Cat No 3122352

Two original albums on one CD from the high-power rhythm & blues pub rockers : their tenth album ‘Silverio’, with regular producer Pat Collier, released in January 1997 on Last Call, finds The Inmates power, range and progression undiminished - a fitting testament for the 20th anniversary of the band; while their 1998 live album “In the Heat of the Night”, recorded in France at Le Plan club, proves that they were still a formidable, kick-ass rock ’n’ roll band on stage - with a return to virtually the original line-up. There are 3 live bonus tracks.

Formed in 1977, the North London band soon established themselves as one of London's most popular live groups. Enthusiastic media coverage brought them to the attention of Andrew Lauder at Radar Records. A lean, able company working with artists like Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. Contracts were signed and work began on the 'First Offence' album with top producer, Vic Maile, who produced five further albums with the band ('Shot in the Dark', 'True Live Stories', 'Five', 'Meet the Beatles - Live in Paris' and 'Fast Forward'). In 1983 lead singer Bill Hurley left the band, and although Barrie Masters from Eddie & The Hotrods took over, it looked as though they’d run out of steam. However in ’85, Hurley returned - and in 1987, Libération asked the Inmates to play for a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Beatles' “Sgt Pepper” album in front of a 5.000 crowd at the Parc de la Vilette venue. The ensuing live album, “Meet The Beatles”, re-enhanced the band’s reputation in France, where they had always had a bigger fan-base than their homeland. They followed-up with the “Fast Forward” album in 1989 on Sonet, and then signed to New Rose for “Inside Out” (‘91) and “Wanted” (’93), before these two albums on Last Call.