CD Description
The first Pulp album, 1983's IT is slightly different from their later material. While many of lead crooner Jarvis Cocker's lyrical concerns are present--seedy sexual encounters, class distinctions, and the like--there are glimpses of hopeand joy among the sordid details. This is most notable in "Love Love", a downright cheerful English music-hall number where Cocker proclaims, "I love love" against a sprightly backing track replete with trumpets.
Die-hard fans need not fear that this is a kinder, gentler version of Pulp, though."Joking Aside" features Cocker intoning, "Yes, I'd like to turn you over, see what's on your other side, see if the problem's in my mind" in a manner reminiscent of Depeche Mode'sMartin Gore at the latter's sleaziest. While the sound is not quite as musically dense and orchestral as it is on latter albums, a sense of claustrophobia dominates the proceedings in spite of the sparse instrumentation and airy production. "Blue Girls" is positively maudlin, with an understated flute and a female backing choir. Trivia buffs should note that Simon Hinkler, who left after this record to join The Mission (UK), is among the members of this early version of Pulp.