Inmates

Think "U.K. club band" circa the early '80s, and it's understandable to immediately think we're talking about either a punk, new wave, or metal band. But the Inmates were certainly an exception to the rule, as they specialized in an old-time rock & roll sound, that hearkened directly back to the early days of the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, and even Creedence Clearwater Revival. While they may be virtually unknown in the U.S., the London-based group built a cult following, and were a solid live act, as evidenced by the 2008 DVD, Back in History: Live. Comprised of two gigs from 1980 (Dingwall's in London and Nelson in Wimbledon), both of the group's best known tracks are included -- "The Walk" and "Dirty Water." And while this single camera shot/straight from videotape set is a far cry from modern-day cutting-edge DVDs, for longtime fans, these rarely seen archival performances will be attractive regardless. As evidenced by Back in History: Live, Rockpile and the Stray Cats weren't the only bands mining classic rock & roll sounds back in the early '80s. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide