Jarvis tickets in Razzmatazz at 20.00; Friday December 22

Yup, Christmas time is not one of the best times for gigs in Barcelona, and then out of the blue pops up Jarvis. Jarvis? Yes, Jarvis. As in Cocker. Pulp, in this magazine’s opinion, are possibly the best band of the last decade or so. But they’re ‘on hiatus’ as they say in the biz and the frontman, after appearing in Harry Potter films and presenting telly programmes and stuff, is back with a new self-titled album with such intriguing song titles as From Auschwitz To Ipswich. It’s a cracking piece of work, with the lyrics as inspired as ever, and Jarvis is only playing four European gigs on this tour, so count yourself lucky and catch him live as a Chrimbo treat.