The unsung heroes
Paul Fisher | UK | 09/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Prisoners were undoubtedly the most talented and original band that spawned from the Punk/Mod/60's beat and soul revival of the late 70's-80's. Graham Day (Lead singer and guitar) headlined the band with innovative lyrics, some based on his own poems, and raw energy. The selling point of the band was their catchy 60's style Go Go beat, with some amazing cheesy hammond organ sounds from Jamie Taylor. The band were Mods in their heyday, but appreciated by others interested in soul, jazz, r'n'b and psychedilia.A TASTE OF PINK was their first LP from 1981, when the band were teenagers. The pink vinyl copy now a collectors item. Although a lot of the tracks on this LP are fairly basic, and best described as 'garage psyche', their energy and talent shine through - particularly in view of the sounds around at the time. This band influenced most of the 'hammond organ' genre of bands from Manchester et al., such as the Inspiral Carpets, but took no credit.Other LPs to look out for by this band are THE LAST FOURFATHERS, and IN FROM THE COLD. Each LP portrays a different aspect of the band's talents, and therefore worth a listen.Graham Day and his wife Fay (Makin Time) went on to form the PRIME MOVERS (with Alan Crockford)in 1987 after THE PRISONERS split. Check out their LPs on Cyanide records. Some classic guitar work (aka Hendrix) from Graham. Other related projects produced LPs from PLANET (acid jazz label) and GOODCHILDE. Worth buying from record fairs if you see them.THE PRISONERS gig from time to time in London. Perhaps not as wild as they were in their hey day 15 years ago but the talent is still there. A band that deserved to be bigger, but maintained cult status from those who bothered to listen."
Pinker than before
s e ellis | stockton on tees, cleveland United Kingdom | 10/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i first bought this as an lp in 1983 iwas stood in a shop called rockefella centre in carnaby street and bought of passing group member mr taylor i played it and was in awe im still in ore thanxs theyre treasured sounds you wont regret this timeless gem get welcomed to the mushroom
jammy the reeferman"
