1996. Pulp, 'Different Class'
Who were they? Sheffieldian indie rockers, led by the mercurial Jarvis Cocker, found themselves perfect for Britpop come 1995. Their lyrics were witty, riffs angular and choruses humongous enough to resonate with the swathes of Brits all revelling in Cool Britannia, and lead single 'Common People' was to become not only the band's staple hit, but the movement's.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? If you answered that Oasis definitely should've beaten Portishead in 1995, than you'll probably answer again that yes, they should've beaten Pulp too. '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' was the people's album, packed with songs that became instant classics, but 'Different Class' was a record for the critics; complex, intricate and wry. And as the Mercury Prize was founded as an alternative to the Brits, perhaps it was more suitable that Pulp did triumph on this occasion...
What have they done since? Rather like Oasis and Blur tore down the Britpop posters around them with 'Standing on the Shoulder of Giants' and 'Blur' respectively, Pulp played a similar card with 'This Is Hardcore', a moody thriller with a title track about porn. Jarvis has been pretty busy since his 90's heyday, but Pulp reunited in 2011. 2013 James Murphy-helmed single 'After You' is sheer pop gold that shows the band haven't lost it.