Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications

It took me a while to come around to Pulp back in the days of my college radio stewardship, but I did and it was because of JC’s soothing voice and his debaucherous tales of the underbelly. His first solo record, “Jarvis,” left a lot to be desired though and while “Further Complications” is a leap in the right direction I still can’t fully recommend it.

The record’s sound is aggressive in a strange 1990s alternative way and gone is the back alley lounge of the future replaced by fuzz and rough edges of the past. Barely any of the songs truly feature Cocker’s wonderful voice, which leads one to think it may be failing after years of abuse. The mix of the instruments also seems to be way forward overpowering the singer at times which is strange for such a crooner as JC. I Never Said I Was Deep comes close to offering the complex writing and performance I long for but ends up sounding more like a local band playing at the prom. Slush is my favorite track, but still only comes close not quite accomplishing the lofty ideals I have for Jarvis and at 6:28 is a bit on the long side. Another track worth noting is You’re In My Eyes (discosong), but the backup singers up the cheese factor dramatically here.

For JC fans and Pulp rememberists it’s worth a listen to remember the old days in a new light, but “Further Complications” will not make the Top 100 list this year for most. If you’re in the mood though, I recommend pouring yourself a whiskey, neat, and turning down the lights and having a drink with this common person, again.