Jarvis Cocker, known for leading the Britpop band Pulp, has revealed his top pick for an anthem from the 1990s: Suede’s 1993 single 'Animal Nitrate.' This choice reflects not only his personal preference but also his admiration for the era that preceded the Britpop explosion, a time he describes as brimming with untapped creativity and raw energy.
Released in the spring of 1993, 'Animal Nitrate' served as a bold precursor to Suede’s debut album and became a cornerstone of British alternative music. The track, while commonly lumped into the Britpop category, actually draws heavily from glam rock and grunge influences. This mix of styles mirrored the rebellious and youthful vibrance of the 90s, a quality that resonated deeply with Cocker.
Cocker fondly recalls an early 90s scene that was less about commercial success and more about pure, unbridled artistic expression. He talks about 'a bunch of people in secondhand clothes getting wasted in Camden,' capturing an image of carefree creativity. It was a time when artists like Suede and others such as Stereolab were crafting music that felt authentic, unrestrained by the pressures of mainstream popularity.
In Pulp's world, the breakthrough came a little later, in 1994, with the album His ‘n’ Hers. Despite this, Cocker’s recognition of Suede’s work underscores a moment of shared cultural momentum, where bands influenced one another in a dynamic interplay of ideas and sounds. 'Animal Nitrate' stands out to him as a track that perfectly balances grit, glamour, and the DIY spirit. These are the values Cocker also strived to embed in Pulp’s music.
The track’s raw energy and unpolished production embodied the anti-establishment ethos that was pivotal during the time. For Cocker, music was meant to be an authentic and unfiltered form of expression, a standard he saw richly fulfilled in Suede’s work. This period before Britpop became a term reflects a more genuine era of music making, celebrated by Cocker for its camaraderie and genuine vibe.
