This Is Hardcore - Pulp > Reviews > I like the hard stuff!

Author's product rating:   

Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money

Advantages:	It'll get rid of the teenyboppers !
Disadvantages:	Can be difficult to listen to initially (but it's worth it)

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I bought this album on the day of it's release, knowing that it was 'darker' than previous albums, but curious to see what Pulp would turn there hands to next. Having lost inspirational guitarist Russell Senior, claming that it was no longer cool to be in Pulp, a new direction was needed. Pulp knew that some of the fans wouldn't like it, but I think that they did it for their own sanity! Title track This Is Hardcore is simply amazing, its dark and sleazy, yet sounds great with a fantastic string arrangement and lyrics like "This is what men is stained raincoats pay for". Pulp do show some of their old charm, most notably on tracks Party Hard and I'm A Man. Also the song Glory Days is fantasic, it was released as a B-side with very different lyrics attacking Tony Blairs Labour goverment under the name of "Cocaine Socialism" on the A Little Soul single.
Buy this album if you are a fan of some of Pulps darker songs (FEELING CALLED LOVE) and if you see it with the Live at Glastonbury CD that it was coupled with.