After the disappointment of previous album 'This Is Hardcore' and before that the overtly populist 'A Different Class', Pulp have much work to do to re-establish themselves as one of indie rock's main players. Bearing in mind most of the band members are well into their 30's 'We Love Life' can be considered something of an injury-time recovery by emulating the grandeur and bittersweet sentiments from their most complete album 'His 'n' Hers'. Some credit must go to the now-godlike Scott Walker who is credited with arrangements here. This is something of a coup for Jarvis Cocker who has regularly heralded Walker as a major influence on his music although his dismissal of Walker's album 'Til The Band Comes In' in the lyric to 'Bad Cover Version' reveals that he's not in total awe of his mentor. 'Trees' was a stunning single; dark and lugubrious in the best Cocker/Walker tradition and a lesson in how an orchestra should be used. Full marks for the reference to cult film 'The Wicker Man' as well but beneath all the strings and dark tales in all honesty it comes across as a poor relation to 'His 'n' Hers' closer 'David's Last Summer'. Thankfully the music recovers its substance on the lighter, more tuneful 'The Birds In Your Garden' and 'Bob Lind' stands out for its virtuoso performance from guitarist Richard Hawley. Beginning with the punchy 'Weeds' and following it up with the almost psychedelic workout 'Weeds II' is another masterstroke. Given the energy and invigorating feel of this album the title of 'We Love Life' seems remarkably apt.