Pulp - 'We Love Life' (Universal-Island)
4/5
By: Toby L
You know those records which make you feel better about being alive? Good - because this latest offering from Sheffield's finest, Pulp, is one of them.'We Love Life' is Jarvis Cocker and co's seventh studio album. Cocker originally formed the band in '78, yet it took many years until the group reached the stature and prestige their name now connatates. Indeed, for many years, despite endless whip-arounds on the London circuit and countless UK tours, Pulp were deemed too far ahead of their time.
Which meant that when the world caught up with them in 1994 - on the release of 'His 'N' Hers', they could prepare themselves for the onslaught of commercial recognition that the following year's 'Different Class' brought them. This record was a defining moment for the era and - aside from winning the prestigious Mercury Music Prize - gave the band their first number one record, and has gone on to sell over a million copies. The following 'This Is Hardcore' - which surfaced almost three years later - although being superior, was a far more bleak and less profitable affair, with many cynics branding that the band's days were numbered.
However, 'We Love Life' marks yet another progression for Pulp. Whereas previous LPs of theirs have all had different themes - such as '...Hardcore's porn-stricken, paranoia-laden numbers, led by Jarvis' attempts to distance himself from celebrity - this one is, actually, no exception. The obvious nature of 'We Love Life' is, erm, nature. From trees to birds in gardens, the whole emphasis is somewhat bizarrely fresh as a consequence.Of the tunes, these are spaced in equal measure throughout, with the opening 'Weeds' - whose potential as a future single is almost guaranteed - warming 'I Love Life' and climactic closure of 'Sunrise' proving to be instant favourites. However, in true Pulp-style, the group dabble in their distinctive brand of experimental pop, namely within the form of 'Wickerman', whose hypnotic musical undercurrent perfectly supplements Jarvis' poetic murmurs. Producer Scott Walker - yes, the legendary, secluded solo-artist, formerly of The Walker Brothers - has brought out something new in the band, which the group's former partnership with Chris Thomas perhaps slightly lacked - a little soul.
How this album does commercially is a mystery, but if it is to prove Pulp's last endeavour, as many have speculated, then it'll be a shame to see such a classic act go. However, if it is to be the end, at least the quintet can know they've finished their career at the peak of their powers.
Artists in this article: Pulp
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