venetnasch
The 80s song was great but this cover is just beyond words! For me it’s as if all the potential of the classic was at least revealed to its fullest thanks to Sally and Johan’s performance. Thank you!
Bernie Hernandez
My goodness! How do you improve an already perfect track from one of the best artists? Just let Sally Shapiro have a run at it!
Favorite track: Rent.
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
€4EUR or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Clear vinyl maxi-single on Italians Do It Better. Tracklist:
A1. Rent (Extended Mix)
A2. Believe In Me (Italoconnection Remix)
B1. Rent (NICOLAAS Remix) feat. Steve Moore
B2. Rent (Instrumental)
Includes unlimited streaming of Rent
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 14 days
Purchasable with gift card
€17EURor more
Limited 12" test pressing (10 copies)
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Test pressing with hand-written signature and tracklist by Sally (10 copies, 8 of which are for sale on Bandcamp). Will be sent by registered mail (please make sure you order to your name written in passport/ID).
Includes unlimited streaming of Rent
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Sold Out
Limited orange vinyl 12"
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Orange vinyl maxi-single on Italians Do It Better, limited to 250 copies. Tracklist:
A1. Rent (Extended Mix)
A2. Believe In Me (Italoconnection Remix)
B1. Rent (NICOLAAS Remix) feat. Steve Moore
B2. Rent (Instrumental)
Includes unlimited streaming of Rent
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
"Sally Shapiro's cover of this Pet Shop Boys classic keeps the original close to the heart. Emphasizing the baroque leanings of the chord progression, they take it further with a 8th note melody careening over icy pads. The result is a Synthwave skyline scraping the upper atmosphere in the never-ending race to survive the first of the month. It's a twisted tale of the politics of economy in relationships where the currency is love. Sally's crystalline coo glides over Johan's elegant Italo production as the bass line anchors the galloping rhythm section. Home is where the heart is...but shelter comes first in this game of love."
Johnny Jewel
"Fantastic cover" Paste Magazine
"Her real name isn’t Sally Shapiro, but in combination with producer Johan Agebjörn, this talented singer has produced a stunning reimagining of the Pet Shop Boys classic ‘Rent’. It does deviate somewhat from the classic Italians Do It Better synthwave and Italo house style, however, while retaining and amplifying the melancholy and doomy inevitability that lies at the heart of the original."
Blitzed Magazine
"This cover of ‘Rent’, then, comes from a highly personal place. Out now, it’s faithful to the original while casting it in Sally Shapiro’s light – or, more aptly, shade. Icy and ominous, this new rendering of ‘Rent’ feels right for the paranoia of the post-COVID era."
Clash Magazine
"The new cover showcases the innovative touch of Sally Shapiro, whilst still capturing the nostalgia which inhibits the original, this rendition of “Rent” has this modern synth touch and dazzling air that emits from the Shapiro energy, undeniably immersive. A deeply consuming cut that sweeps the listener into the midst of the growing and expressive landscape, built on this sincere foundation of multiple moving layers. Intricate synth notes, textures and this complex groove provide the stirring momentum for this track whilst the ethereal vocal harmonies soar through the cosmic soundscape."
Circuit Sweet
"For this rendition, Sally Shapiro transforms the tune into a sleek and chic synthpop rework. From the beefed up drum programming to the silky synth work, Sally Shapiro have definitely given the track new life, and ultimately made it their own."
Colorising
"It's another seductive excursion into the future-past of electronic disco, with the extended mix on the A-side complemented by the instrumental on the B-side and a team-up between NICOLAAS and Steve Moore for a remix. Meanwhile, Italoconnection step up for a version of Sad Cities track 'Believe In Me', rounding out another strong EP from Shapiro and Italians Do It Better alike." Juno
"We hope they surprise us with an entire album of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe covers. Because this cannot remain an anecdote." Fantastic Mag
"An already fantastic song in an almost equally fantastic interpretation. Terrific work"
Beatbox se
"Stunning" Teases & Dares
"Cover of the year" Moarr
"We’ve heard it! The chorus in particular sounds good" Neil Tennant, Pet Shop Boys
"Sally Shapiro has indeed recorded a dream-like version of the duo's hit Rent from the album Actually, which was released in 1987. The feeling from the original is definitely there, but it becomes very cozy with Sally's vocals to Johan Agebjörn's soft synth production."
Popmuzik
credits
released September 20, 2023
Written by Chris Lowe/Neil Tennant. Vocals by Sally Shapiro. Produced by Johan Agebjörn, mixed by Johan Agebjörn & Johnny Jewel. Track 2 remixed by NICOLAAS with saxophone by Steve Moore. Mastered by Tom Waltz. Thanks to Mikael Ögren for programming the JD-800 Schulze pad. Thanks to Chris & Neil for all the music. Photography by Mika Stjärnglinder. Artwork by Johnny Jewel.
Sally Shapiro's music is heavily influenced by 80s italo disco. The project also includes the composer and producer Johan Agebjörn, both live in Lund, Sweden. Sally Shapiro's real name is something else. She does not perform live.
I've always enjoyed Boy Harsher but I don't think they ever really clicked in my brain until I watched The Runner. Now I can't get enough. Gordon Skramzy (Nathan)
'80's style neon-lit future pop with big, warm analog synths and a sugared edge from members of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 22, 2018
Woozy, vocal-driven synthwave captures the spirit and feel of the ’80s, with tremendous choruses and neon-hot electronics. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 28, 2020
Thank you for the second album. Got all three now on Bandcamp and they inspire me so much.
Kids in school, then work, and kids back from school - then baths and homework - AND FINALLY a bit of time in my cobbled together mini studio in my one bedroom flat. YOU inspire me to make the effort to make all that stuff work. Sentient Helicopters