Aborigine

“A real kitchen sink drama,” writes Jarvis in the liner notes for this track originally on the Dogs are Everywhere EP. Scenes of domestic intrigue occur all over Pulp’s discography. Later, more famous attempts displayed the musical influence of Scott Walker, David Bowie and Roxy Music; “Aborigine” is a transparent, but very good appropriation of Joy Division’s sound. There’s a relentless rhythm section and choppily dramatic guitar riffs. Jarvis, perhaps advisably, sings a one-note melody. The lyrics are dependably bleak, with a chorus of “He hates his life/ And he hates them all.” Still, “Aborigine” has a real energy, and groove, making it just a little less claustrophobic than most mid-‘80s Pulp. The song “was so called because it sounded like aboriginal music,” Jarvis later said.