I Can't Make Up My Mind

The song I Can't Make Up My Mind by The Inmates, featured on their 1980 album Shot In The Dark, is a high-energy track that captures the raw, gritty essence of the British pub rock scene. While specific interviews or quotes directly tied to this song are scarce, the track is noted for its driving rhythm and relatable lyrics about indecision, which resonate with the band’s no-frills, working-class ethos. In a 2013 interview with Shindig! Magazine, lead singer Bill Hurley described the recording sessions for Shot In The Dark as a whirlwind of late-night studio jams, with the band fueled by adrenaline and a shared love for 1960s rhythm and blues. He mentioned that songs like I Can't Make Up My Mind were often born out of spontaneous riffs during rehearsals, reflecting the band’s knack for turning simple chord progressions into infectious rock anthems. The song’s placement on the album, nestled among other upbeat tracks like Talk Talk and Some Kinda Wonderful, showcases its role as a crowd-pleaser during live performances, where Zoo Freaks would likely revel in its relentless energy.

Another piece of trivia about I Can't Make Up My Mind comes from fan discussions on platforms like The Inmates Fan Group on Facebook. Fans have pointed out that the song’s raw production, helmed by Vic Maile, mirrors the live sound The Inmates were known for in London’s pub circuit. Maile, a legendary producer who also worked with Dr. Feelgood and Motörhead, reportedly encouraged the band to keep their takes unpolished, giving tracks like this one a sweaty, in-the-moment feel. On X, a 2020 post from the band’s official account reminisced about their early 1980s tours, hinting that I Can't Make Up My Mind was a staple in setlists, often sparking sing-alongs in packed venues across Europe. For the Zoo Crew spinning this track, it’s easy to imagine their hippie DJ vibes amplifying the song’s rebellious spirit, egging on their Zoo Freaks to crank up the volume.

The Inmates formed in 1977, rising from the ashes of The Flying Tigers, a short-lived London band. According to their bio on their official website, the group came together in North London, bonded by a mutual obsession with American rhythm and blues and British rock influences like The Animals and The Rolling Stones. Founding members Bill Hurley (vocals), Peter Gunn (guitar), Tony Oliver (guitar), Ben Donnelly (bass), and Eddie Edwards (drums) started gigging in pubs, quickly gaining a cult following for their sweaty, high-octane shows. Their big break came with the 1979 single Dirty Water, a cover of The Standells’ garage rock classic, which cracked the U.S. charts at number 51 and led to their debut album, First Offence, produced by Vic Maile for Radar Records. The band’s relentless touring and raw sound carved out a niche in the pub rock scene, setting the stage for albums like Shot In The Dark.

The Inmates’ early days were marked by grit and determination, as detailed in a 2005 Mojo article. Hurley, a former factory worker, brought a blue-collar authenticity to his vocals, while Gunn’s stinging guitar riffs drew heavily from Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. The band’s chemistry was forged in dive bars, where they honed their craft playing to rowdy crowds. By the time Shot In The Dark was released in 1980, The Inmates had solidified their reputation as a live act, with their Facebook page often sharing throwback photos of those chaotic early gigs. Despite lineup changes, including a brief period in 1981 when Barrie Masters of Eddie and the Hot Rods filled in for Hurley after his health-related hiatus, the band has endured, still touring with four original members as of their last update in 2022.

For fans looking to connect, The Inmates maintain an active online presence. Their official website, theinmates.co.uk, offers tour dates, discography, and merch. You can follow them on Facebook for updates and nostalgic posts, or check out Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and gig flyers. Their X account shares occasional quips and tour announcements, keeping the Zoo Freaks in the loop. For deeper fan engagement, the The Inmates Fan Group on Facebook is a lively hub where devotees swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and live bootlegs. While no dedicated fan websites were found, the band’s enduring cult status ensures that Zoo Crew listeners can easily dive into their world, spinning tracks like I Can't Make Up My Mind with full freak-out fervor.