#162 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Pulp at #162 with Different Class (1995). Deep enough in the list to separate casual fans from serious collectors. This is rock that doesn't just hold up — it still sounds essential. The original pressing belongs in any serious collection.”
Pulp emerged from Sheffield in the 1980s, with frontman Jarvis Cocker leading the band to prominence during the Britpop era of the 1990s. Initially formed in 1978, the group remained largely obscure until their 1994 album "His 'n' Hers" gained significant UK attention, followed by their masterpiece "Different Class" (1995), which became a defining record of Britpop alongside releases from Oasis and Blur. The band's final studio album "This Is Hardcore" (1998) showcased a darker, more experimental direction before their initial split in 2002. Pulp's music blended new wave, funk, and art rock with sophisticated arrangements and Cocker's distinctive vocal delivery, making them stand out within the guitar-dominated Britpop movement.
Style
Pulp created intelligent, eclectic rock music that fused new wave, funk grooves, and theatrical arrangements with witty, observational lyrics about British life and relationships. Their sound combined angular guitars, prominent bass lines, and orchestral elements, ranging from dancefloor-ready funk-rock to lush, orchestrated ballads.
Significance
Pulp's vinyl records, particularly "Different Class" and "His 'n' Hers," are essential Britpop-era releases highly sought after by collectors. Their albums showcase exceptional production, sequencing, and artwork that translate beautifully to the vinyl format, making them valuable additions to any collection documenting 1990s British rock.
Different Class, released in March 1995, marked Pulp's breakthrough moment after nearly a decade of struggle. Recorded primarily at Miles Copeland's Chateau de Marouatte in France, the album showcased Jarvis Cocker's sharpened songwriting and the band's tightened arrangements. Producer Scott Litt, known for his work with R.E.M., brought a polished yet raw sensibility to the recording. The album's sound drew from new wave, glam, and electronic influences while maintaining Pulp's distinctly British character. Key tracks like "Common People" and "Disco 2000" emerged from this period, capturing contemporary British life with satirical wit and emotional precision. The chemistry between Cocker's distinctive vocals and the band's instrumentation had never been stronger.
Historical Context
Different Class arrived during the height of Britpop, competing directly with Oasis and Blur for cultural dominance. While initially overshadowed by its louder rivals, the album's intelligence and accessibility earned it genuine critical acclaim and strong commercial success, eventually becoming one of the decade's defining British rock records. It reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned multiple hit singles. The album resonated with audiences seeking substance beyond the hype, establishing Pulp as more than a novelty act and cementing Jarvis Cocker as one of Britain's finest contemporary songwriters.
Pressing Notes
The original Island Records UK pressing (ILPS 8042) featured the classic cover design by K&K Designs. Early pressings are highly sought by collectors for superior sound quality. The album has been reissued multiple times, including a 2012 deluxe edition with bonus material. American pressings via Island Records vary slightly in mastering. Collectors should note that original 1995 vinyl pressings command premium prices, particularly audiophile-quality copies. The 2013 vinyl reissue remains readily available and represents good value while maintaining strong sound quality.
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