Sturdy probably covered this in his book, but what on Earth happened to Pulp between April and August 1982?
On 13th April they play at the Limit, unveiling five new songs. They play again three days later, and record one of the new songs (and three older ones) two days after that.
And then...nothing. Were they just caught up in exams? We know that Dolly and Jamie were heading off to Uni, but wouldn't that have meant the band winding down in September, rather than at this point? We know Simon H came on board in July, presumably to replace the departing Dolly and Jamie, but it just seems surprising that they went from doing so much - including the writing and recording of new stuff - to being on a lengthy hiatus, only coming out of it when Simon was getting ready to record some of the stuff at the end of August.
We know that Jarvis was busying himself with Heroes of the Beach in the Summer of 1982. Indeed, a rehearsal survives that both him and Dolly are meant to be at, but didn't make it to. Had Pulp been sidelined for this collaboration with 'better' musicians? Better prospects? It's interesting that Dolly is clearly still making music with Jarvis in the Summer of '82, but just not in Pulp.
Sturdy, feel free to refer me to the appropriate pages of your book if necessary :)
Surely A Levels would be done with by late June? Just seems odd they didn't pick stuff again between A Levels being over and Jamie and Dolly going off to Uni..
Yeah, then July/August pissing around post A-levels, and also writing new material with Simon Hinkler, putting together the new line-up etc.
When you think about it, it probably wasn't strictly necessary for the Jamie/Dolly band to split at that point. Considering the level of activity Pulp actually managed in 1982/83 - a couple of weeks recording at Christmas and, what, about half a dozen gigs - it's nothing they couldn't have managed by getting the train home from Manchester/Nottingham at weekends. Especially as that's essentially what Simon Hinkler was doing anyway! Reflecting on it now, I wonder whether there was actually another reason why that version of the band had to end - maybe Jarvis wanted a change of direction by then and was seduced by the idea of working with Simon Hinkler?
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"Yes I saw her in the chip shop / so I said get yer top off"
Maybe after his exams, Jarvis was looking for post September collaborators, but Simon was willing to start working with him there and then. But not necessarily with Dolly, Jamie or Wayne?
Speaking of Jarvis's exams, and I know I've asked this previously on this forum, can anyone remember what A-levels Jarvis took? I think our best suggestions last time were: English, economics, geography (and possibly French?). I have the feeling he took 4 altogether. It is really annoying me that I can't remember.
