record purchases, cover versions, time signatures, coloured vinyl, orchestral hits, Christmas number ones, and the enduring magic of the perfectly crafted PSB pop single.

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