Our top 10 PUP songs introduce us to a Canadian band famed for its punk rock music despite being a young act. Before the formation of the band, all the members played in several bands together except vocalist Stefan Babcock who played for Stop Drop N Skank. Childhood friends, drummer Zack, guitarist Steve, and bassist Nestor would later meet Stefan Babcock at local Toronto music venues but didn’t get close then. However, after high school, Stop Drop N Skank disbanded and left vocalist Stefan without a band. Stefan invited bassist Nestor to work on a song he had composed for a school project. With his vocals proving to be magical, Nestor introduced Stefan to his friends Steve and Zack. The four went on to form a new band under the moniker Topanga after Nestor completed his university studies.
The then band’s name was inspired by Topanga Matthews, a character on the sitcom Boy Meets World. Stefan revealed that their union was meant to be a one-time project, with the band not thinking of themselves as a real band. At this time, Topanga recorded an EP which they later performed live in local clubs. The band gaining traction online and had better and enticing show offers. Topanga would later in 2012 try to find a producer who would help the band capture its heavy performance style in a studio recording. Luck was on the band’s side, having them strike a deal with producer Dave Schiffman who was instrumental to the success of Weezer, Rage Against the Machine, and Anti-Flag. The band thought of a name change while working on their new album, deciding to use the name PUP. Stefan revealed that the inspiration behind the name was a quote by his grandma, who alleged that singing in a rock band was a “pathetic use of potential.” Here are the top 10 PUP songs from the band’s three studio albums.
#10 – Scorpion Hill
Ushering us to the top 10 PUP songs is the ballad “Scorpion Hill.” The song is featured on the band’s album Morbid Stuff, with its lyrics penned by the band members. “Scorpio Hill” has its lyrics allude to a man who feels like he has missed an opportunity in life. However, the intro has the narrator say that he was not trying to be a bad person. He continued to explain that his intentions were pure even though things didn’t turn out as he might have wanted.
#9 – Morbid Stuff
“Morbid Stuff” is the album-titled song for the band’s third studio album. The song features a catchy punk vibe that hooks both old and new punk rock music lovers. PUP released its new album Morbid Stuff at a time vocalist Stefan, and his bandmates were coming to terms with depression through their music journey. The singer confesses to dwelling on gloomy stuff in this album-titled song.
#8 – See You at The Funeral
Almost every time after a breakup, one of the individuals involved is inexorably messed up. “See You at The Funeral” is a single from PUP’s third studio album penned to an ex-lover shortly after a rough and traumatizing breakup. From the lyrics, the narrator is working on making his life better with better choices. However, at some point, he acknowledges that it would be best if he never sees the lady again, wishing that the world better explode to end everything if they met.
#7 – If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will
“If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” is one of the best PUP songs from the band’s sophomore album, The Dream Is Over. The song was inspired by the tensions that met the band after playing over two hundred and fifty shows in 2014. It is evident from the song’s intro that the tours invoked feelings of anger due to the extreme amounts of effort the tours required. While the song might seem dark, the band members have confirmed to be on good terms quoting the song’s extreme lyrics to be dark humor delivered sarcastically. Stefan revealed that the song feels like an ultimate celebration of the band member’s friendship. This can be backed by the fact that the band has stuck together since its founding days with no lineup changes or going on hiatus.
#6 – Reservoir
Number six on our top 10 songs is the hit “Reservoir.” Vocalist Stefan penned this song for the band’s eponymous album. He revealed in an interview that the song was inspired by the feeling of evading the dispiritedness of being in your mid-twenties. Stefan continued to reveal that the feeling is usually caused by not knowing what to do with your life, as well as the confusion and anger about doing nothing about the situation.
#5 – Kids
“Kids” is another sublime song from the band’s studio album Morbid Stuff. The song was written by the band’s frontman Stefan who revealed in an interview that the song is about what happens when you meet your significant other in this desolate world where everything feels twisted and messed up. Stefan continued to mention that this was his first love song ever penned down, showing how love can turn the tough world a better place if not the best.
#4 – Guilt Trip
PUP released a song under the title “Guilty Trip” featured on the band’s eponymous album. The term “Guilt Trip” is used to refer to the unjustified feeling of guilt or responsibility which is usually induced by someone else. Did vocalist Stefan Babcock kill a cop when he was young, or was it just a choreographed thing? That remains quite a debate for many having the song feature a strong, scary, yet fun kid who killed a cop who got his father. The kid in the video plays as vocalist Stefan Babcock. “Guilt Trip” was nominated for UK Music Video Award for Best Rock Video and the Juno Award for Video of the Year. Earlier in the year, Kanye West released a song with a similar title to his 2013 album Yeezus.
#3 – Dark Days
“Dark Days” is a mid-tempo rock ballad featured on the band’s eponymous album. The song has its lyrics allude to surviving through the tough times as well as changing environments. “Dark Days” is inspired by the band’s insane work ethic, which can at least be termed to be impressive, but such efforts can take a toll on you. This song features a four-piece video that shows the band playing in multiple shows. The video also highlights the daunting and demanding life of the band’s impressive yet insane work ethic as the members stay on the road for tours.
#2 – DVP
The hit “DVP” is one of the best PUP songs from The Dream Is Over album. The song has its title inspired by the term Don Valley Parkway, which is a highway that runs through Toronto. “DVP” is an upbeat ballad that features a pile-up of emotional wreckage. The song brings on board the middle zone of depression where it proves too painful to live, but you can barely kill yourself or wish you were dead. Some of the song’s lyrics show how similar Stefan is with The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas who feels that somebody’s words won’t prevent him from taking alcohol.
#1 – Sleep in The Heat
Number one of our top 10 PUP songs is the ballad “Sleep in The Heat.” The song is co-written by the band members released on the band’s sophomore album The Dream Is Over. “Sleep in The Heat” is a tribute to Stefan’s friend chameleon Norman who he had purchased when he needed a friend. It was quite devastating when chameleon Norman died after having Stefan use his money in scheduling costly surgeries to lengthen her life.
Feature Photo: Nicole Kibert / elawgrrl.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 PUP Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business or any organizations is allowed to republish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
