archie as jarvis
20Mar08
Not every viral phenomenon is a winner, but any bespectacled art-popper should at least get a chuckle out of this Archie-fied play on that towering indie anthem: Pulp’s “Common People.”
Although you can’t find “Common People” on eMusic, Pulpophiles might want to check 1996’s Countdown: 1992-1983, a collection of “sleazy singles, lurid B-sides and pervy album tracks.”
I feel slightly compelled to ask if anyone would disagree that this is Pulp’s greatest single, but really I’m just reminded of the eternal question: Betty or Veronica?
This shit is awesome.
I would defer to JB on whether or not it is their best single: it’s my favorite and a piece of storytelling at least on par with Nas’s “One Love” (yeah, I’ve been listening to Illmatic again).
And: Veronica. easy answer.
Perhaps I should be ashamed to say it, but after an unsuccessful early-90s introduction to Pulp (His ‘n’ Hers, which I own for some reason, yet actively despise), I have steered almost completely clear of their output — that is to say, I have not to my knowledge ever heard Pulp’s version of “Common People.”
I also own the Bill Shatner / Ben Folds / Joe Jackson version, though, and I will happily support your assertion it is a great single. Is it Pulp’s greatest? I dunno.
For the record, I always preferred Veronica.
Hey! A bit off-subject, but I was wondering if emusic will be getting the Joseph Arthur EP that was released this week on Lonely Astronaut.
Betty. Veronica, while hot, would stress me out, too high maintenance.
And ‘Babies” was Pulp’s best single.
If “Common People” wasn’t such a pop-cultural phenomena, then I’d say “This Is Hardcore” was their best single. But that dimension pushes “Common People” over the top, I’d say.
I’m going to have to go with Babies and the Sisters EP containing said track as being their finest hour.
Everyone should check out Richard Hawley, who was in Pulp’s touring band, I believe. Good stuff, and pretty unknown in the US.
^^^^^^^^ Cosign * 1000. Hawley’s solo stuff is moving, tuneful and sad, especially Cole’s Corner, one of the decade’s best and most underappreciated albums.