The Pet Shop Boys not only are expecting to release a new studio album in 2012, they’re currently assembling a brand-new B-sides compilation — a sequel to 1995′s 2CD set Alternative that will be called Format, and span the years 1996 to 2009 — for release in February, the duo revealed in a new interview this week.

In an interview with Varsity, the Cambridge University newspaper, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe reveal their plans for the B-sides compilation — perhaps a bit prematurely.

“I was listening to some of our old songs recently, because we’re putting out another B-sides album in February, like an Alternative part two. But we’re calling it Format,” says Neil, referring to their classic B-sides collection from 1995.

Chris sounds a little concerned, “We’re not announcing that yet, are we?”

“Well why not – these things are usually leaked through some Japanese website anyway. I’d rather it came out here,” insists Neil. “It’s all our B-sides from 1996 to 2009, starting with ‘The Truck Driver and His Mate.’”

“Oh I like that song,” Chris pipes up, “It’s just our little tribute to Oasis. In fact Jon Savage pointed out that it’s the chord change from ‘Some Might Say.’ Though he’d better not put that in the sleeve notes when he writes them.”

Last month, Tennant revealed he and Lowe are now at work writing material for their upcoming 11th album, which they hoped to begin recording this month and then release sometime next year. The album would be the Pet Shop Boys’ first since 2009′s Yes. Since then, the duo has released a best-of called Ultimate and their score to the ballet The Most Incredible Thing.

Great news; the jewels among these tracks are numerous.