Alternative is a compilation album by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 7 August 1995 by Parlophone. The two-disc set consists of 30 B-sides of singles from 1985 to 1994, arranged in chronological order. It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.
Artwork and packaging
Alternative was released as a double CD, including a limited edition box set; a double cassette; and a triple LP box set. The cover (pictured) features photographs of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe in fencing masks, taken by Richard Burbridge. The first copies have a lenticular image on the cover which alternates between the two faces. Designer Mark Farrow came up with the idea when the album title was changed to Alternative after the pictures had already been taken. The packaging was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package in 1996.
The liner notes include an interview with the duo about each song by music journalist Jon Savage.