The Crooked Man covers his sometime studio collaborator Jarvis Cocker. The Pulp frontman’s song “Running The World” was a hidden track on his 2006 debut solo album, “Jarvis”. Released as a secret it’s  since been adopted by, and played at, protests, all over the globe, due to its full chorus of “Cunts are still running…” An observation that sadly actually seems to be more of a time honoured tradition, and a situation that unfortunately only seems to have worsened since Cocker first cut the tune. 

The Crooked Man, like a lot of us, is clearly fucked off with what he sees on what passes for news these days. Reworking the song, not one but a number of times, into clubland sing-alongs that hopefully will get some ravers at least thinking about revolution. 

The initial pass puts Jarvis’ lyrics to an urgent disco loop, armed with bleeps and acidic belches. House that packs a punch, more anarchistic than political in an era where it’s close to impossible to pick a side. When all parties appear corrupt. With no one telling the truth,  a concept deliberately destroyed by distraction. With no one other than their own interests, lining their pockets, at heart. 

A rocking, super radio unfriendly robo-disco shot at sparking rebellion, spoken and snarled, it’s a reminder to dancers that we’re all sick of a status quo that’s spiralling out of control. Of tax-break, trickle-down, disaster, economics that have done sprung a leak, straight into billionaires off-shore bank accounts. Draining government coffers and community services. Making a mockery of the modern myth of meritocracy. 

Is it worse now, or are we just more aware, or the powers that be, feeling invincible, more blatant?

“Dub Cunts”, bashed by a furious bass throb and shaken by cavernous thunder claps, features an even angrier alternative vocal. A male voice now continually shouting the song’s new, truncated title. The combination quickly whips up a state of delirium. Heavier, harder, moody, more malevolent, masked, militant, and fingers crossed, organised.  

“Jazzy Cunts” has crazy, serrated reeds and keys, while “Random Cunts” is filled with filtered, fizzing electricity and sound effects. 

With all media weaponised to foster confusion, hopelessness and ultimately apathy, anything you do, of your own volition, out of love, out of passion, is effectively an act of resistance.*

*Personally, some mornings, honestly, getting out of bed can feel sufficient. 

Crooked Man’s versions of Cunts are coming care of Vicious Charm.