It is well documented that it took Pulp over ten years to receive the popular vote and before then they were just another set of indie no-hopers. This boxed set of their early work demonstrates why. That's not to say the music on offer here is of poor quality; indeed, some of it is excellent; it's just that some of the lyrical themes on offer in addition to Jarvis Cocker's constantly brooding voice was never destined to be appreciated by the masses. The first album clocks in at just over half an hour; it is a little too light and unassuming at times but 'Blue Girls' in particular benefits from this. Its follow up, from 1987, 'Freaks' is certainly the most distubing; 'Fairground' features the laughter of a madman and is sung for once by guitarist Russell Senior and titles like 'Being Followed Home' and 'They Suffocate At Night' convey the horror themes on offer; 'I Want You' stands out as Cocker seems to be breaking down in tears as he sings over a mournful melody. Interestingly, 'Anorexic Beauty' appears to be a love letter to the now-deceased former child-star, Lena Zavaroni. 1992's 'Separations' saw another change in direction, this time towards (but not actually achieving) stardom. 'My Legendary Girlfriend' and 'Countdown' certainly deserved more than their indie cult status deserved. The last CD concentrates on singles of which Cocker's ode to his mother, 'Little GIrl (With Blue Eyes)' stands out.
It is well documented that it took Pulp over ten years to receive the popular vote and before then they were just another set of indie no-hopers. This boxed set of their early work demonstrates why. That's not to say the music on offer here is of poor quality; indeed, some of it is excellent; it's just that some of the lyrical themes on offer in addition to Jarvis Cocker's constantly brooding voice was never destined to be appreciated by the masses. The first album clocks in at just over half an hour; it is a little too light and unassuming at times but 'Blue Girls' in particular benefits from this. Its follow up, from 1987, 'Freaks' is certainly the most distubing; 'Fairground' features the laughter of a madman and is sung for once by guitarist Russell Senior and titles like 'Being Followed Home' and 'They Suffocate At Night' convey the horror themes on offer; 'I Want You' stands out as Cocker seems to be breaking down in tears as he sings over a mournful melody. Interestingly, 'Anorexic Beauty' appears to be a love letter to the now-deceased former child-star, Lena Zavaroni. 1992's 'Separations' saw another change in direction, this time towards (but not actually achieving) stardom. 'My Legendary Girlfriend' and 'Countdown' certainly deserved more than their indie cult status deserved. The last CD concentrates on singles of which Cocker's ode to his mother, 'Little GIrl (With Blue Eyes)' stands out.
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