THEWISERMISERDEMELZA

Medway garage band the Prisoners are loved by a
legion of fans, including quite a few who went on to
be in successful bands themselves. Those who saw
them live speak in reverential terms, yet they never
sold records in large amounts and their gigs, whilst
packed, were almost always in small venues.
' "Thewisermiserdemelza" - an excellent embodiment
of their British R&B-influenced sound - falls into an
odd place in their career. They often professed to be
unhappy with the album, yet their first-generation
fans cherish it, particularly songs such as
'Hurricane'. It was recorded in 1983 for Ace Records'
Big Beat label and produced by Phil Chevron - a
new experience for the band, who self-released their
first album, "A Taste Of Pink".
' The record shows the growing complexity of their
music - the contrast in the influences between 1964
and 1966 (the rougher R&B moving into nascent
psychedelia). It is a cracking listen from beginning
to end. The fast tracks such as 'Hurricane', 'Love Me
Lies' and 'Somewhere' are coruscating, whilst the
beautiful 'Tonight' offers an insight into other
directions that the band would take.