Pet Shop Boys: 'X Factor music is turgid'

Pet Shop Boys have criticised the calibre of music created through reality TV.

The group claimed that "X Factor music" is "ultimately turgid" and real pop songs would stand the test of time.

"Good pop music doesn't really date. Look at Abba. Unfortunately they've become a kind of a cliché because of Mamma Mia! but 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' is an amazing record," Neil Tennant told The Sun.

"The backing vocals are outstanding and the video is harrowing because their marriages are breaking up."

The duo went on to describe their recent experience of working with production house Xenomania as "very interesting".

"They write a series of choruses, different bits of the same piece of music and then move on to the next piece. Then they sing them all and choose the best bits," Tennant added.

"There’s a lot of enjoyment, a lot of love going into their music - it's not formulaic or fake. They reinvent their sound and are always bringing in different elements and instruments.

"It was a very interesting experience because we had to leave our egos at the door - but we were happy to do that."

Pet Shop Boys release new album Yes on March 23.

> Click here to read our recent interview with Pet Shop Boys