Just to let you all know that a recent(ish) book called "The Armpits Are Electric: The Story of an 80's Schollband" is still available. It was published privately in 2011 by Ian Turner, the frontman of the group. What's the Pulp connection?

Well, firstly, Ian Dalton - brother of Pete 'Dolly' Dalton - and also a very early Pulp member was also in the group. Secondly, well, here's the blurb...

"So....City School...1983....there were two school bands. One was called Arabacus Pulp and was fronted by Jarvis Cocker. The other was fronted by me, Bunse, and was called The Electric Armpits.

But for a fluke of fate this biography could have been something very different. 128pages of stories, memories and photos telling the tale of one of Sheffield's finest pop groups.

Only 100 were printed and most are now gone, but I guarantee that if you went to City School, lived in Sheffield, was a teenager in the 80's, was a member of a school band or is just alive then this is the book you need on your coffee table.

With a free Armpits sticker, I'm happy to even sign your copy with love......go on....you know you want it!"

And from a review...

"Back in the early 1980's  The City School, Sheffield spawned two legends of Rock - one of those, Pulp, went on to dominate the charts (ish!) and have worldwide fame................................this is NOT there story.

This book covers the entire career, from formation to the split of the mighty Electric Armpits and through to the (very) short lived reformation. It is a humourous look back at the Sheffield of the time and captures those times well.

By all accounts the band were, to say the least, musically challenged, but that actually adds to the charm of the story. Ian Turner, the author was an integral part of the Armpits and these are his memories and his story but he is also a very, very funny writer. So funny in fact that I was getting odd looks from people on the bus as I chuckled my way through it (and I missed my stop too - it really is that good!)

Also, there is a chapter on the Armpit's warm-up act Dave Barker (of  Dave and The Dance Of the 7 Overcoats infamy) which brought back memories of one of the big characters of my schooldays.

All said, this is a wonderful trip down memory lane and one that anybody who was part of the Armpit scene ought to try and get a copy but is also a must read for any who like a good, fun read."

Apparently the band played at least a couple of gigs with Pulp (here's one - https://www.pulpwiki.net/Pulp/LiveMarch1983CitySchoolSheffield ) and I've also seen Pulp accused of stealing their act!! ("Pulp took their eventual direction (Bowie/synthpop) and theatrical stagecraft from contemporary school band the Electric Armpits, possibly" on a Sheffield forum)

Anyway, Ian Turner has a few copies left that he's willing to send out for postage costs. PM me with your email address and I'l get him to get in touch with you.

I've got a copy arriving later this week, so will let you know if it's any good if you'd rather!