Tucked away as a b-side to a failed single, “There Was…” is an eerily captivating piece that stands as Pulp’s first sublime song. A waltz that sounds effortless, while cleverly moving from 6/8 verses to a 3/4 chorus, the song also contains some of the most evocative vocal harmonies on a Pulp song, from Jarvis and his sister, Saskia. The musical backing is a perfectly sparse blend of electric guitar, keyboards, and percussion. Jarvis sings about an attempt to salvage a fading relationship. As the title indicates, the song is fixated on the past and the desire to bring it back. “Don’t let it die away,” he pleads. The music seems to provide the hope he seeks, making this ballad strangely uplifting.
Currently, “There Was…” is available on The Sun Shines Here: The Roots of Indie-Pop 1980-1994.
There Was…
There Was…
From the blog
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 