Madness Central Interactive  Special Feature - Pet Shop Boys "Christmas EP" courtesy of the Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys "Christmas EP" Contest
Courtesy of Pet Shop Boys

We have a special Christmas treat for you this holiday season that's a little off the nutty path. Kindly provided by the folks over at the official Pet Shop Boys camp, you’ll have a chance to win a copy of the forthcoming PSB EP simply titled "Christmas" for our second contest of Madness Central's second year on the interweb. Featuring revamped versions of PSB classics such as "Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing" and the holiday anthem "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas", this is sure to make a welcome Christmas stocking stuffer this year and for years to come. What makes this so special to us Madness Fans? Included with this five track EP is the Pet Shop Boys' fast-paced yet smooth arrangement of the classic Madness love ballad "My Girl." If you'll recall, Suggs and Carl joined Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe on stage at last year’s charity benefit, “Can You Bear It?”, for the family of Chris and Neil’s former assistant and close friend, Dainton Connell, who was tragically killed in a car accident. If you have yet to hear PSB's take on "My Girl", head over to You Tube and see Suggs, Chas, Neil and Chris groove live to the nutty house beat at "Can You Bear It?". Watching the four of them perform together, New Wave contemporaries from the 80s, is a joy of skank meets dance. I'm sure you'll agree "My Girl" falls right in line with some of PSB's best covers like U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and Brenda Lee's "Always On My Mind." There are two mixes of "My Girl" on "Christmas", one of which is called the "Our House Mix." We've been told this mix doesn't include any musical blurbs from the Madness hit, but rather is a play on words: Our "House" mix, as in house music. Very clever, don't you think? But wait! There's more! Making this contest even more special is a signed poster of the Pet Shop Boys' latest hit album "Yes"! How cool is that? By simply sending your full name and email address, and answering one simple Pet Shop Boys-related question, you'll be entered into this contest for the signed poster and "Christmas EP". What a great way to start out this 2009 holiday season. Get those entries in before the 14th of December, 5 pm UK time. The contest runs for two weeks so no excuses! The Pet Shop Boys "Christmas EP" featuring "My Girl" hits stores, online retailers and digital download on Monday, 14 December. The Pet Shop Boys Christmas EP Contest closes Monday, 14 December 2009 at 5 pm UK time. The winner will be chosen using the integer generator at Random.org.