Pulp's Controversial Drugged-Up & Recalled Single
Written: Jul 29 '04 (Updated Jul 29 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great music--it IS Pulp
Cons: Not particularly necessary or new
The Bottom Line: If you're REALLY into Pulp, then you probably already own this single. Otherwise, stick to the album material. Good stuff, but there really is better in the Pulp discography.
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| lambchops's Full Review: Sorted for E's and Wizz - Pulp Movies |
Pulp. The words either mean the world to you musically or make you wonder why in the world I would be talking about fruit extract in the context of this review. Of course, anybody with any clue about British pop music is already well familiar with the once revolutionary band.
Led by the volatile and enigmatic Jarvis Cocker, Pulp first formed in 1978. Of course it would take another fifteen years or so before they made much of a splash. Years of conflict, inner turmoil, and revolving doors of lineups led to the trouble--but it is this same triptych of characteristics that catapulted the band to fame with 1994’s His n’ Hers and the subsequent success of 1995’s Different Class and 1998’s This is Hardcore.
Whether or not you actually know their name, I would garner a guess that you have heard at least one or two of Pulp’s songs. The material from the 1990’s is by and large amazing; the kind of stuff that musical dreams are made of. Despite Cocker’s continued attempts at bettering himself and his music I somehow doubt that even he could ever surpass the glory of the songs which made his band famous.
A cynical, quirky, and strange blend of all things pop and rock, Pulp’s hits speak for themselves. My favorites are spread across the band’s three most successful albums and include I’m A Man, A Little Soul, This is Hardcore, Do You Remember the First Time?, and Lipgloss. Though, more important are those songs from my favorite album from the band--Different Class. Those tracks (Common People, Sorted for E’s and Wizz, and Disco 2000) are fantastically classic to say the very least.
The 1995 release of the single to Sorted for E’s and Wizz wasn’t particularly well received stateside. But that didn’t stop me from picking the disc up. Besides the single of that track, it also includes the song Mis-Shapes not to mention to mixes of Common People. While I can’t say I’m often a fan of CD singles, I can say that this one is about as close as I get to admitting to any sort of fondness toward such efforts. I personally would just prefer to own the original disc. Sorted for E’s and Wizz is a modest exception to the rule.
Originally slated as the first single for Different Class, Sorted for E’s and Wizz was deemed to controversial because of the overt drug references. Despite the label’s sidestepping the song did still manage to make a splash. Controversy (as expected) followed and the version pictured above and in my hand was replaced by a plain white cover that didn’t “encourage” listeners to fold the origami pattern in a manner to hide their stash. With all that nastiness aside, I can’t help but groove to Sorted for E’s and Wizz. It is however you slice it a richly entertaining song. I highly suspect that this will (if it’s not already) become a collector’s item.
Mis-Shapes is just as wonderful with a bouncy, retro feel. If there is one thing that Cocker proved he and his mates could do, it was make people enjoy good non-bubblegum pop music without sacrificing quality. The melody is incredibly memorable as are the words. But all-in-all I must again recommend to folks that the best way to go is with Different Class rather than this single. However, if you are a Pulp zealot, this is a necessary purchase if for no other reason than the controversy and the two remixes of Common People.
Common People is in truth the song that has always spoken to me most clearly. It is the story of a rich girl who “slums” with a bunch of blokes who expose her to the most mundane and common things in life. To her they are (strangely enough). Who knew some people didn’t know about cockroaches, jobs, and the like. Whether or not the remixes are at all necessary is a question of your level of interest in the band. The first version, Motiv 8 Club Mix, is very long--we’re talking eight minutes. It is still chock full of the lovely melody and enchanting lyrics but they are drawn out and set to club beats. I prefer the original to this but it is still entertaining enough.
The second version, Vocada Mix, is another interesting effort. It’s darker and more dense mix which works well with the original slant of the song. Unlike the original this is clearly techno. The lyrics are set aside instead in favor of the beats and electronic elements. Again, probably not necessary, but with that said how often are the b-sides of singles actually necessary? Not often enough for my tastes.
I like Sorted for E’s and Wizz on many levels. Of course it helps that I already like all three songs featured/mixed here in their original form. Without that contextual help I may have been confused by the whole thing. Two songs are lovely Pulp pop while two are techno--that is confusing enough on its own. While not even close to a perfect effort, it is a sufficiently interesting disc. One, of course, necessary for fervent fans for the band but not at all required listening to folks not already acquainted. If you’d like to get your feet wet in Pulp start with His n’ Hers, Different Class, and of course This is Hardcore. Suffice it to say, you cannot and will not be disappointed.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Sorted for the E’s and Wizz
02. Mis-Shapes
03. Common People (Motiv 8 Club Mix)
04. Common People (Vocada Mix)
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Related Reviews:
It (1983)
http://www.epinions.com/content_64174198404
Different Class (1995)
http://www.epinions.com/content_109840666244
This is Hardcore (1998)
http://www.epinions.com/content_133434019460
Recommended:
No
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lambchops
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