MBV
Fluxblog
Fluxblog is the very first MP3 Blog. It was founded by me, Matthew Perpetua, in 2002. You can subscribe to the RSS feed here, and peruse the FluxBlogRoll here.

Note: MP3s are only offered for a limited time and are changed frequently. Please buy the records from the artist if you like what you hear.

Search:

If you would like to support Fluxblog, but don't want to order a Fluxtee, donations are greatly appreciated:

 Fluxtumblr
The Fluxblog Podcast; new episode every week → Fluxtumblr
July 23rd, 2009 7:49am

The Only Reason I’m Alive

Pulp “I Love Life”

I’ve been under a lot of stress recently, and very often these days it feels as though I am unhappy about virtually every aspect of my life. Last night I learned of some very bad news that makes everything much, much worse. After taking a brief call from someone who was worried about me, I lied down on my bed with my back flat to the mattress and stared at my ceiling while this song by Pulp played on repeat for at least a half hour. It was the only thing I could do. It helped.

“I Love Life” is a rare and special song, the sort that makes a case for living that is unsentimental and bluntly logical: What else are you going to do? It’s the only thing you’ve got, really. The lyrics deliberately avoid the simple and the saccharine, and that makes it even more affecting, as there are certain truths that just sound better coming from a cynic. Jarvis Cocker is gentle but forthright, and though he is speaking for himself, it comes out sounding like advice for everyone. It starts with a feeling of resignation — “mum and dad have sentenced you to life” — but as it builds, the tone becomes increasingly defiant, til at the end Cocker sounds as though he is literally fighting for his life. The point here isn’t to hold on, but to endure and survive. If there’s any triumph to be had, it’s simply to overcome anything that tries to knock you down and take you out.

Buy it from Amazon.

RSS Feed for this post10 Responses.
  1. 7/23/09 8:24 am
     David says:

    Jarvis has provided a lot of songs for curing these moods… “Sunrise” comes to mind, as does the opening horns of “We Are the Boyz” from the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack.

    Though it hardly offers the same curative as does “I Love Life,” I’ve been enjoying the fire bell “clonk” after the first verse of “Leftovers” as of late. Makes me smile every time.

    Hang in there!

  2. 7/23/09 8:39 am
     ultraruby says:

    Hey,

    Just wanted to say that I’ve been reeading your blog though an lj feed for a long time now and although I don’t know you at all I’ve been really glad of all the music you’ve posted and all your insight into it. I hope you’re doing ok and that life looks up for you very very soon. Take care.

  3. 7/23/09 10:39 am
     ohheymary says:

    i’m really sorry to hear that things are tough, matt. i hope it all starts looking up very, very soon.

  4. 7/23/09 11:28 am
     frank says:

    I’ve turned to Pulp a lot of times when things were very bad for me as well. This Is Hardcore came out when I felt like my life was falling apart and it helped me a lot. Hope you have a ticket to see Jarvis next week in NY. Anyway, also, hope everything gets better for you. I’ve been a reader of your blog for a long time and have always enjoyed it. So take care.

  5. 7/23/09 11:30 am
     Ben says:

    Matt,

    Sorry to hear things are tough and hope they get better soon. Thx for the music…I’ve been reading for a long time.

    Best,
    Ben

  6. 7/23/09 3:37 pm
     Bob McMahon says:

    Hey, sorry things aren’t looking so great. I’ve gone through some rough periods myself and music always helps. I’m glad the pulp song is having the same effect. Some songs that always cheer me up are Kinks’ “Big Sky,” The Remains’ “All Good Things,” Supergrass’ “Sun Hits the Sky” and Witch’s Hat’s “Huzzah” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF5wn868kh8&feature=PlayList&p=E3EE998A019DE9C8&index=0) (I know I’ve been trying to promote this band via email, but this song always makes me smile no matter how I’m feeling).

    Anyway best of luck and take comfort in the fact that you’ve exposed many to great new music and have a sweet freakin’ blog.

  7. 7/23/09 11:10 pm
     owen says:

    What a testament to Pulp. There are so many aspects to their music (humor, emotion, honesty, etc) that help you find redemption from everyday banalities to the bleakest personal moments.
    Chin up, buddy!

  8. 7/24/09 1:37 am
     Lo says:

    Try Dar Williams, “After All.” It helped me through a time awhile back, and maybe it can help you, too. Plus, the song is immaculate, beginning to end. Best luck and ‘I hope tomorrow you’ll find better things.’

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28N_A-dy52Y

  9. 7/25/09 8:33 am
     STINKY says:

    I AM SORRY YOU ARE UPSET MATTHEW. TRY SMOKING SOME WEED

  10. 7/25/09 3:10 pm
     James says:

    Matt,

    Hope things are looking up for you. It always helps me to remember that all life is transitory - even in the near future, we are never exactly where we expected to be just a short time before.

    Hang in there.

    James

The Difference Between Us →
← There’s A Graveyard On Top Of This Town
©2008 Fluxblog
Site by Ryan Catbird