Pulp Release'Begging For Change' for 'HELP(2)' Charity Album
Next month, War Child Records will unveil 'HELP(2)', an ambitious charity compilation that stands as one of the most significant musical assemblies in recent memory. Following in the footsteps of its legendary 1995 predecessor, the 23-track project features a massive lineup of A-list talent.
A Full-Circle Moment for Pulp
The latest preview from the record is 'Begging For Change' by Pulp. Described as the band at their most "intense, stripped-back, and urgent," the track—mixed by James Ford and Animesh Raval- is a departure from the typical polished charity single. Instead, it is a "primal anthem" that finds Jarvis Cocker leading a boisterous kids' choir alongside a second, "famous" choir boasting the voices of Damon Albarn, Kae Tempest, The Libertines’ Carl Barat, and Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten.
According to a press release, Cocker specifically asked the youngsters in the choir to add "boisterous screams" to the recording, ensuring the final result remains unapologetically raw. While it may not be the type of tune immediately associated with a humanitarian project, it captures an emotionally essential, urgent spirit that defines the 'HELP(2)' mission.
This collaboration marks a poignant full-circle moment for Jarvis Cocker. In 1996, when Pulp won the Mercury Prize for 'Different Class' (beating the original 'HELP' album), Cocker famously dedicated the win to War Child and donated the £25,000 prize to the cause.
The "Studio 2" Spirit
The recording sessions for 'HELP(2)' fostered a unique sense of community. Damon Albarn, who led the previously released single 'Flags', spoke to Apple Music 1 about the collaborative atmosphere in the studio:
"I ended up in a choir for one of Pulp’s songs... just like lots of younger bands, you know. It was a good spirit."
Cocker returned the favour, contributing vocals to Albarn’s 'Flags' alongside a sprawling ensemble including Black Country, New Road, English Teacher, and Declan McKenna.
New Music from The Last Dinner Party
Adding to the momentum, The Last Dinner Party have debuted their contribution, 'Let’s Do It Again!'. Produced by James Ford, the track follows the success of their sophomore album, 'From the Pyre'. The band describes the song as an exploration of "the endless carousel of being in a relationship you know you shouldn’t be in, but giving in to the inexorable tug of returning every time you leave."
With Abigail Morris delivering her signature theatrical vocals over swirling, ethereal instrumentals, the track joins an impressive list of highlights, including Arctic Monkeys’ 'Opening Night', their first new material since 2022. On the new track, Morris sings with a desperate, building energy:
"Screaming down the phone / I hear my middle name like a crossbow / Write a poem, grow up / Nobody knows me like you."
The song eventually reaches a euphoric, driving chorus: "Just let me love you again / I will try so much harder / Believe me, baby / I’ll make it worth your while." Reflecting on the collaboration, the band added, "It’s such an honour to be included on this record for a cause that is so close to our hearts. It was such a joy to work with James Ford again!"
'HELP(2)' Featured Artists & Covers
Beyond the singles, the compilation is packed with exclusive recordings and unexpected covers:
- Olivia Rodrigo: Covering The Magnetic Fields’ 'The Book of Love'
- Fontaines D.C.: Covering Sinéad O’Connor’s 'Black Boys on Mopeds'
- New Tracks from: Depeche Mode, Beabadoobee, Big Thief, Wet Leg, Beth Gibbons, Sampha, Young Fathers, King Krule, and Beck.