In the midst of the predominantly naïve emotions of the songs on It comes this haunting and decidedly morbid piano ballad, with Jarvis crooning eerily about girls who suntan themselves to death. “These girls you have loved/are slowly decaying now/Drying out in the sun.” Nothing – not the gentle female backing vocals, not even the jazz flute solo – makes the song any less uneasy. The language here is first-rate, if a little oppressive at times. Many of the pieces of Jarvis’ lyrical voice – his empathy, his morbidity – were in place this early in Pulp’s career. It just took a while for him to meld them convincingly, and to add the all-important sense of humor.
An alternate version appeared on the 2012 reissue of It. “Blue Girls” also received a very rare latter-day outing at a stripped-down concert in 1999.
Blue Girls (It)
Blue Girls (alternate mix)
Blue Girls (Live at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Aug. 31, 1999)
Blue Girls
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About the author
Michael Pelusi’s music writing has appeared in places such as The AV Club, Philadelphia City Paper, and MAGNET Magazine. He has also worked as an editor and content expert for numerous fields, including health and human services, licensing examinations, and civic technology. He lives in Philadelphia, PA, with his wife and their three cats. Learn more at michaelpelusi.com.
Music From a Bachelor's Den 