Jarvis Cocker has never been one to bite his tongue, and when it comes to the term “Britpop,” he’s making it crystal clear: he’s never liked it — and he’s not about to start now.
In a new interview with the UK’s NME celebrating Pulp’s long-overdue return with More — their first album in nearly a quarter-century — the frontman didn’t hold back when asked about the current wave of ‘90s indie nostalgia that’s rolling across the UK like it’s 1995 again. Oasis are back, Supergrass and Suede are selling out shows, and the press has been quick to slap the Britpop tag back on everything. Cocker, as always, isn’t having it.
“I’ve always hated that word. I would never willingly associate myself with it,” he said, with the kind of low-key disdain only Jarvis can deliver. “It felt like a revolution was coming before that label kicked in — indie bands breaking into the mainstream, doing their own thing. Then it all got lumped into one naff word.”
Still, he’s not totally cynical about the renewed interest in that era. If people are feeling inspired by the energy of those years, he’s all for it. “If that kind of attitude is coming back, then I would be very excited about it,” he said. “Just not the ‘BP’ word – it’s a terrible word.”
Naturally, the conversation drifted to Oasis and their blockbuster reunion tour. Jarvis, ever the gentle shit-stirrer, said he wouldn’t mind catching a show. “If I can get on the guestlist, I’d love to see what they do,” he joked.
Pulp, meanwhile, are in the thick of their own comeback — fresh off the release of More and launching a massive UK and Ireland tour. The new album is a cinematic, synth-soaked evolution of their classic sound, and while it nods to the past, it’s not stuck there.
Call it Britpop, don’t call it Britpop — Cocker doesn’t care. Just don’t expect him to wear the label.
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