This Is Hardcore

"I'd like to make this water wine but it's impossible - I've got to get these dishes dry"There are few albums as astonishing and in the groove as "This is Hardcore". One would think it would think it would be difficult to follow up such a landmark album as "Different Class". To be frank while not as immediate as it's predessor This is Hardcore is without a doubt Pulp's best moment. This is Hardcore has the most mind opening compositons - the most intriguing and the most capturing, well layered atmospheres take one more look at it and it's obvious - due to it's volume, depth and ambition. The album is made complete with socially aware lyrics composed with a great amout of wit not at all shy demonstrating working class pride."This is Hardcore" finds the group confident enough to make a grand stand and move beyond regular pop territory, the arragments are lush and not afraid to be expansive. Musically this album plays like the everyday life of an ordinary bloke - it's got a bit of everything in there."This is Hardcore" has a a mulitleyered, reflective and deep atmosphere. This is Hardcore reflects over lifes struggles, all the ups and downs in a wholesome way and although not always as pop and pep as many other albums of the tme it leaves a big impression. The album ends with the epic, inspirational and uplifting"The Day After The Revolution". "Revolution" finds PULP at their most progressive and most visionary. It serves as the perfect reminder that even though life is a hard struggle , there there is still hope. It's a perfect finale filled with optimism joy and lingering anticipation- The album is hearing for that song alone.Also wonderful is "Help the Aged" not only perfect for it's breezy good flowing atmosphere, but also for it's down to earth and socially concious message. "Silvia", "Glory Days" and the somber "TV movie" are equally touching. Listen to "Dishes" and Remember what Jarvis Cocker said. "I am not Jesus though I have the same initials - I am the man who stays home to do the dishes" It good to hear a group on doesn't let the Pop star mentality go to their heads. Pulp remaind steadily on the ground, This is Hardcore is this hard working bands finest moment. It is especially nice to hear because it's so down to earth. Some topics being dealth with on the album are a bit heavy - but that's life. Party Hard ponders the question "If you didnt come to party - then why did you come" The song like many others on this fanastic album urges the people to think before they act.This is Hardcore is so brilliant on so many different levels - those who are still convinced after all these years that "Rubber Soul" is the best thing since sliced bread should really lend and ear to this album.People who thought Pulp was just a "nice singles band" after hearing "Disco 2000" or the singles that make up "Intro" (see review) will surely be captivated by "This is Hardcore"Now I am fully aware that Different Class is a great album, but "This is Hardcore" is to be frank The Buisneez. One of the best allbums ever made."The revolution begins and ends with you.Now all the breakdowns and nightmares look small.Now we decided not to die after all"By the way if you like this album you might consider listening to:O.K Computer by RadioheadorUrban Hymns by The VerveIf you are the slightest into 70's music why not check out "Back to the Egg" that like "This is Hardcore" was produdced by Chris Thomas.

After receiving this CD very quickly through the post, I couldn't wait to listen to it! So as soon as I opened it I put it in the CD player as quick as I could. Pulp's Jarvis Cocker gives good entrance. "I am not Jesus, 'though I have the same initials," goes the first line of "Dishes" on "This Is Hardcore". Or take the opening salvo in "TV Movie": "Without you my life has become a hangover without end/A movie made for TV: bad dialogue, bad acting, no interest."Cocker's songs don't veer downhill after they begin, either. In the time since his Noel Coward-in-the-London-underground observations on Pulp's 1996 album "Different Class," Cocker has been working even harder at his craft. "This Is Hardcore" is a series of poignant or pungent vignettes about confused or lonely people. "Seductive Barry" fantasizes about making love to the object of his obsession; "A Little Soul" about a defeated husband who beats his wife and pleads with his son not to repeat dad's mistakes.When Cocker writes what are presumably autobiographical lyrics, he's no less piercing or clever. The withering "Like a Friend" finds him both repulsed by and attracted to a fake friend: "You take up my time like some cheap magazine when I could've been learning something." Compared to the unimaginative language of so much pop and rock, Cocker's lyrics -- enriched by his dry, jaundiced-dandy voice -- are literary salons unto themselves."Different Class" was a debauched update of vintage new wave styles. "This Is Hardcore" is more expansive and more stylish than its predecessor, integrating sweeping string sections and over-the-top, big-rock production touches. "Help the Aged," Cocker's ode to lessons gleaned from the elderly, deftly leaps from an after-hours fragility to arena roar. In "Dishes," Cocker attempts to comfort his mate after a hard days' work. "I'd like to make this water wine, but it's impossible/I've got to get these dishes dry," he sings, voice on the verge of cracking, as the music surges into sublime cabaret-pop beauty. Tucked away in the liner notes is an odd little statement: "Please do not read the lyrics whilst listening to the recordings." Sorry, Jarvis -- sometimes it can't be helped.

Absolute classic. This album will grow on you. Just keep listening. Was never into Pulp but this is epic and of course, up loud. The writing, musicianship, guitars and the brilliant production. Just good stuff!

This album pains me in the right way, the 1980s were amazing, my childhood/school days - ET, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Michael Jackson, Prince etc - much to love and hold dear. BUT the 1990s were my working-earning/clubbing/ sex & relationships/Drinking (and other influences) years.. I did my apprenticeship, I went to uni, i broke hearts, I had my heart broken, I saw the sun come up over camber sands while we danced in the brown sea !! It was an amazing time, the whole Britpop thing, the Euro 96, Labour in 97 - a new beginning, academic studies and hot sex at weekends. But in 99 my Dad died, the millennium ended, we left Uni (friends lost) BritPop vanished as quick as it arrived, the realisation it was time to put away the Rizla and get a job !!! ...and this album, dark, spikey, angry, down... a proper clean up after the party had ended, Rearranging the furniture, making the bed, removing them stains, getting over the hangover.

A great sounding piece of vinyl. This is Hardcore like it's predecessor is one of Britpop's finest in my opinion.A touch of Different Class yet a little darker and seedier in places with some Kenny-esque country thrown in for grins.

Love it, This is Hardcore, Help the Aged and Little Soul are my faves off this album! :) It may have quite a different sound to pulps usual stuff but I think this was quite cinematic with some great instrumentals from the band and you can never mistake Jarvis's witty, funny and sometimes wonderfully dark lyrics :)

Arrived on time in good condition. Would recommend.

Very good purchase, very good timing to arrive.

cd arrived quickly in mint condition. Go get a copy and listen.

Tras su última visita pude tener la oportunidad de adquirir las firmas en mi vinilo, de los 4 que grabaron este álbum y aún siguen vivos! RIP Steve Mackey

bin kein grosser kenner von pulp über das weithin bekannte (und gut verkaufte) liedgut hinaus, aber gefallen haben sie mir schon immer.neulich auf dieses eher gefloppte( spätwerk(?) gestossen u. es nach ein paar sehr professionellen kundenrezensionen bestellt.grossartiges und sehr reifes album einer band, der ich dieses "können" weit über ihre bekannten hits hinaus eigentlich gar nicht so zugetraut hätte. beeindruckend gut und es hat sich gelohnt , in den kundenrezensionen zu recherchieren.

Love this album

Very happy with this item.