Now that’s everyone’s decided that the 80s are super-cool it’s refreshing to be reminded that, even at the time, there were a few people who hated the decade with a passion.
What connects The Charlatans, Kula Shaker and The JTQ? Why Medway garage rockers The Prisoners of course. The Charlies borrowed a riff for “The Only One I Know”, while Kula Shaker half inched their version of “Hush” and groove merchant James Taylor originally trilled the organ for these bunch of degenerates.
Now deified as garage rock royalty, Taylor’s own sleeve notes remind the listener that, at the time, it was just a bit of fun. Gathering together off cuts and radio sessions from The Prisoners tumultuous escape attempt, “Rare And Unissued” is one long belch in the face of the 80s.
Sleek and sheen this is not. This album sounds like vinyl fighting with a sandpaper glove, a tough as nails tribute to a 60s sound that was all but ignored at the time. Covering the Joe 90 theme tune it’s no wonder few took this band seriously, but the song acts as a tribute to childhood as well as being a foot stomping groover.
The mellotron version of “Mourn My Health” is a lysergic tribute to life on the edge, with vocalist Graham Day revealing himself to be a master of both blue eyed soul and wide eyed psych. A few choice covers linger with some of the band’s best original material, all in a brutally raw context.
Of course, it all ended tragically with the band remaining at each other’s throats. But, for a short while at least, The Prisoners acted as a lone voice rebelling against the shallow 80s. It’s good to have them back.
