It has taken me quite some time to find the words to write about British rock band Pulp. Of course, I did a fine enough time justifiably whipping the earliest incarnation’s debut album It…but the band’s modern music is something much more appealing and much, much cleaner.
While Pulp was actually formed in 1978 with Jarvis Cocker at the helm, it took multiple lineups and a fourth album before the band finally came up with something worth talking about (aside from how incredibly freakin’ bad it was). That album that changed it all for Pulp was His ‘n’ Hers from 1994. By that point in time, the lineup had at least temporarily stabilized with Cocker (vocals), Steve Mackey (bass), Nick Banks (drums), Russell Senior (guitar), and Candida Doyle (keyboards). Mind you, no lineup from Pulp ever remains the same for long…Cocker is well known for his moodiness, perfectionism, and all-around nastiness. His ‘n’ Hers was very popular in the UK and also earned a Mercury Music nomination.
Anyway, after the success of His ‘n’ Hers, Pulp set out to make a real name for themselves. First, they released the well-received single Common People. Then they serendipitously accepted the last minute offer to headline the Glastonbury Festival. From there, all the pieces fell into place and Pulp became the critical toast of Britain with the well-timed release of 1995’s outstanding Different Class. That album was unquestionably the best that the band ever recorded and even today is probably the best thing Pulp ever put to tape.
Different Class not only made waves in the UK—it also created a buzz stateside. With the straightforward themes of sex and social class in tow, the wry pop album was more than just mere entertainment…it was also intelligent. And a highly intelligent work will always boost an otherwise good and fun album into the great category. Different Class is ironic and fashionable. It is theatrical and off-kilter. It is truly a great album, and was recognized as such in 1996 winning the coveted Mercury Music Prize over such acts as Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, and Underworld.
As I previously brought to light, the themes presented on Different Class are pretty cut and dry. There are sex songs, there are class songs, and there are sex/class songs. But whereas many songs about copulation are rather abrupt and quite simply there for shock value, Cocker’s vocals compliment the warm lyrics nicely. That’s right, the sex here is all good natured. In fact, the album itself is all well meaning—even if it is bitingly sarcastic (a characteristic that appeals to my sense of humor).
Different Class poses a major challenge. It is truly a daunting task to weed through these songs to choose favorites. Each track does truly have a place, time, and without question appeal. But with that said, it is a dirty job…and I’m here to do it. First, it is important to note that Pulp is much more than a pop band. Cocker and company have the swagger of a seasoned classic rock outfit. The music itself fits no molds…it in fact could just as easily have been released a decade earlier. It is the kind of music that will never, ever go out of style. Hence the resoundingly positive reception Different Class received.
The single that most people will best recognize is of course Common People, the witty song about a rich girl who gets off on hanging out with the working class. Of course, her intentions may not be completely pure as she also enjoys having sex with the “common people.” This slant is an important part of the album. And as far as quality of music goes, the whirring synthesizers mixed with catchy lyrics and equally infectious melody make it one of the standouts. It may just be my favorite, but then again that opinion could be tainted by the fact that it is also the first song I ever heard from Pulp. And as I said, the lyrics are great. Check this out:
Rent a flat above a shop,
cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool,
pretend you never went to school.
But still you'll never get it right,
cos when you're laid in bed at night,
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you call your Dad he could stop it all.
I also am particularly fond of the fantastic diversity presented by Disco 2000, Sorted for E’s & Wizz, Mis-Shapes, and Underwear. Pulp got it right…few bands can so seamlessly and concisely assemble an album with so many different elements and influences. Different Class never pauses, never grows tired, never is repetitive, and is above all other things never predictable. And while sometimes albums flop because they hop all over the place, Cocker and his band manage to tie their songs together by theme more so than actual melody. And I like it.
Disco 2000 is also particularly noteworthy. The guitar grind is clearly stolen from pop classic Gloria (Laura Branigan). Somehow, some way, Pulp manages to create a new enough product that it seems like their own and not Branigan’s. Their story is that of a young man who lusts after a woman named Deborah. She thinks she is somehow more important than her peers, ignoring the good intentions of the protagonist. In the end though, Deborah is no better—and he loves her no less for it. This up-tempo story of infatuation is tender and sweet, and incredibly memorable. Pulp’s whole album is a gem.
Opening with a cheering audience, Sorted for E’s & Wizz is about as mild as Pulp gets on this album. Quirky, the melody is tossed with synthesizers and light percussion. But what makes this particular offering special are the wild, anxious, even sarcastic lyrics. I really do like most everything here. Also brilliant is album opener Mis-Shapes. It acts as the perfect primer to the perfect album with a rousing, anthemic, stomp-along, great-time melody songs regardless of genre just don’t get any better than this.
Throughout Different Class, Pulp proves that they can wear many hats. Underwear is a sparse, painful ballad simply about seeing a girl in her underwear. Seems simple enough, right? But when emoted by Cocker the song is faceted, free, and textured.
Different Class is a wonderful, perfect album. It belongs in every Brit-pop, alt-rock, and all around good music collection. All the positive reviews of the disc are warranted and true. From start to finish, it is a heart-felt and wonderfully arranged not to mention intelligently written. Music like this comes but a few times a decade. It is music that is simultaneously new and comfortable, rousing and relaxing, highly organized yet spontaneous. Different Class is Pulp’s masterpiece.
In the years since this outstanding album, the band has managed two further releases in the form of 1998’s This Is Hardcore and 2001’s We Love Life. Both had their high points, but neither equaled the sheer appeal of Different Class. And it remains to be seen whether or not Cocker will be able to pull another rabbit out of his hat.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Mis-Shapes
02. Pencil Skirt
03. Common People
04. I Spy
05. Disco 2000
06. Live Bed Show
07. Something Changed
08. Sorted for E's & Wizz
09. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E
10. Underwear
11. Monday Morning
12. Bar Italia
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