First Offence, Shot In The Dark and Heatwave In Alaska were originally issued through Radar/WEA from 1979 to 1982.
Islington's answer to DR FEELGOOD, The Inmates were formed by members of THE FLYING TIGERS and THE CANNIBALS and featured the impressive talents of powerful and charismatic frontman Bill Hurley, guitarists Peter Gunn and Tony Oliver, bassist Ben Donnelly and, at different times, drummers Jim Russell and Eddie from THE VIBRATORS.
The band's first single was a cover of THE STANDELLS' 'Dirty Water', which just scraped the US Top 50, while second single, a version of JIMMY McCRACKLIN'S 'The Walk' was a ubiquitous radio hit, making the the UK Top 40. The Vic Maile-produced First Offence made the US Top 40 albums chart.
After Heatwave In Alaska, Hurley handed the mic to Barrie Masters from EDDIE & THE HOT RODS, before returning to the band in 1987.
Along with the three albums, the 3-CD set features 8 bonus tracks and a 20-page booklet.
The Albums 1979-82 is released on 26 May through Cherry Red. It's available to pre-order here.
Check out 'Stop It Baby' from Shot In The Dark.
The Inmates on Facebook