If you know me in person, you’ve probably heard me drunkenly describe the first time I laid eyes on this man. In fact, you’d be lucky to have not heard my story at least thrice. 1995? 2am? Two teenage girls watching Rage on a Saturday night (surprisingly, we weren’t trying to get into some pub somewhere, considering the city we grew up in – only I’m allowed to bash Newcastle because I’m from there), only to be presented with a film clip for what is still one of my favourite songs, Babies.

Jarvis Cocker: this pasty, lanky man from Sheffield, what is it about him?… it’s not a traditional attractiveness; it’s a combination of about seven things (give or take a few). That awkwardness, those frantic dance moves, and of course… those flailing limbs.
You have to hand it to him, others would have given up long ago, but Jarvis stuck it out. I probably don’t need to say it, but Mr Cocker started his career as the frontman for the amazing English band, Pulp. If you are familiar with them, i reckon like me, you probably first heard them around 1995/1996? But NO! Pulp’s first gig was at a Rotherham Arts Centre in July 1980 (the month I was born – yeah scary). So really, they’d been at it 16 years until they released Different Class, causing a vast number of people to jump on the (literal) bandwagon.

My theory for why these songs are instantly likable is not just because of the catchy tunes, but because Jarvis has an amazing knack to lyric writing. He has an acute talent for writing songs with lyrics that are clearly from experience as opposed to the usual “I’m pining for lost love” or “I’ve got a girlfriend, she’s super lovely, she’s not yours, you lose” drivel. These are all songs that the average person can identify with in some way or another. Another thing that I’m sure I mention a lot, is that I love the fact that if you happen to be listen to any Jarvis-written songs on earphones… you have to be quite careful who you sing out loud (and how loud) in front of…. “so she bought a toy that can reach the places he never goes“.

I can’t help but think that if Pulp kept on going at it, it wouldn’t have ended gracefully in any way (although I’ll probably get physically beaten for saying that Pulp aren’t together anymore by a certain crazed Pulp fan i know). Anyway, i could talk about Pulp all day…. the purpose of this here article today, is to talk about Jarvis and his solo albums.

Jarvis

Just when we’d all thought we’d never hear from him again 2007 saw the release of Jarvis’s debut solo album… imaginatively named “Jarvis“. It’s brilliant because of the fact that the tracks are not too different to Pulp, both musically and lyrically, but it’s also great because it’s just Jarvis, no frills. That’s right… you still have to think twice before singing some of the lyrics out loud in public places around pensioners, but there’s also excessive potential for some of that old school loungeroom underpants dancing we all love (well… I love).

The songs themselves are less poppy than Pulp, a bit more laid back and slightly depressive. Without a doubt, there are a few gems that need to be mentioned.

Dont Let Him Waste Your Time, is one that catches my attention. As a “lady” who is getting on a bit and being occasionally hassled by a certain nanna who is constantly wondering “am i going to ever see you get married?”, the lyrics of this song grab me, and more than anything, make me laugh. I think nanna and Jarvis could have a good conversation about the topic though.

Black Magic is another that stands out. This song has probably the best chorus on the album. It’s one that slightly sneaks up on you. The versus are quiet and minimalist, but the chorus then hits you, loudly…. nice. Gosh, I’m listening to the album as i write this and although i loved the album before, I’m listening and picking up on things I’d never noticed before.

The song that only made is as the “secret song” at the end of the album is probably one of my favourites. Even though it contains the only word i will not say out loud, Cunts Are Still Running The World, is both catchy and speaks the truth lyrically. It’s true, when are nice people going to get a look in?

“Sometimes a well chosen swear word is the only thing that will do” Well put, Mr Cocker.

Jarvis Cocker – Angela

Jarvis Cocker

The newer album, Future Complications, is his second helping. I realise that it’s not overly new anymore, but with Jarvis imminent arrival on our fair shores someone needs to mention it (although, I’m sure I’m not the first). Further Complications is much the same as the previous album. With all those years of musical experience, there’s not a whole lot of growing musically that Jarvis can do. He’s got the whole “writing catchy songs” thing down pat. I would like to say that Further Complications has a different feel to Jarvis, it’s slightly more dramatic sounding. More of those sad sounding minor chords, slower and more quiet.

The first single, Angela, hated by some, loved by others, could easily be a Pulp song. In my opinion, it’s quite danceable, but the element that makes it Pulp-esque is the subject matter. “Making four-fifty an hour, Complimentary shower” Is it what I think it’s about? (I’m always the first person to miss the point)

I must admit though, reluctantly, that there are a few songs on Further Complications that almost bore me (this is a product of my lack of attention span rather than the songs actually being boring). Slush is long and slow. It’s not a bad song by any means, it’s just a bit too mellow for it’s own good. You’re In My Eyes…. what’s going on there? My dislike of this song could have something to do with the disco-ness of it all. Admittedly, it is quite danceable, so it claws back a few points in that respect.

Listening to both of these albums, I feel as though I’m slightly seeing into the private life of Jarvis. I wonder “Did fat children really take his life?”. But what about the beard, Jarvis? That’s the real question.

Tour dates?.. oh yeah, he’s coming to Australia…

9 Nov – Village Underground, London

10 Nov – Village Underground, London

11 Nov – Village Underground, London

2 Dec – Town Hall (Wellington), Wellington

4 Dec – Powerstation, Auckland

5 Dec – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane

7 Dec – Metro (Sydney), Sydney

8 Dec – Metro Freo, Perth

10 Dec – HQ, Adelaide

11 Dec – Forum (Melbourne), Melbourne

12 Dec – Meredith Festival, Meredith