Pulp - Common People Reaction! (I Can't Believe I've Never Heard This!)

[@ptrip5182]

Jarvis will forever be a hero for getting arrested for taking the piss out of Michael Jackson's messiah complex at the Brits. Legend!

[@myBquest]

As a fan of MJ's music, I'm with Jarvis on this. Whatever Michael did after his third studio album was loaded with this image if himself as a saviour of some kind, and it was ridiculous and took all of the humility out of him, idk how much money he gave to charity. That moment at the Brits is one of the best things I've seen happened on a live performance 😂

[@thetek2006]

This was huge in the UK and you couldn't escape it for years. The poppy "bouncy" nature of the song actually distracts from the brilliantly cutting lyrics if you're not specifically listening for them and the song races by in a happy blur.

[@lonbecker113]

That musical sarcasm of music that doesn't match the lyrics was one of the best things about Pulp, something they got from the Kinks, who were doing it in the late '60s. I have always suspected that the "Rum and Coca-Cola" line is a nod to the similar Cola line in Lola, Cocker's acknowledgement of the debt.

[@matt-fh6hb]

The lyric is a scathing take down of the British class system, Jarvis grew up in a working class area, and was himself lower middle class. When he moved south he realised just how alien the southerners were, generally, compared to the north where he came from. Being among the upper middle class and upper class he realised how they were ‘tourists’ and tried to experience working class and underclass life, as if it was fun, and it made Jarvis realise just how badly done to the working class people he grew up with were, especially the ones he refused to go on the picket with, during the miner’s strike. The girl was just really a vehicle for the narrative, though supposedly was a real person. It was a weird juxtapose where he was attracted to her and wanted to sleep with her, but was also repulsed by her ‘tourism’. It’s also a narrative against the ‘Brit pop’ movement itself, ironically, taking the inspiration from Blur’s Parklife video and showing that life in the working class wasn’t fun, it was at times desperate. Essentially, when you read between the lines, Blur were middle class lads, they were from wealthy backgrounds, and they were making a commentary on working class life and profiting from it, essentially they were ‘tourists’ too. It always amazes me that people don’t pick up on that, it isn’t all that subtle. You’re the closest I’ve seen a North American to getting what the song is about though, credit there. And also that you listened to the full album version and not the sanitised radio/tv edit was good. The way the song picks up in pace and the beat gets faster and Jarvis gets more pained in his delivery as the track reaches its climax is representative of the average night out of the working class, ending in fights and fall outs and tears, and as Jarvis wails at the end he’s mimicking the desperation of the working class in being stuck in and victim of the rigid class structure.

[@lk-music]

That whole album is sensational. I can listen to it start to finish any day, it never tires. Jarvis is a great storytelling songwriter.

[@boimboim2606]

I agree that the album is sensational

[@tomasgonzalezmarin6118]

Pulp was by far my favorite britpop band in the 90's. I still have my Different Class CD. Regards from Chile! 🙂

[@markjones127]

Great tune, this was an era when more working class people than ever before were going to University so there was that culture clash, Britpop was my University years, and I grew up on a council estate, youngest of 5 and first person in my family to ever go to University, so for a lot of people it was a big deal at the time, I studied Fine Art like Jarvis but he went to an extremely prestigious college called St Martin's in London where only the cream of the crop were accepted, but this was a tune, a lot of clubs had an alternative music night mid week at the time when Indie/Britpop/Rock/Goth/Grunge/HipHop was played and this song was played in all of the them, it was one of those tunes where the dancefloor was packed, it was a lot of fun, another fun tune from the era you should listen to is Caught by the Fuzz by Supergrass, if you haven't already of course.

[@jungatheart6359]

Spot on, and that culture clash was probably more pronounced still when I went to University in the mid-Eighties. From a similar background to you, I came across many of the type characterised in the song, not bright enough to get into the elite colleges in leafy cities so ending up in a post-industrial port and just loving the poverty tourism, darling. It was somewhat disgusting but we did have a lot of fun at their expense in return.

[@allanashford3239]

Probably one of the best live performances of any band EVER, IMO, Reading Festival 2011, the crowd were eating out of his hand when they played this, check it out

[@sj750]

Absolutely. Possibly the best live performance I've come across.

[@jarls5890]

I saw Pulp live once - at the most legendary party I've ever been to. ECTS, Sony Party, late 90's (this was a game dev/industry party). Party was at an address in some abandoned run down industrial area of London docklands. Driving into nowhere, around the corner a British APC with soldiers blocking the road. Ordering us out of the taxi and into golfcarts. Golfcarts took us into some abandoned industrial building and up several floor on a spiraling driveway. At the end - an enormous party in a huge industrial hall. Many bars, each one themed - one Metal Gear solid, one Crash Bandicoot, and so on. British army had a tent (indoors) where you could try out nightvision goggles, they would show their different guns and so (which I after thought was a bit strange considering all the drunk people). Even had a full size bumper car rink there. Everything was free. And the surprise live band of the party was Pulp - opening with common people. I remember my boss (head of game dev studio) was super drunk and climbed on top of one of those tall round tables pulled down his pants and with bare butt cheeks bent over and mooned Jarvis. He didn't flinch. =)

[@adsheff]

Yes - watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4nPdHmAdpisgpY

[@seang3019]

Glastonbury 98 for me. Made up for someone stealing my shoes.

[@neilevans4352]

@@seang3019 got my flip flops stolen in corfu in the 80,s had to walk a mile pissed over red hot tarmac never got over it lol

[@summit7051]

Oasis: "We're the best!" Blur: "We're the best!" Pulp: "While you two are busy swinging handbags at each other, we'll be the best."

[@LambriniSupernova]

Also check out Michael Jackson at the Brit Awards. Jarvis Cocker took issue with Jackos 'messiah' theme to his performance and took to the stage

[@tommyhughes2264]

This song is so dark even though its such a catchy tune.Brilliantly cutting edge lyrics.

[@VeryFinnishProblems]

You nailed the interpretation! This really is Brit pop anthem. I never get tired of listening to it 🙂👌

[@InsignificantNick]

Well, thanks! An absolute tune!

[@Neilsmu]

Yep me too

[@paularmstrong6435]

Loved pulp back in the day..jarvis was a real character...must let you know...loaded in England means very rich..keep up the good work mate

[@adsheff]

Yeah loaded means rich and fags = cigarettes.

[@MozWilde]

Another great Pulp song is Disco 2000.

[@Widmerpool99]

So many people reduce the whole Britpop thing to the confected chart battle between Blur and Oasis. Pulp (and Suede for that matter) were so superior to the both of them, it's rather embarrassing.

[@mickylove76]

Pulp and suede. Definitely there from way before the beginning, and have been there since.

[@user-xi1nm4ir7y]

Neither Pulp not Suede we’re superior to Blur, c’mon

[@ttcostadc]

What, nobody liked James?

[@nerdbot37]

@@ttcostadc James were awesome! But they pre-dated Britpop by 5 or 6 years. And the thing about Britpop was its distinct Englishness -- leaning into (instead of trying to downplay) accented voices, writing about British culture in particular, embracing English musical styles (mod, music hall, etc.). I love the music that came out of Britpop, but James transcended that genre.

[@nerdbot37]

I rather disagree. Oasis and Suede were silly, dumb rock bands emulating their heroes. Pulp were brilliant. They had influences, sure, but they created their own style. Same can be said of Blur, who are the best pop/rock band of all time. Graham Coxon will be influencing guitarists who are even born yet. And Jarvis Cocker will long be remembered as a great songwriter and charismatic frontman. Neither Brett Anderson nor the Gallagher bros will have a lasting legacy.

[@kadathsmith]

So nice to see a reaction video where you really break down the lyrics. Such an important song for my generation.

[@jasontaverner391]

One of the longest stays at "Number 2" on the UK singles chart, without going Number One. Still a legendary song in the summer of 1995. That year saw Britpop completely dominate the British Music Scene, with Oasis, Elastica, Blur, Supergrass, Menswear, Sleeper, and Radiohead taking over.

[@BernardWilkinson]

1995 was a really fine year. I went to my first ever festival, Glastonbury. It was in the middle of a drought so the weather was great. The Stone Roses were meant to play but John Squire broke his collar bone mountain biking, saw Pulp took their place, and did this album. Brilliant.

[@MrMoggyman]

This song is about something that has been going on for years. It is called class tourism. That is the wealthy slumming it with lower class poor people just for the experience. What Jarvis is emphasizing is that these tourists always have a way out, and so they can never know what it really feels like to be poor and all the issues that are associated with that condition. Poor people have no way out, they have to put up with their issues. Jarvis additionally notes that once identified, the poor can turn on class tourists. This song is the anthem of the common people. I come from common working class people. I know exactly what Jarvis is singing about. There were no ways out when my folks found themselves in difficulty and they had to struggle to survive.

[@fotoautomatmusic]

Pulp - This is hardcore. Mind blower!

[@alicemestria4373]

Best concert I’ve ever seen in my life when they reunited in 2011… still can’t forget it!! ❤️

[@Feamelwen]

It was the best one I've ever had too!

[@dirkbogarde44]

This song ruled the airwaves the year it came out in the UK.....check out the live versions at Glastonbury. Knock your socks off.

[@TSotP]

People keep saying this, but I prefer their live version from Redding Festival 2011... fucking phenomenal. And the crowd are amazing, you can hear them sing the who way through. It almost brings a genuine tear to my eye. Thays not to say the Glastonbury 95 version isn't great, because it is.

[@dirkbogarde44]

@@TSotP Both are great.

[@stevesmith9081]

I'm so glad you listened to the album version, rather than the shorter version that was released as a single. The song is a timeless classic.

[@jhoneyb]

This was voted best song the year it came out by BBC Radio 1. It's awesome.

[@YOURTECHFRIEND]

Hi insufficient Nick - just kiddin! 🤪 This video made me both cry and have even more respect for Pulp. As a Dane I knew from other live Pulp video recordings, that the song hold almost national anthem status for many Brits. But I never knew how brilliant the lyrics was untill you deciphered/ spoke them in this video. Thanks for sharing

[@Emburbujada]

You found Pulp! Congratulations! One of the best bands of the best era of britpop, and some of my favourite lyrics ;) You should have a look at their videos and/or concerts to get a better idea of who Jarvis is. This song in particular became something of a hymn in the 90s. Try Something Changed next. Or Mis Shapes if you want to sort of stay in topic...

[@transmit13]

Best Britpop band.

[@runningsuperska]

And Supergrass :)

[@danielhorgan3634]

It's a 10 out of 10 album. His n Hers has some fantastic stuff on it as well, actually I prefer His n Hers.. but they were a great band, so much m,or to them than just Common People..

[@Chief_Brody]

Do You Remember The First Time is a banger

[@danielhorgan3634]

@@Chief_Brody Deffo, the bloke reviewed that one recently I think..

[@theinvisibleneonrainbowzeb2567]

Good to see someone actually reacting to the song, giving their perspectives etc, enjoyed watching. Yeah, this song is absolutely massive here in the UK, I'd say most people would recognise it even if they didn't know the name. And the whole 'Class System' thing is still very much an issue in so many ways here, sadly. (side note, generally speaking things like with this song it isn't really 'working and middle' class together, even if the lower-middle class might be struggling a little more these days, but then the working class are struggling more so... but basically it would be working class. Middle class is separate. if that makes sense) That a song written and released I think 25 years ago now is still so relevant and relatable now, I mean it's kinda sad and telling, but at the same time it makes the song feel somewhat timeless and an absolute banger, anthem status epic track !!

[@mrdarren1045]

Yeah i think middle class means something very different in the USA than it does in the UK. Here middle class is like well educated and living in a nice detached or semi detached house with no real money problems and a decent career. Whereas in America I think it means the middling folk who here would be the working class. Below the working are the underclass... those on benefits etc with very little education and zero prospects and usually a criminal element.

[@platovaya]

Finally seeing someone with a deep understanding of things, not just laughing at the "sleep with common people" part. Great reaction!

[@mercurymachines4311]

Oh and more Pulp would be great. The have an amazing back catalogue.

[@Pilutta100]

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. Thank you. Hugs from Sweden.

[@Dannyboy.]

"I spy" (from Pulp) would be a great reaction too ! ;)

[@lk-music]

There are some dark songs on Different Class. I Spy being the darkest! It's an outstanding song, I love it.

[@danieldunne68]

"I'll see what i can do" lol.😀 outstanding.👍👍👍👍

[@mercurymachines4311]

Pulp were the best Britpop band tbh

[@thoru4367]

it'a debatable. IMO Suede is better

[@mercurymachines4311]

@@thoru4367 I love Suede but I think have an overall better body of work and more high points. I just feel lucky that I grew up in such an amazing time in music history :)

[@leefr76]

Both great bands, Suede just better for me for the masterpiece Dog Man Star.

[@jaygilllan7574]

While Pulp are often described as a Britpop band I always felt that they were better than that whole scene. They were around long before Britpop and seemed far too clever and self depreciating when compared to the other bands.

[@mercurymachines4311]

@@jaygilllan7574 indeed. It’s similar To The Smashing Pumpkins and the grunge scene.

[@paulbardon4645]

Different Class is still my most listened to album. It's pure class.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Epic song. The 90s Brit Pop era was fantastic with brilliant songs from the likes of Oasis, Blur, The Verve, Pulp & Suede. Would love to go back in time to the mid to late 90s.

[@KernowWarrior]

I love how you compared them to Blur, massive rivalry between fans. Never understood it really, I liked them both. Saw Pulp at Glastonbury, amazing.

[@mccoll78]

This is the song of Britpop imo.

[@nurulrashid4806]

Jarvis cocker is a legend nothing else needs to be said

[@MrTumshie]

I've loved this song since it came out and the album it comes from, "Different Class" is, umm, different class and loaded with great tracks. For more Pulp try "Disco 2000", "Babies" and "Do You Remember the First Time" among others. My favourite from Jarvis in his solo years is the wonderful but slightly NSFW song "Cunts Are Still Running the World". kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpWZdmSApdyAoJY

[@susannewitt6112]

What a good one. I remember I almost was out of this type of music, but they hold me back with this simple song.

[@sharonwelsh8102]

I had forgotten how good it was

[@elainecannon24]

Jarvis Cocker is a lyrical genius (on par with Morrisey tbh) and this was the best album by any Britpop band. You should react to the whole album or at least listen to it as a whole privately. JC is an amazingly weird and charasmatic frontman. His solo stuff is pretty excellent to.

[@LambriniSupernova]

Great reaction. While your on the Britpop train check out Day We Caught The Train by Ocean Colour Scene

[@mrdarren1045]

Or the riverboat song! Shame how being outed at that time basically did for their career..

[@klaxonklaxon]

The William Shatner version is magnificent

[@xxXCHELLEXXx1]

You should watch the live version of Common people, it's on a different level. Reading 2011 is so good.

[@RastaSaiyaman]

I'm not a millionaire, my parents weren't wealthy and I learned the hard way that if you want something, you have to work your tail off to get it.Added to the fact that I grew up and went to school with kids from lower and middle class and feel perfectly at home in that environment. Likewise, the friends I have in those circles recognize me as one of their own, I never have to put up a facade to fit in. It's reflected in the guitars I play, I prefer Epiphone and Squier guitars over their Gibson and Fender counterparts because I can afford them and it's what I'm familiar with. So when I read about millionaires who got into trouble with the law and are basically reduced to living life on a budget of 50 000 a week and that they consider that a "downgrade" I go "Dude are you kidding me, I live on 50 euros a week."I never understood that mindset and for the life of me, I would never want to, I'm lower middle class and perfectly fine with being so. So when this song came out it spoke to me on a very personal level about all of that. I'm one of those common people and have a very nasty aversion towards spoiled rich kids and entitled behavior.

[@Frank75288]

Easy running Rasta

[@mrdarren1045]

Middle class in the uk usually means pretty posh. It is very far from what is deemed middle class I'm the usa

[@MozWilde]

There's a great live performance of this song from Glastonbury 1995. It should still be on You Tube.

[@petegtorcan]

Dancing to this in a club was 👏👏👏👏 One of my favourite songs of all time.

[@kristareynolds7501]

Brilliant song

[@kevanwillis4571]

Good reaction/review. Thanks.

[@TT-fq7pl]

Literary legend: Fitzgerald wrote that "the rich are different from you and me." And Hemingway, thinking he was being clever, retorted "Yeah, they have more money." But Fitzgerald was thinking about the psychology of class difference, as this wonderful song also touches on.

[@supermanman9520]

an anthem for the common people, common we may be but the power to change the world resides in us.....99.9% of us are common people, we keep our heads down, we work , we survive and we hope tomorrow is a little brighter but we are pragmatic enough to deal with the truth that this is reality, we are not shiny movie stars, we are not millionaires, we are not leaders of nations.....we are the common people who make the world turn, we may not be the face of a generation but without us there is no next generation and without us the world stops turning....remember that all you common people like me

[@trevorward8496]

William shatner did a cover of this song .....check it out 😅😅😅😅

[@rubensanchezramirez7028]

One of my favorite lyrics ever

[@carlt9265]

Pulp had a proper purple patch in the uk i went to asda and bought this single the day it was released!

[@mclovin6268]

And the chips stains and the grease will come out in the bath. Best lyrics ever .🤘🏻

[@WeskerXM96E1]

You should check out Pulp's set at Glastonbury 1995. It's a awesome gig, and this is a belting tune!

[@satis1983]

The perfect song. Love this.

[@stephendanks1790]

James T.Kirk does a good version of this

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

Ok, you earned a sub for this one. You're the first person I've seen react to Pulp. Jarvis Cocker is pure sex. He's a legend. So many Pulp/Jarvis Cocker recommendations. Acrylic Afternoons, Pencil skirt, His n Hers, Dishes, This is Hardcore, Have You Seen Her Lately?, Running the World....so many great songs.

[@janicecoleman4151]

William Shatner sang this on one of his albums. Really good.

[@jabbathehut656]

Just glad you didnt listen to the short single version, as it ruins what teh song is really about by missing out the most important verse.

[@amr180671]

This is a Working Class anthem here in the UK. It's a cutting observation of class inequality

[@thoru4367]

Great reaction! Next one plz try Built to Spill - Randy Described Eternity

[@sp.8632]

If you like talking in songs, you should listen to the Ben Folds & William Shatner cover of this song.

[@richey4287]

You should react to William Shatner's (yes, Captain Kirk) cover version of this track 😁. 'I Spy' is also a great Pulp track worth reacting to 👍

[@neilsun2521]

(This song was used in the series Westworld; in season 2.)

[@arrow5599]

never heard this long version , its awesome

[@InsignificantNick]

Well good!

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

Listen to the album,I doubt you'll be disappointed!😀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@dd7aa]

Try underwear or pencil skirt. Basically the whole album's great.

[@lotuselise4432]

Used to live in Shepherds Bush when he went to St Smarties........

[@jonnno243]

Try Pulp and "Underwear"

[@traplady5783]

this song is soo good

[@angellike2234]

Jarvis go Jarvis classsssssssssssss small joke there pity its not a live performance Laughed when you said Blur they 100% never got on

[@storageheater]

I genuinely don't like Different Class as much as most of their other albums - it's got some great bits but I don't like it as a collection to listen through. The off-the-beaten-track tracks I'd recommend would be "Seconds" (from the Sisters EP, which starts with Babies) and "Cocaine Socialism" (off "A Little Soul.") They have quite a lot more going on than you'd expect for B-sides! Obviously it will get no views though, lol

[@leefr76]

Finish off a Britpop week this Thursday with One to another by The Charlatans, you will thank me afterwards!

[@dd7aa]

The only one I know. Loved that one.

[@mrdarren1045]

The only one I know is by far their best work. One to another is the epitome of mediocre.

[@billtomlin9954]

If you’re into the mid 90s British bands then you should listen to Ocean Colour Scene. Start with the riverboat song - you won’t look back.

[@mrdarren1045]

Damn shame how being outed back then basically did for their careers. OCS were absolute class in the mid 90s.

[@traplady5783]

Jarvis is the best storyteller

[@DIDCOTTWIST]

Album version with extra verse 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bryanforis1839]

Very pop music still it get you with the music

[@slappedhappy9549]

Great!Love Pulp ??Love SOFT CELL! 🔥 Thanx Nick!

[@viceroyzh]

William Shatner (aka James T. Kirk) did a nice version of this song.

[@dd7aa]

The one about being out in the fields? Can't remember the name. Anyway great album.

[@MrTumshie]

That sounds like "Sorted For E's and Whizz".

[@andysibley1]

Q: Who was best, Blur or Oasis? A: Pulp.

[@InsignificantNick]

I'm a huge Oasis fan and it's hard to disagree.

[@wangchi_]

Bonus point: Supergrass

[@tdamtoft]

Try James "Sit Down".

[@peadarruane6582]

Agreed.. another great anthem of frustration of the disposed..... James and Pulp are two of my favourite bands

[@seeyouinhellyeowie3865]

Should watch the live performance from reading 2011

[@stonelyfans592]

Great video bro

[@thecookreporting]

Fun song at the time, but quite deep now

[@nerdbot37]

*She studied /sculpture/ at St. Martin's College.

[@slappedhappy9549]

Not TAINTED LOVE! ‚ENTERTAIN ME...‘ is best of Soft Cell! Marc Almond solo is so good.Know you‘d like it!🤩

[@romber58]

Don,t be self-conscious about saying "ahhm".The french do it all the time while speaking their language.It is 100 times less annoying than saying "like" every second or third word.lol.

[@jamescockings6852]

The whole Different Class album is a classic form Pulp but slightly off topic have you heard William Shatner’s version of this track?

[@Roddy1965]

William Shatner has a great version of this, btw.

[@BernardWilkinson]

A top album.

[@holldolldee7582]

Can you react to The Stone Roses-I am the resurrection please

[@donpeace894]

First time hearing also - epic

[@mariarosso3890]

Pulp! Yeah! or yes!

[@sofiapoteranska9512]

❤️

[@neilsun2521]

I prefer the radio edit of this. It doesn't have the 2nd verse/section. It was better as a short and sweet song. (If i remember correct.)

[@StGeorgeCross21]

Its classed as working class not lower class in the UK

[@MrJambot]

Razzamatazz or Babies please!

[@uncletung]

do u remember the first time?