Not everything from Cool Britannia was charlie, pints of lager, WKDs, and dancing. Sometimes, the tale of the consequences of an all night bender is as important as the partying itself. When you’re Pulp, you focus more on that side, as their kitchen sink sensibilities have always been their major strength.

From my perspective, it seemed that Disco 2000 was a bigger hit in Mexico than Common People, but I assume time has proven me wrong. Still, the sonic contrast between Different Class and This is Hardcore is of note. Lyrically, though, it’s your usual strong Pulp fare.

My first time watching Pulp was 2023. For some reason or another, I just couldn’t catch them live. Even if both the band and myself were long in the tooth, their live energy is unmatched. I’m as far as from my teenage years now, and I felt like I was 17 again, watching them play their hearts out. Jarvis Cocker has this stage presence no other contemporary has. No need to hold a tambourine on your back or hide behind animated characters, Cocker IS the character.

The character he plays in This is hardcore is so full of regret and wanton, it hurts. That extended part they always play on their live shows makes this heart crushing track even stronger. They played it again this past june, when I saw them for my second time, and still is the highlight of the show, and it’s hard to choose the one moment.

The video reeks of vintage drama (amongst other things) and I always find the ending eerie, just like Peter Greenaway film The Baby of Macon. Let’s indulge into the every day kitchen sink drama of Pulp.

-Sam J. Valdés López