Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis

Jarvis Cocker may just be the most charming man currently recording music. Maybe it's his penchant for clever word play, his ability to turn daily observations into delightfully witty pop songs, or his playful artwork (Printed on the CD are quick bits of wit like: "Warning! Jarvis should not be used as a sedative or an accompaniment to exercise."). Or maybe it's just his accent. Jarvis is the Pulp-frontman's first foray into the universe of full-length solo recording. Naturally, Pulp fans will want to know: Is solo Jarvis Cocker as good as Pulp? A greater critic might attempt to answer that question, but not I. Instead of focusing on what's not here—in this case, Jarvis' old band—let us turn our attention to the music itself. The irresistible "Black Magic" samples Tommy James and the Shondells' classic "Crimson and Clover" to make this one of Jarvis' catchiest, most memorable moments. "I Will Kill Again," a simple piano ballad, starts out teeny-tiny in the verses and crescendos to a soaring chorus. Elsewhere, "Disney Time" opens with classic Jarvis dirtiness: "How come they're called 'adult movies' when the only thing they show is people making babies filmed up close?" If, perhaps, "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time" and "Baby's Coming Back to Me" sound a little familiar, maybe that's because these Jarvis-penned tunes originally popped up on Nancy Sinatra's 2004 self-titled record. "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time" is just as biting and fun here as it was on Sinatra's record, partly due to Jarvis' trademark lyrical snark: "'Cuz the years fly by in an instant and you wonder what he's waiting for. Then some skinny bitch walks by in some hot pants, and he's a-running out the door." "Baby's Coming Back to Me," however, receives a sonic makeover for its appearance on Jarvis complete with a beautiful percussion track (everyone enjoy the oh-so-summery marimba) that lends the track a haunting grace. Thinking of leaving Jarvis party early? Well, don't. Be sure to stay tuned for the hidden bonus track, "Running the World," to hear Mr. Cocker's thoughts on the quality of character of today's leaders. A hint: That song alone earns Jarvis its "explicit lyrics" warning. Charming, indeed. [www.jarvspace.com]