Pulp’s debut album, It, is like a quirky time capsule from 1983. This British outfit, fronted by the enigmatic Jarvis Cocker, captured their early sound in the vibrant city of Sheffield. Though it’s not their most celebrated work, this album offers glimpses into the unique blend of pop and alternative rock elements that would eventually propel them to fame.
From the onset, It stands out for its raw and unpolished sound, which feels like a real throwback to the early ‘80s music scene. Back then, Pulp was just another young band trying to carve out their place. The album wasn’t a commercial success, but its charm lies in its unrefined honesty and the earnest delivery of its tracks.
Listening to It, you get a sense of what drove these musicians: a dose of youthful determination, some musical experimentation, and a narrative style that tells bright stories from gritty urban landscapes. The tracks sway between romance and reality, capturing stories of emotional experiences and small joys.
Though not made with the skilled production or mainstream hooks of later albums like Different Class, It holds significant importance as the foundation of Pulp’s evolution. The experimentation found here points to the various directions Cocker and his bandmates considered possible, some of which they later explored in their more mature works.
What’s particularly interesting is how It balances an almost lo-fi aesthetic with narrative flair. Jarvis’s vocals are understated compared to what he would perfect later in his career, but there’s something endearing about their intonation—a rawness that reflects the sincerity of a band trying to find their sound in a competitive music industry.
It’s easy to overlook this album when thinking of Pulp’s discography, given how dynamic and popular their mid-90s era was. However, modern listeners who stumble across this album might appreciate it differently. In today’s digital world, characterized by polished production and commercial polish, the rough edges of It bring authenticity that feels quite refreshing.
Exploring a less defined sound, the songs on It present a diversity of ideas. Some might describe the tunes as jarring, others will call them innovative and daring. There’s a raw charm in tracks like “Blue Girls” and “Joking Aside”, which stand as time capsules of feelings and struggles from that period. This element recalls a time when recording wasn't just about perfect product but also about capturing mood and essence.
You can appreciate both the flaws and the beauty in these earlier efforts. For some listeners, the juxtaposition of roughness and artistic vision is polarizing. Some will argue that the mix of post-punk energy with pop melodies in this album wasn't fully realized, and in a sense, they'd be right. That’s fair; there’s an embryonic quality to it. However, others—especially those who value musical exploration—might find charm in its rough-hewn heart.
It is sometimes overshadowed by Pulp's later bombastic appeal, but it’s crucial for understanding their journey. This band didn’t burst into the scene fully formed; they developed through iterations and phases, embracing changes along the way. This album reflects the reality that creative paths often begin in chaos before they carve out distinct trails.
For many fans, discovering It years after its 1983 release might feel like finding an old sketchbook of a now-famous artist. You see sketches and outlines of ideas that would later become grand paintings, lyrical themes that would grow and nuance over albums, and sonic experiments that would flourish into bold statements.
It’s crucial to remember that every era of music deserves its space and respect. Pulp’s It doesn’t need to stand up to commercial hits. It’s enjoyable for its own separate qualities. It encapsulates the seeds of what would grow into something extraordinary, and for that, it holds timeless significance.
Gen Z, often consuming powerful retro aesthetics and soundscapes, might find It relatable for its genuine composition and storytelling, akin to flipping through a beloved vintage comic book with its catchy yet rough illustrations. By tapping into this raw, vibrant past, they're invited into a world where the beauty wasn’t just in the touch-up but the first strokes of creation.
If you’re someone who enjoys uncovering the journey behind creativity, then It is for you. Listen not just to what it is, but for what it seeks to be—a musical stepping stone laying the foundations of a legendary band's evolution.