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