See, I always thought that while Glory Days is on the album, Cocaine Socialism was preferred by hardcore (ha!) fans, and writers like Owen Hatherley and Mr Pulp himself Mark Sturdy.
And Pulp themselves seemed to agree! But then, lo and behold, Glory Days was revived at Bridlington in the band's first gig since 2012.
So time to reopen this old debate. Which do you prefer - Glory Days, or Cocaine Socialism? And more importantly, why?
-- Edited by lipglossed on Thursday 13th of July 2023 11:11:57 AM
Have to say I prefer Cocaine Socialism for its lyrics, but getting my girlfriend into Pulp for this tour her favourite out of the whole back catalogue was Glory Days. She said it was the melody and the message of the song. Made me reappraise it, definately a much more beautful song than I gave it credit for.
See, I always thought that while Glory Days is on the album, Cocaine Socialism was preferred by hardcore (ha!) fans, and writers like Owen Hatherley and Mr Pulp himself Mark Sturdy.
And Pulp themselves seemed to agree! But then, lo and behold, Glory Days was revived at Bridlington in the band's first gig since 2012.
So time to reopen this old debate. Which do you prefer - Glory Days, or Cocaine Socialism? And more importantly, why?
-- Edited by lipglossed on Thursday 13th of July 2023 11:11:57 AM
Cocaine Socialism is much more of its Cool Britannia time, New Labour and all that, so maybe less likely to get wheeled out decades later. I don't think history is repeating itself quite as much as this Tweet thinks, hopefully most of it, but not the Cool part.
I can never choose between things, does my head in, I like both for different reasons.
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We'll use the one thing we've got more of, that's our minds.
If you'd asked me 10 years ago, I'd have said Cocaine Socialism, beyond a doubt. I always felt Glory Days fizzled out at the end and went limp - after "These glory days can take their toll..." and quite liked the corresponding "You can be just what you want to be just as long as you don't try to compete with me" (and while the song sums up the Blairite era this sentence also resonates with life situations, and prob with later incarnations of the party too, and prob will ad infinitum "and we've waited such a long time... tow the party line"). I also felt it was more upbeat, I certainly listened to it more. I did always like both and GD was an early favourite of mine on TIH.
However, the past few years (well, 13) have been so horrendously abysmal from a political perspective, and just when you think it can't get worse, it does. The world has moved on so much it feels dated, though it did capture the time.
Plus, it was so good to hear Glory Days at Brid. I also really appreciate the opening bars more, it evokes more emotion. Def hope to hear it again in Sheffield. I may call it a draw.
I've voted for Cocaine Socialism. I love the lyrics to both and can happily listen to both songs. What swings it for me perhaps is the backing vocals towards the end of CS. I love those. I probably prefer Jarvis' vocals on it too.
I'm very prone to nostalgia though and I'm liking the sound of that video montage that may accompany Glory Days live. I can't find said video on YouTube. If anyone has a link let me know. I found this tour a lot more reflective but maybe that's because I'm a lot older this time around myself
Edit: I just saw that video montage from a clip from Cardiff. Lovely compilation.
-- Edited by Jean on Thursday 13th of July 2023 10:56:33 PM
In the past I would have said Cocaine Socialism but hearing them play Glory Days at Brid has given it a new lease of life for me.
CS is great lyrically but its very much of its time now. Glory Days feels more relevant and Im finding more depth to it now than I did previously.
Glory Days, always Glory Days. One of Jarv's finest lyrics.
Oh and I could be a genius If I just put my mind to it And I, I could do anything If only I could get round to it Oh, we were brought up on the space race, Now they expect you to clean toilets When you've seen how big the world is How can you make do with this? If you want me I'll be sleeping in Sleeping in throughout these glory days
Like others on this Id have said Cocaine Socialism before the gigs, but as theyre playing Glory Days at a time like this, its brought it a new lease of life and finally meant something to me. seeing an audience cheer whilst Jarvis and the band play a song that doesnt sound as good compared to Cocaine Socialism studio wise but when played in front of an audience brings something else to it has really changed what i think. I think im still torn between the two
