The Shakin Pyramids - Skin'm Up!

Skin Em Up

Who can’t forget the opening guitar riff on the headline song “Take A Trip?” Pure genius; I saw these on a couple of occasions, the first being when they first launched their debut vinyl LP outside the HMV store on Market Street, Manchester in 1981. The second encounter was at The Manchester Apollo Theatre as they played support for Shakin’ Stevens. The scene as they walked on stage, no introduction, just quietly, yet calmly. Dave was carrying an old snare drum and brushes. Whilst Railroad Ken and James had their guitars slung over their shoulders. A stage hand rapidly set up the microphones as the auditorium watch and waited. Within minutes, you heard Dave shout out; “1-2-3-4” and they kicked off with Take A Trip. The roof almost exploded with excitement.

The album entitled “SKIN EM UP” (Virgin – LA-356) contained 12 of the most exciting, foot stompin’, and quiff shakin’ tracks that you’ve ever heard. A full house of both self-penned and covered songs, from the outrageously wild “Take A Trip” to the mellow “Sunset Of My Tears” with its haunting guitar intro and fade out. – Anyway, as I was saying. They played a couple of songs outside the store before moving off to Piccadilly train station to board the train back to Glasgow. Without prompt, they got together on the platform and entertained the forever watchful eyes of their fans with the headline song; “Take A Trip”.  The station staff didn’t know what to make of it, but the 100s of fans boppin on the platform was some spectacle.

Who Are They?

Three young guys from Glasgow formed a Scottish Neo Rockabilly band back in the late 1970’s, the band members being: Dave Duncan – (Vocals / Harmonica / Percussion), James G. Creighton – (Acoustic / Electric Guitar & Vocals), “Railroad” ken McLellan – (Acoustic Guitar / Vocals). The early part of their career had been spent busking on the streets of Glasgow and for a short period, in France too. Whilst in France they honed in on their writing skills to produce some the best rockabilly that you’ve ever heard.

During the band's recording career from 1980-83, they released two studio albums (Skin Em Up / Celts & Cobra's), four singles (Reefabilly Boogie 1980 - Tennessee Rock N Roll 1981 - Just A Memory 1982 - Pharaoh's Chant 1982) and 3 extended plays (EP's) (Take A Trip 1981 - Tennessee Rock N Roll 1981 - The Shakin' Pyramids with Lonnie Donegan 1981). A 1983 compilation album was released shortly after the group had split up, and a live album followed in 2001. Even though the band didn't enjoy major chart success, their work was generally well received by critics. They earned a loyal fan base through their energetic live performances, which was originally honed on the Victorian streets of Glasgow and later displayed via their extensive touring and television appearances. In recent years, their work has been described as having helped define the short-lived rockabilly revival of the early 1980's.  

Track List:

Side one:

1: Take A Trip, 2: Tennessee Rock N Roll, 3: Let’s Go, 4: Teenage Boogie,

5: Tired N Sleepy, 6: Wild Little Willie.

Side Two:

1: Cry Cry Kitten, 2: Sixteen Chicks, 3: Pretty Bad Blues, 4: I Got A Baby,

5: Sunset Of My Tears, 6: Hellbent On Rockin.

Reviews from back when...

In a review by New Musical Express (NME) and Rolling Stone both gave the album perfect review ratings, awarding it 10/10 and 5/5 respectively.

Trouser Press had written: "The album pounds furiously, putting the average megawatt metal band to shame. Songs, mostly non originals zip by at a blinding rate; the records only flaw is its brief running time. Then again, if brevity be the soul of music, The Shakin' Pyramids are the rockabilly version of The Ramones".

All Music gave the album a resounding 4.5/5 star rating, calling it an "Explosive Boppin and mostly acoustic set"... Which helped define the short lived rockabilly revival of the early 80's.

All in all this album is an absolute must for all music lovers, not just those of us who love rockabilly. It's now joined the ranks of many other timeless classics, one that I still play today and recount the days of the albums first release and the fever that it created for its demand.

If you haven't got a copy of this outstanding piece of vinyl, then check out the links below. It's now available on CD too.

Discogs / The-Shakin Pyramids - Skin Em Up

Raucous Records

Mike Cookson

Tony Marlow - Knock Out

“Action Baby, don’t stay home.

Action Baby, I call you in the phone.

Action Baby, I’ll meet you tonight.

Action Baby, don’t stay hangin’ on the line”.

 

These are the opening lyrics to the headline song on this superb vinyl LP; “”Knock Out”, from France. Stage name is Tony Marlow who has over 40 years under his belt on the rockin’ scene. I was aware of Tony’s skills from way back when after I had purchased a few imports from a record shop in Manchester that specialised in imports from the USA and Europe. Yanks records were fairly unknown and resided within the basement of an old mill that had later been converted to office space. However, just over a year ago I had the pleasure to share the stage with Tony at The Cruise Inn, Amsterdam. Talk about being a perfectionist. It was an honour and a privilege to see him perform. 

Well, he’s as professional as they come. Since then we've become pretty good friends.

This album entitled “Knock Out ” is loaded with 13 pure ton up tracks and produced under the professional watchful eye of Marc Zermati of Skydog Records (RPLP03), and recorded at Kaiser Studios in March 2009. The eye catching theme, and album art by Dom S-D, is Tony on the cover ready for a fight. This is a definite must have for any modern day “Ton-Up” kid. All songs self-penned by Tony Marlow with the exception of (Side One - track 4: Side Two - Tracks 6 & 7).

So, who's who? As you guessed, Tony Marlow on lead vocals and Guitar. Andras Mitchel on Bass / Upright Bass and  Backing Vocals and last but not least Vintage Bob on Drums and Backing Vocals.

Side One:

1: Action Baby,  2: Just The Talk Of The Town, 3: Swamp Sinner,

4: Ghost Riders In The Sky, 5: Even Rockers Got The Blues, 6: Get Krazy,

Side Two:

1: Ridin To the Ace, 2: Devilish Woman, 3: Fifty Nine Club, 4: My search,

5: Girl On The On The Loose, 6: Jezebel, 7: I Fought The Law.

 

To start this spectacular album Tony gives you that Cajun rockabilly feel, one that you could almost imagine the late great Charlie Feathers could have performed. Throughout the album he ups the ante and increases the pulse rate as he draws you closer to the ton. Couple of the classics that Tony included really set the pace. Ghost Riders in the Sky with its country origins now a firm rocker. Couple this with the mean and moody Jezebel, one that’s been covered by Marty Wilde, Frankie Laine, and such modern day bands such as The Jets. And who can forget I Fought The Law? Originally penned by Sonny Curtis and later performed by such artists as The Bobby Fuller Four, The Clash, Green Day, Dead Kennedys and now a new kid on the block; Alicia F!, where you’ll hear Tony’s guitar skills.

 

Throughout this disc it kept my fingers tapping and feet boppin to the steady rhythm and beat. I would thoroughly recommend this to any budding rockers collection.

To obtain a copy, contact:

https://www.facebook.com/tonymarlowmusic/

www.myspace.com/rockparadiserecords

email: rockparadise@wanadoo.fr 

Crazy Cavan - Live At The Rainbow..

"Lets Stomp Stomp Stomp Everybody, Stomp Stomp Stomp Everybody!"..

These lines simple in their entirety, started a life time obsession with one of the greatest phenomenon's to come out of South Wales. As a young Teddy Boy, aged about 14, I was listening to some early Cliff Richard , Gene Vincent and others of the like.. Then suddenly a sound from my next door neighbours bedroom shook my very foundations. A sound that I only thought existed in folk law. 

South Wales produced more than just Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones.

Well, it's here and it's loud! Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers - Live At The Rainbow.

I loved this album so much, I jumped on the first bus in to Manchester, ran to HMV and bought myself a copy. This album, recorded on the Charly records label (CR30139) in 1978 was a revolution, a revelation in fact!

The sound, the energy, the vibe that rang out from this live recording at The Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park, London. Home to some of the greatest names in music. Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton, Iron Maiden and many many more.

The album consists of 11 of the greatest Rockabilly revival tracks that any 14 year old could ever wish for. In-fact, I wore it out.. I'm on for my 3rd copy.. Yes, I said third!

1; She's The One To Blame, 2: Okie Boogie, 3: Teddy Boy rock N Roll, 4: Stompin' Shoes,

5: Ollie Vee, 6: Bop Pretty Baby, 7: Tongie Tied Jill, 8: Teddy Boy Boogie, 9: Old Black Joe,

10: My Little Sister's Got A Motorbike, 11: Real Gone Lover.

Such an eclectic mix of songs, some original and others covers by such artists of Charlie Feathers, Buddy Holly, Jack Guthrie and others.. The shear power and velocity at which Cavan would thrust the mic stand forward as he launched into opening song. Sadly, the legend is no longer with us, but his memory will stay in our hearts and minds forever.

http://www.crazycavan.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Theatre

Wilko Johnson / Roger Daltrey - Going Back Home.

“I wanna live the way I like, Sleep all the morning, go and get my fun at night”..

These are the opening lines to a song that’s transfixed millions. Originally a classic written by Wilko Johnson of (Dr Feelgood and Mick Green Johnny Kidd & the Pirates), and now covered by Wilko and Roger Daltrey who’s more famous as the front man from the 60’s iconic band The Who.

The album entitled “GOING BACK HOME” is loaded with 11 songs, rock solid Rhythm & Blues. Not this thing they call R&B these days, but classic 12 bar blues. (Released in 2014 on the Chess Label) (CRCD2014).

1:Going Back Home,  2: Ice On The Motorway, 3: I Keep It To Myself, 4: Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window, 5: Turned 21, 6: Keep On Loving You, 7: Some Kind Of Hero, 8: Sneaking Suspicion, 9: Keep It Out Of Sight, 10: Everybody’s Carrying A Gun, 11: All Through The City.

After Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with Terminal cancer in early 2013 he decided that he wasn’t going to take it lying down. He teamed up with long-time friend Roger Daltrey and smashed out some of Dr Feelgood’s back catalogue dating back to the 70’s. The sound was very much in the ballsy, some say brash Essex style, with that American Rhythm & Blues feel.  Johnson, still with his signature aggressive guitar technique, as he slices it through the air like a sword wielding warrior, he then pushes his guitar into his shoulder like he’s holding a machine gun, and Daltrey with that arrestingly harsh voice, some might say like a box of rusty spanners, yet perfect in every way. So, without any further ado they took a journey back to Wilko’s roots. Wilko self-penned some of the original songs on this spectacular album sometime after the cancer diagnosis.

One question that I hear you ask: "What makes Going Back Home" so special? Wilko now Roger are trying to hide their age , nor are they attempting to recapture their lost youth. Instead in my opinion they'er reconnecting their roots and seizing the moment. They, like us aren't getting any younger so why not!

Wilko did admit in a documentary interview with the Telegraph Newspaper: “My only regret in life is the fall out with Lee Brilleaux”. The steady, surely vocals of Brilleaux the then frontman from Dr Feelgood. In comparison, Daltrey projects his vocals to that of a Rock king on a huge stadium stage.

In a nutshell, this powerhouse of a duo pushed out the music they loved, they’ve made testament to the everlasting power of music and how it enriches and strengthens life. This album has its place in musical history. To own it is a privilege, to play it is an honour.

https://www.facebook.com/ChessRecordsOfficial/

http://wilkojohnson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRogerDaltrey/

Mike Cookson.

The Tri-Sonics - Rock N Roll Remedy

“I May Be Wrong (But It Don't Seem Right)”..

The leading song from this spectacular album by The Tri-Sonics, a trio based in Germany.

The album entitled “Rock N Roll Remedy” is packed with 13 songs, solid rockabilly songs, most self penned by Derek Singleton, the bands front man, with the exception of tracks "2" (Bruce Springsteen), "5" (Hank Williams) and "13" (Richard Penniman).

(Released in 2005 on the Raucous Label) (RAUCD171).

The band members are: Derek Singleton, originally from Texas, USA, - lead vocals / Guitar. Barbara Streidl - Upright Bass / backing vocals, and finally Ralf Nickolaus - Drums / backing vocals.

1: I May Be Wrong (But It Don't Seem Right),  2: I'm On Fire, 3: Rock N Roll Remedy, 

4: Mystery Lady, 5: Dance The Night Away, 6: This Bird Will Fly, 7: Move It On Over, 

8: Move On Out, 9: Gotta Go Lil' Doggy, 10: Gypsy Eyes, 11: This Bird Will Fly (Pt2).

12: Lullaby13: Slippin' And Slidin'

I first saw these on the 30th July 2005 as they had been brought over to the UK by Noline Doran, the owner of The Nifty 50's Rock N Roll Club to play support for Restless, at Mr Earles,  Night Spot,Wigan just outside of Manchester. Up until that time I had only heard of them through word of mouth.

During this same year the band had travelled over to the UK to visit the Raucous Studios in St Annes, a little Lancashire seaside town close to Blackpool to put together a little project that ended up as this excellent piece of work.

What can I truly say about the album? I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to each and every track, but like all albums there's always one track that stands out above the rest. For me it was the 4th track on the album, one written by Derek Singleton; titled "Mystery Lady". I absolutely loved it! If I'm being brutally honest, I probably play that more than any of the others. It's rhythm,  the haunting guitar work expertly played by Derek and the drum fills by Ralf.. You'd have to listen to it to get what I mean.. It's one very under-estimated album. 

To get yourself a copy, check out the website: www.raucousrecords.com

By Mike Cookson.