1998. I was 32, disillusioned with empty partying, booze and questionable sex, coping with reduced expectations, bitter about the bad relationships I’d got myself into, just generally jaded. One day, browsing the new releases, I happened upon this CD with a rather unsettling cover.
I’d never heard of Pulp but decided to buy This Is Hardcore anyway, because of and in spite of that cover art. Looked dark, and I was in a dark place, so why not?
I had no idea how deeply I would relate to the music within but oh, did I ever. No need to be coping with fame, it still hit multiple bullseyes. I still love the album and think it’s incredibly insightful about just about everything it touches on, even though I don’t relate to it in the same way now.
I would soon devour the rest of Pulp’s music as they became an all-time favourite and, at times, a full-blown obsession. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live three times. And I’ll gladly do it again.