| Inmates released 4 albums from "First Offense" (1979 contains a cover of
"Dirty Water" which was a big hit in the US), "Shot in the Dark", "True Live
Stories" (a live album), and "Five". They're best described as a cross
between early Stones and early Dave Edmunds. No info on Bill Hurley though.
Ed
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| I don't know really much about the Inmates, except that I have the First Offence
poster near my desk :-).
As previously mentionned, they released their 1st LP in 79 with Bill Hurley on
vocals, Peter Gunn on lead guitar and I can't remember the name of the bassist
and rythm guitarist (they had no stable drummer at that time). This very good
LP is made of 50% covers (Dirty Water, Midnight to six man, ...) and 50 % of
very good original compositions.
Shot in the Dark is , IMHO, their masterpiece, it begins with a cover 'Stop it
baby' originally by the Herd, it is on the Pebbles # 7. The rest of the LP
is almost only incredibly good originals. Still no stable drummer but however
really good on stage.
The problem will be with the 3rd LP 'Heatwave in Alaska' released in the summer
of 82 without any promotion. It will be a complete flop. Add to that that
Bill Hurley gets sick and can no longer sing : the band is not in good health.
To replace him, they hire the former singer of Eddie and the Hot Rods (whose
name escapes to me at the moment). His voice lacks of rage, mostly compared to
Bill Hurley. Being fired by their record company, they are signed by a small
french label Lolita : they release their live album and after 'Five' that
contains : "I think I'm getting over you" that will be a minor hit in France in
85-86.
Meanwhile Bill Hurley gets better and releases at least one LP where Peter Gunn
appears.
I really don't know what ever happened to them since 86 but I hope Peter Gunn
and Bill Hurley have not completely spoilt their talent.
Didier
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