hits

Looks like we opened a real can of worms when we asked you what you thought of the track listing! Pulponline responses in black. Additional comments from the group in bold black.

Track listing: Babies / Razzmatazz / Lipgloss / Do You Remember the First Time? / Common People / Underwear / Sorted for E's & Wizz / Disco 2000 / Something Changed / Help The Aged / This is Hardcore / A Little Soul / Party Hard / The Trees / Bad Cover Version / Sunrise / The Last Day of the Miners' Strike (new song).

NB: All mixes are the ones that appeared on the albums.

I'm listening to Pulp Hits at the moment - and I have to say all cynicism goes out the window - I love this album - the songs sound wonderful together like this, it should be #1. I felt very unexpectedly emotional when I saw Russell's picture on the last page of cd booklet.

I like the new song, strangely enough it reminds me of the Happy Mondays. Very nice to hear Pulp using a more synthy squelchy sound again! Hopefully it's an indication of things to (eventually) come. Also, it reminds me of Countdown. (The Pulp song not TV show.)

Bought "hits" yesterday and its tre-fuckin-mendous. Just got the internet and my god are some people very ungrateful about the compilation. This album produces more happy hormones than 20 mars bars! All the songs are classic Pulp and upbeat. Can't believe the amount of people moaning about the track listing, pulp are fuckin phenomenal. The new song is superb, the lyrics, music, everything. The only negative thing is in the booklet, the picture of Russell. He could do with a haircut. Can't wait 4 the dvd. Pulp are brilliant. Very amusing story by Harland Miller

As I listened to the likes of Babies and A Little Soul for the 73rd time I waited eagerly for the one brand new song, possibly the last ever this amazing group will ever record. The verdict? Absolutely spellbinding.

I can't believe the number of people bangin on about the lack of new material, if it was full of new songs it would be a new fuckin album not a greatest hits compilation! I think it's a great mix, I think people who know Pulp for songs such as CP, Something Changed and Disco 2000 will go out and buy it and find themselves loving tracks like Razzamatazz and Lipgloss that they maybe haven't heard before. Pulp have given me so many great times and I hope there'll be more to come in the future. I'm sure they must have for all of these people who are bitchin now, so what I suggest is you stop fuckin moanin and say thankyou for once instead!

It makes good sense for Pulp to release their hits from the past 10 years as one compilation. Come on, everyone else does it. If they don’t want to include ‘Mis-Shapes’, fair enough. Jarvis never wanted it as a single in the first place, they only released it because Island feared ‘Sorted’ alone wouldn’t get too much airplay. ‘Last Day of the Miners’ Strike’ is fab and I can see why it is the last song on the compilation. Not too sure about the rest of the tracklisting though, when you have songs in a particular order, it limits what can be achieved (didn’t Jarvis learn anything from Scott Walker) but then again, we can program our CD players.

If the band don't like / are tired with Mis-shapes - fine. There are many songs (not Pulp tracks, I hasten to add), that I liked five years ago which now, I'm embarrassed even to think I liked them. Times change and I guess for Pulp, 'Something (has definitely) Changed'.

You lot should be grateful that the band have gone back into the studio to record a new track for the album. Imagine what would have happened if they hadn't ... Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and yes, I'm a bit disappointed that certain tracks did not make the grade, however when you look at it, it is the ideal album to buy if you don't have all the tracks.

Hurrah for Pulp! Hurrah for their best of! For a hits album it is one of the better ones around purely because Pulp released so much ace stuff. True, I would have liked David's Last Summer sneaking on but the chances of that were slim (when I say slim I really mean nil). As for those out there complaining that it's too 'popularist' or a 'sell out'... kids, this ain't designed for us. It's designed for the folk out there who have heard good things about Pulp but are unsure as to where to start. They'll get this, enjoy heartily the epic, anthemic songs and then run out and buy the other albums (we hope). Congrats to Nick Banks for his amusing retorts and healthy realism. Anything that cements Pulp's greatness in the eyes of the general public is alright by me. Or would you rather we be all elitist and obscure, hoarding our secret and watching sniggering as the general public buy crap pushed out by the likes of Gates and Young? The only hope for humanity is to spread the word of ace music as quickly as possible. This best of will do that.

I'd just like to say that i think that Pulp's forthcoming Hits compilation has a pretty good tracklisting, and I'd agree with most of the tracks chosen. It's pretty much what i expected anyway, and i can't wait to get a copy!

Is it me or are some people misunderstanding the whole point of Pulp: Hits? The word "Hits" to me suggests a compilation of singles which did (reasonably) well in the Top 40 charts. Also it is an Island release, and Island do not own the copyright to songs from pre-1990(ish). The Pulp sections in record stores are already overflowing with various compilations from the Fire era, but there is not one compilation album featuring tracks from the four Island albums. I think the tracks are a good spread of Pulp songs from 1992-2002. I don't see why "hardcore" fans have a problem with track omissions, because they'll already have the album/single with those tracks on anyway. I think this collection is aimed at a wider audience, those people who quite like Pulp but not enough to have bought the individual albums.

People, people, people this is an inimitable collection of songs via an inimitable act; honestly, just try naming another British artist of the last decade which has consistently provided the charts with subversive, scene-launching alt-music with wit, fashion and soul all-inclusive... Hits may miss out some great moments, but with a band such as Pulp, its unlikely that a mere 70-minutes would ever have been enough to house an ideal track-listing to suit everyone's tastes Look at that list of songs again and see the truth the band that we fell in love with. So, stop the bitching, and get buying if only to pass your copy on to someone still unconverted.

I hadn't noticed before but there's no Mis-shapes surely in a hits album the 2nd biggest selling single (and for that matter the best song) should be on it or is this just another example of pulp moving into the middle-upper classes and not wanting to offend any of their new audience, the lack of 'Common People' as in the proper version not the crappy new upbeat thing seems a further indication of their desire to join a 'different class'. Gone are the almost revolutionary words of a band determined to change the world and in it's place comes another group of Manic Street Preachers style sell outs. For God sake Pulp remember where you came from. What the fuck are you on about?? Mis shapes is not on the LP 'cos Jarv thinks its shit, fair do's. Sorry this offends. The idea that songs can be easily categorized into how good they are by simply the number of sales is ludicrous; How shite 'Little Girl' must be!!! The notion that the Mis shapes omission is a move to placate easily offended 'middle class' tastes makes me howl (what is this 'new' audience by the way then??) What new upbeat version of CP have you heard? (was the orig downbeat??), its news to me....I think that the only world Pulp were trying to change was their own, if you came along for the ride too then well done. Pulp come from Sheff, Roth & Chesterfield. (NB)

Pulp could release some 500 track box set monstrosity and people would still bitch....oh well.

There's not much you can expect from a "hits" or "best of" album except just that. We would all like to see our personal faves on there but tough shit. I think it's amazing that they are putting a new track on there in the first place, you don't see many bands do that. Like some one commented before...if you don't like it make your own mix tape. I can't wait to buy it though! Good to see some sensible fans coming out of the woodwork... (NB)

I may be missing something but what on earth did anybody expect from a Pulp Hits album??? How shocking is it that they should fill the album with well, Pulp hits! We all have our own personal favourites but (criminal as it may be) - they weren't all 'hits' exactly were they? I think as a hits album it's pretty much spot on and we couldn't reasonably have expected any different. And surely the fact that they managed to sneak in one new track is a bonus which I personally will be happy to pay for.

I've just read the comments about the hits album on the web site and I'm frankly astounded by some of the views there and can understand Nick's frustration. For years I've expected a greatest hits package, it happens to anyone who has more than 3 hits sooner or later. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence would surely realise that in Pulp's case this would always be heavily influenced by the His N Hers/ Different Class period. This album is not really for us, it is for those unfortunate to have stopped buying after the release of Help The Aged. No doubt at some later stage we can expect a retrospective with a few rarities, but in the mean time I guess we'll have to make to with the albums, the hits package, the singles and the 4000 CDs licensed by Fire, all of which seem to contain My Legendary Girlfriend and Little Girl With Blue Eyes. Ho hum. The 'Anthology' (4 want of a better title) would have to be an elaborate affair, perhaps a bit like an archaeological dig, the further down you go through b-sides and LP tracks you would eventually reach rarely heard bits and pieces, from way back when. Each separate CD would need to be chronological. God help us. (NB)

Folks should indeed be celebratory that one of our favourite acts from the years has made it to another milestone, albeit much like the Mercury Music prize one that means actually very little and is just to generate revenue for music labels and a wee bit of interest in a band. What IS however nice is that finally there is a new "definitive" Pulp compilation out, not some unofficial crap with crap liners and crap art thrown out by a crap label (Fire, etc) to capitalise on a band destined for better things. All in all, what even the doubters must remember is that in 10 years time some kid who's getting into music is going to borrow their mate's Pulp: Hits CD and think "fuck, this is ace" about a handful of the tracks, and then that's when they'll discover the true glory of the band, as they dive into the Pulp back catalogue and discover all the classics like My Legendary Girlfriend, Countdown, Mile End that we've been enjoying over the last ten years.

I cannot believe the amount of people moaning! To all those who say "But I already have all these records" DUH! Clearly you don't need this one then do you?! And it's obviously not aimed at you is it?! To all those who say "Where's (insert 15 year old fire song that nobody would know)" and "Where's (insert equally obscure b-side)". SHUT UP! This is a HITS album, which contains HITS and only HITS, i.e, records that shifted copies, cos people liked em! All the greatest rock n roll bands have compilations like this. Fuck, it's how I discovered half of em! Pulp should put out one too, cos they too, are a great rock n roll band. Now shurrup moaning!

I'm quite shocked by the hostile response. It's a pretty good hits compilation. Good to see the mighty Lipgloss. I was sort of hoping it'd be a full Pulp retro thing, in which case I'm disappointed not to see any of the incredible narrated-ish tracks on there - notably Deep Fried in Kelvin, David's Last Summer, I Spy, Seductive Barry or the truly majestic best Pulp song ever ever ever Wickerman. 'Cos, apart from obviously being better, those are the kind of songs that make Pulp stand apart and different for me. But it'll be fun to dance to, and what else is there?

Which bit of "HITS" do people fail to understand? The tracks are pretty much what you would pick out as the hits from the last 24 years. Of course the anticipation of it is as exciting as waiting at Pond St. for a bus to Dronfield on a wet Sunday afternoon. What else did you expect? If you want to listen to all the obscure b-sides spend your 17 quid on an extended record/charity shop tour and you might find what you want.

This was always going to be a basic hits album, the only stuff being the songs recorded with Island or the Gift tracks owned by Island. The older tracks are still owned by their old labels, they were never gonna bother trying to negotiate even more deals to put the older tracks on were they? Also I'm a bit peeved about Mis-Shapes not being selected over Underwear. Underwear not a single, so why's it on there? So just because Jarv likes this B-Side it means it's okay does it? Yep.

It's strange and slightly sad to see Pulp finally adhering to the compilation market- you'd think they'd have been a bit loathe to, considering the amount of shitty, continually repackaged, flog-it-while-you-can 'best of' albums Fire has licensed over the years. Also, the track listing offers nothing new to fans aside from one track, but they can rest assured the fans'll buy it. Although, on the positive side, maybe it'll prove a useful introduction to the group for some unfamiliar- but I think that that is a very unlikely case- new fans would be hard to come by these days.

Why the bollocking bloody hell isn't Mis-Shapes there? That's their third biggest hit isn't it? Double A with the admittedly more popular Sorted, a no.2 like Common People, Jeez, Mis-Shapes is vital! Surely its just a typing error, they haven't seriously left it off? No, really? Really.

Just a quick note to say that it's a bit depressing to read comments from so-called Pulp "fans" absolutely slating the compilation! For God's sake, it's a hits collection so why should it contain rare and B-side tracks?! Like some of you say, you've got the tracks already so don't buy it! But I'm sure there will be some dedicated Pulp fans out there (like me) who will support their favourite band without question.

hi, ace track listing except 4 "a little soul" and u have have to put in " the fear" its a masterpiece. It would be really cool if the cd had a really ace sleeve something like "this is hardcore"? The artwork is nothing like Hardcore, sorry.

I have to agree its a sell out to the record company and not too exciting for Pulp fans, but to leave out The Fear is a crime. I know it was never a single but that is one of the biggest mistakes made. Pulp make great songs but the real gems never seem to see the light of day. The Trees and Party Hard are two of the worst songs they ever made and yet they are there. I don't know who picks the tracks, but they don't seem to understand Pulps strengths. If they did then we could re-write the last four years. If you think not having The Fear as a single was a crime then you would string yourself up if you heard some of the gems that don't even make the albums.....Single choice is generally by committee, i.e. Record Company, Management and band preferences all are taken into account. Obviously some voices have more weight than others (mentioning no names), so we can all take a portion of blame somewhere along the line....then again we all have different tastes etc... Re-writing the last four years (or 24 for that matter) is a pointless exercise....mind you writing the next four.....get started. (NB)

I think the track listing should be revised because many fans already have their more recent albums. It should include more songs before His 'N' Hers and at least one more new song. Also, the compilation title Pulp: Hits is not good enough. A more catchy name can attract non-fans to buy the compilation. No pleasing some people!

Brilliant track listing. Glad to see Razzmatazz, and Something Changed. There are a few that I would have like to have seen like Pink Glove, Monday Morning and She's a Lady, but you can't please everyone. Message to all picky pulp fans out there, If you don't like it, make your own compilation tape. Hurrah!

I think everyone's being a bit harsh, it does exactly what it says on the tin, all the Island (ish) singles in chronological (ish) order, they way these things should be. There's a big differences between best ofs (should be a wide scope but usually end up being lazy singles albums - I'm looking at you, Blur) and greatest hits (the clue being in the title). I think it'll make a good retrospective, even if there have been some questionable singles choices over the years. I'll buy it, i always do get these things. We could argue the selection until the cows come home. Nice to have a pleased response, cheers.

I hope the new track is released as a single. If it isn't, then Pulp fans (who presumably own all or most of the other tracks) will have to fork out for an entire album, just for one song. This is the kind of thing which encourages people to download songs from the internet, which is supposedly going to destroy the music industry. You go ahead and download.. It seems to me we will be saving fans cash by not releasing it as a single . They 'd all complain that it was a rip off cos they'd all have to buy the single to keep the collection sweet........plus a new b-side.......can't be much fun being a fan these days....(NB)

What about "Stacks" ? It's not a "hit" but it should've been.

And why wasn't the other new song included? don't say space restrictions - what difference is one extra track going to make? The total time comes to over 76'30, so there would have been no space for another track. Something would have had to be taken off which would have resulted in more "why oh why isn't track X included" emails. You (clearly) can't please everyone.

I think they should take off underwear and put OU on. Although I've just noticed Mis-Shapes is missing too - why is that? Because it isn't very good?

THE FEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!

how about including one of the main highlights of the trainspotting CD and their best b-side ever: MILE END!!!!!!!! See the first comment....

A pretty uninspired listing, too much from This is Hardcore and no early stuff. The new song better be good or I can't see this disc setting the charts alight - and lets face it that's all greatest hits albums are meant to do, earn Stacks..... There is very little reason here for the fans to buy it - we've got all these songs already - Can anyone name me a group that has had 10 years of hit records and not had a hits compilation out?? Why is everyone so shocked?? (NB)

Almost all songs are from last 4 albums. What about "Don 't You Want Me Any More", "Death 2","Countdown", "My legendary Girlfriend"? This is a typical "Singles Collection". .It is called 'hits' you know , 'Lipgloss' being one of those is included, the others shall be held in reserve for the real sellout/cash in/rip off the fans record / Anthology / Best Of that will flood the shops via Island records in the future. I'm sure that will really piss you off. (NB)

I definitely think you should add Dishes, Mis-Shapes, and The Birds in Your Garden.

Party Hard is their worst single although great to see Sunrise on there. More thought and more tracks (non Different Class) would have been better value for money

Will the album have any special bonus cd (Like "Second Class" or "This is Glastonbury")? No

Cool news - will Miner's Strike get a single release? No - there are no plans for any singles now.

I noticed the glaring omission of "Born to Cry" and "Like a Friend".. I mean, they were not released as singles nor were they exactly big hits.. ...So you've just answered your own question!

why why why? Why no Cuckoo Song? It's a Hits album, not an obscure unreleased songs album...

Glad they included stuff like Razzmatazz, Lipgloss, but I'm sad they "missed" the fear, Minnie Timperley, Seconds would be great.

What about that last song? is it something new or just something i missed? Yep, it's a brand new song

I was hoping for Mile End to be added to an album at some point so I don't have to keep getting the single out to hear it

Where's O.U. (Gone, Gone)? Sadly not there...

17 quid for four minutes of new music? Yeah, cheers. Don't worry though, we'll all be there in December to provide bums on seats for Steve's vanity project. You're too kind to us, you really are. Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out." You are adults and you can choose not to bite the shitty cock of satan by purchasing the said LP. If you are a complete-ist then GET A LIFE . Should you still need that elusive 'NEW' track then rip it off the internet or tape it off one of the complete-ists mentioned earlier. Or buy secondhand when everyone is fed up with it. (NB)

People do moan don't they. I think its a pretty good collection for people who haven't got the singles. Fans will already have all the songs they want. And if fans are worried about missing the new song then they can download it or tape it off someone! And as for the "Auto is Steve's vanity project" comment surely that should read "Classic line up in the most interesting venue I've ever heard of!" I'm sure that's what he meant - Ed.

I really would like a B-side collection, it's so hard go get your hands on those songs, and to have my opinion, I think a few of the best pulp-songs are B-sides... though I love the other songs too... I agree - would make for an interesting album. There are no plans for one though.

A pretty good hits collection, My Legendary Girlfriend should be on it, it was a minor hit wasn't it. My Legendary Girlfriend ain't on it 'cos its Fire records...(NB)

It comes over as a bit of a sell out in some ways for me. I accept it is to hit the Christmas market as a Greatest hits package to sell millions of copies but it is so obviously appealing to that mass market the Pulp fan base likes to keep so precious about. I would have loved to have seen the old time favourites represented.. and maybe a track listing decided by fans vote. After all, where's Acrylic Afternoons, Mile End, Feeling Called Love, Live Bed Show. Omission of these is a crime. I am a PULP man of course, but can't see how this will add anything to my collection at all. I always like to think of Jarvis as outside of the mainstream, but this kind of package moves him away from the quirky pop genius we know and love so well, pandering to the record company. I suppose a collection like this moves also dangerously moves them closer into the clutches of Middle and upper class England who think they are being so trendy and alternative by buying this! And sadly I imagine it sitting there next to their Simply Red Greatest Hits! (Andy Chivers, SE London) I agree with you Andy, and all I can suggest is that you stick by your guns and if you feel you don't need it, don't buy it... Nick Banks replies: Yeah it probably is a sell out, but you could argue that putting any records out at all is 'selling out', and its not half as much fun being in a band that does not put out records. I know I've tried. People from all social strata buy compilation records. Just because it is all together on one package does not lessen its ace-ness . Granted hits packages can take the shine off a group one has held in great esteem for a long time but like shingles and turkey skin neck it comes to us all.....its not that much of a big deal really. You would never find Pulp next to Simply Red 'cos middle class types would have their Hits compilations all neatly placed alphabetically so we would be next to Queen. Great.

What, no "My Legendary Girlfriend"? No "Little Girl"? All I can say is that I hope the artwork is good - otherwise I doubt too many people (in the fanclub) will be happy about buying it purely for the one new song.