This was the Number Two pop song in Britain for awhile back in 1995. It tells the tale of a well-off young lady from Greece who, who wants to do a larking about with the lower orders (we call it "slumming" in America, not an activity to promote good feelings.)
She talks a young man into introducing her to the "hoi polloi". But of course its one thing to play at being "common"; its another to really have to deal with the slight drawbacks. This tune struck a chord for me and may indeed be more relevant than ever. It was reportedly based on real request from a lady given to Pup's lead singer, Jarvis Crocker.
It has also been covered by other bands and, sadly, is probably better known in the USA from a cover by one of the biggest musical poseurs in North America, Old Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and his foray into singing for an album called , "Has Been" about six years back. Shatner's version at least is better than his cover on "Mr. Tambourine Man" from back in the 1970's. Anyway, here's the original and more on the group:
http://www.mackers.com/pulpworld/
I love this track Doug, although I am not sure how 'common' Jarvis Cocker is? In the past I posted a live version of Common People on my own page. I think this is a great song which has just a hint of xenophobia about it, but only a hint. It also has a bit of class consciousness about it, but then again only a bit....as you say it is a great pop song. Jarvis Cocker is a thinking man's Noel Gallagher and Pulp like Oasis represent a trend in 1990s Brit-pop which I have always had a soft spot for myself. They are still great performers. That live version of this song I mentioned is at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI3cxm6WoBI at a gig in Finsbury Park, London in 1998. I like the common people in this great performance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this really great song Doug, excellent choice!
I don't remember this song at all - maybe I'm too young lol. Like the clip.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking the live performance of the song, AA. I'm glad to see the group has such a strong following, judging by the crowd and the comments on You Tube.
ReplyDeleteYouth happens to the best of us, Iri Ani ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat must be my problem as well. I cannot remember ever hearing this song even though I am a common person. I am glad you did not post the William Shatner version. I cannot imagine he could sing in the shower let alone sing in front of the audience.
ReplyDeleteThe first place I heard it was when a common person sent me a CD. I don't think it got much radio play over here, or, as usual, I was listening to the "Car Talk" on NPR with all the other common people.
ReplyDeleteShatner doesn't so much sing as 'sing/speak' loudly--rather like his persona of the Captain Kirk who would...."break up his melodramatic monologues...into small clumps of words...to increase the .... dramatic effect!...Scotty I need...more power!"
I've always loved this song - my favourite line being "I want to sleep with Common People like you" and I said "Oh I'll see what I can do!"
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Ian! That is so droll of the guy.
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