Some Kinda Wonderful

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Some Kinda Wonderful" by The Inmates for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a gritty cover of the Soul Brothers Six original, carries a raw energy that fits the band's pub rock vibe. Interestingly, The Inmates’ version from their 1980 album Shot in the Dark was a staple in their live sets, capturing their knack for reviving R&B classics with a punk edge. In a 1980s interview with Sounds magazine, frontman Bill Hurley shared that the band chose the song because it had a “timeless swagger” they felt suited their no-frills approach, aiming to “bring back the soul of the originals with a bit of our own dirt.” The song’s driving rhythm and Hurley’s raspy vocals made it a fan favorite, often sparking wild crowd reactions at their sweaty London gigs.

Despite its popularity, "Some Kinda Wonderful" by The Inmates didn’t chart as high as Grand Funk Railroad’s 1974 hit version, which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. However, The Inmates’ take has a cult following, especially among pub rock enthusiasts. A 2015 post on a Facebook fan group dedicated to the band recounted a story from a 1981 gig where the band played the song twice in one night after the crowd refused to let them leave the stage. Fans on X have also shared how the song’s raw edge still feels fresh, with one user in 2023 calling it “the ultimate pub anthem that never gets old.” The track’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend soulful roots with the band’s unpolished, high-energy delivery.

The Inmates got their start in the mid-1970s in North London, born out of the vibrant pub rock scene. Formed by Bill Hurley (vocals), Peter Gunn (guitar), Barry Childs (bass), Tony Oliver (guitar), and Jim Russell (drums), the band drew inspiration from 1960s R&B, soul, and early rock’n’roll. According to their bio on their official website, they began as a loose collective jamming in pubs, covering artists like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. Their big break came when they signed with Radar Records in 1978, releasing their debut album First Offence, which included their hit cover of “Dirty Water.” The band’s relentless gigging and raw sound earned them a loyal following, and they toured with acts like The Stranglers and The Clash, cementing their place in the UK’s punk and pub rock crossover scene.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Their bio notes that lineup changes and the shifting music landscape of the 1980s tested their resilience, but their commitment to gritty, soul-infused rock kept them going. Today, The Inmates still perform, with Hurley’s distinctive voice remaining a cornerstone of their sound. Fans can connect with the band through their Facebook page, where they post updates on gigs and share throwback photos, or on Instagram, where they showcase live performance clips. The Inmates Fan Group on Facebook is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and other devotees to swap stories and rare vinyl finds. For the latest chatter, their X account keeps the conversation rolling with fans worldwide. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s social media presence and dedicated fan group keep their legacy alive.