All of the singles
Pulp recorded for Gift Records, including both the A- and B-sides, are collected on
Pulpintro -- The Gift Recordings. From the opening track, "Space," it's clear that
Pulp's confidence and talents have grown considerably, even from the relatively accomplished
Separations. Now, the band has created a signature sound that relies heavily on cheap, synthesized sounds as well as tight pop melodies and a theatrical attack that approximates the art rock of
Roxy Music and
David Bowie. However,
Pulp is too concerned with earthly pleasures to really recall
Roxy or
Bowie. Furthermore, the band's knack for creating terrific pop singles prevents them from being too pretentious, as the singles "O.U.," "Razzamatazz," and, particularly, "Babies" illustrate. And even though it's just a collection of singles,
Pulpintro holds together as well as
Separations, if not better. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine