Shakin' Pyramids - Skin 'Em Up (1981) [Complete Album]

One Of Our Deleted Albums Series
The Shakin' Pyramids were a Scottish rockabilly trio, part of the rockabilly revival of the late 1970's and early 1980's.
Skin 'Em Up by The Shakin' Pyramids was originally released on Virgin Records in 1981.
There are some very good tracks on this album but the playing time of the album is not very long; about 24 minutes total playing time.
As far as I'm aware, Skin 'Em Up has not been available commercially for decades. [Update - March 2021: it has been reissued on a UK based label: www.raucousrec...]
Check out this video of the Shakin' Pyramids backing Lonnie Donegan: • Lonnie Donegan & Shaki... and this one: • Shakin Pyramids - Take...
The audio was taken from a 1981 Canadian pressing (Polygram, catalog number VL 2217) of the original vinyl LP.
Album credits:
Davie Duncan - vocals, harp, percussion;
James G. Creighton - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals;
"Railroad" Ken - acoustic guitar, vocals
Nick Clark - upright bass
Produced by Ali Mackenzie
Recording Engineer: Brian Young
Recorded at Ca Va Studio, Glasgow, Scotland, January 1981
Update - March 2021: A reader just let me know this album has been re-issued on CD along with other Shakin' Pyramids material: www.raucousrec...

[@chiswolfenden2400]

As a original Rockabilly from the early eighties I love this stuff

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked this one. I recently added another Shakin' Pyramids album to the channel which you might be interested in checking out.

[@SpecterSprite]

Without exaggeration, this is my favorite rockabilly album and one of the greatest contributions to the genre.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Definitely a good album. I've been thinking pf putting up a compilation of the originals of the tracks the SP covered on this album.

[@samrockabyass]

👍👍👍🎸🎙👍

[@mikemclean676]

saw these guys twice in the washington dc area absolutly two of best show i've ever seen

[@henryhopkins1780]

George jimieson here,the last night I heard these guys was the last night of the Vic carriage,boy do I miss them,the people and the pub,happy days..

[@MrPjred66]

Still got this album ...excellent band .

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Keep your vinyl copy safe. This album is very hard to find these days.

[@dekemartin]

Damn', I love this album. Pure energy, these guys were the real deal. Such happy memories of a long lost youth, thanks for sharing.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

You're very welcome.Glad it revived some youthful memories, LOL.

[@ValeDoFerro]

Good album, eh!

[@jasonicrodriguez9397]

Still have my vinyl! Bought an import here in Florida back in '82. Played "Pretty Bad Blues" on a local radio show this past December...great response, especially from those that had never heard it before. Song still has a real, pure drive to it. These guys were legit

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

The Shakin' Pyramids definitely deserved more commercial success than they achieved.

[@leeetchells609]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 I think the pyramids were a bit raw and hardcore rockabilly/skiffle sound to be commercially acceptable. Bands like stay cats/polecats seemed to cross over the neo rockabilly/ new wave sound . Totally different to the pyramids.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@leeetchells609 Interesting observation. I'll upload some early Robert Gordon from the same period for comparison. Robert Gordon put out some really good covers of 1950's material backed by Link Wray and Bob Dylan's band from the period but he didn't achieve mainstream success either.

[@leeetchells609]

Pretty bad blues was a great cover. The original was by Ronnie self a relatively unknown rockabilly artist. He did Write some tracks for Brenda Lee but sadly he took his own life years later.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@leeetchells609 I should do a post of the Shakin' Pyramids covers with the originals.

[@jacquesmeilleur9650]

This is a rock n roll gem!!

[@michaellyttle4318]

Probably my favorite rockabilly LP of that period. These guys were criminally underrated. Heck to this day I still hum “Tennessee Rock and Roll” on occasion. Thank you for sharing this gem!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

You're very welcome. Glad you found it here. Another excellent rockabilly artist from that era was Robert Gordon. I've posted a Robert Gordon album on the channel if you want to check him out.

[@bnewellz]

I was a Teddy Boy when I heard this album at the time that it came out and I still listen to it - absolute energy - it would keep me and my mates bopping all night back in the day.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

I'm surprised the Shakin' Pyramids did not have more commercial success with this album.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Totally under radar, what a great find, feel like I'm 18, always nice to find a gem!!!!!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked it. Getting overlooked music to a new audience was one of the reasons I started this channel.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Listen instead of going 12 to 24 minute songs loved the way music went back 2, 3 minutes, get in get out tell your story, was like I was back in the early sixties experiencing for my self, was born in 58, had a brother 5 years older so he influenced me!!

[@doggruffhellbilly9925]

Fantastic album, been listening to it regularly since I was 10 years old, 40 years of listening now

[@TheAstrojoe62]

Picked this up in college around 82. I was mad for all thing rockabilly and still have most of it including this album. I particularly remember them being interviewed on a Vancouver, Canada radio station promoting Celts and Cobras. Never found that album back then. Was sadden to hear of James Creighton's sudden passing this last year. This band should have been so much bigger back then.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Yes, they should have had more commercial success than they did. I'll try looking up that Vancouver radio interview.

[@TheAstrojoe62]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 If you could find that I'd really appreciate it. I think I recorded it or part of it but purged all of my cassette tapes years ago during one of my many moves. If it survived it would be a miracle.

[@jeff1962-y]

Sunset of my tears . Love it.

[@Useaname]

Remember seeing these guys in Covent Garden busking in 1980 or 81. They got me into rockabilly music.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

This was a good album. Too bad these guys didn't have any commercial success afterwards.

[@ValeDoFerro]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Thanks Mark, I produced this album. Good work!

[@ValeDoFerro]

Maybe I saw you at Covent Garden!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@ValeDoFerro good to hear from you here. Anything you would like to add about the album, the band etc?

[@Useaname]

Hey Ali. Great album. You're a genius. I'm playing it now

[@elrikup1179]

Perhaps my fav album of all time

[@russellwhite1581]

Bought it when it came out on the strength of the first track which I saw on a TV show (could have been Pebble Mill At One!) and I bought their second LP too!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

I missed their second album so I don't have it. Very hard to find these days so hang on to yours and, if possible, make a copy for KZbin.

[@iancoughlin5364]

Am boppin

[@rockinstephanie253]

Brilliant album

[@robinparker7032]

Blimey this takes me back. I've got this original vinyl tucked away somewhere. Thanks for the memory!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

You're very welcome. Preserve the vinyl. Apparently good quality original vinyl copies of this album are very hard to find.

[@ValeDoFerro]

Still sounds good eh, Robin!

[@robinparker7032]

@@ValeDoFerro Sure does. It's my birthday today. Got this playin'. I think I might just be 19 again :-)

[@frankyneo4109]

Fantastic album!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked it.

[@terojulku577]

Let's rock !!!!

[@Sacrifice-Loyalty]

Just discovered these guys...great stuff and vibe!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad to introduce you to the band. These guys should have had more success but the music industry can be unfair.

[@TheJuise]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Bought this LP early eighties. I still listening (KZbin) it. Unfortunally dont have record player at the moment.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@TheJuise hope this upload holds you over until you get another turntable.

[@undoingrusty]

I sort of worked with them back in 82,just outside of Edmonton AB, a large bar kind venue fit apx 1500 I think. Our company supplied some truss's,lighting etc. I liked the bagpipe player that escorted them on stage. (it was one of my first shows when I got into the business)

[@RobMoore01]

I still have this from 1981

[@ssmith2019]

Oh Hell Yeah !😁!

[@tarikwildman]

AWESOME !!!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked it.

[@raymondkinner2950]

I still have my original album

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Me too, LOL!

[@dreiserrules9414]

Me too. My wife and I bought it out of a bin on a whim. I played it to DEATH.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Love the 3 piece bands!!!

[@MatthewBaker-nq2cb]

This is absolutely razor sharp rockabilly just the way I like it, Yeah.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked it. These SP albums are hard to find these days.

[@MatthewBaker-nq2cb]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Thanks for uploading the album my friend. 👍

[@guillermoortega4119]

AWESOME

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Glad you liked it.

[@guillermoortega4119]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Yep!

[@JACK_TheAllSeeingEye]

Saw these guys on Vancouver Island back in the day✨👍

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Really? When was that?

[@JACK_TheAllSeeingEye]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 I was a university student at UVic '79-83...... so probably late summer in '81 pos '82...?? Up Island in either Comox or Courtney.....✨👍 Cheers

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@JACK_TheAllSeeingEye I'm on the Island too. I must have missed their tour back then.

[@JACK_TheAllSeeingEye]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 It was pretty good...a very....'fresh'?....sound. Probably the promo tour for the first album. I miss the the Island. I was in Nanaimo for a year in 2011...and lived in Comox for my first university years. Im the guy who ran the first NP cannabis dispensary at Thurlow and Davie back in 2008-10. Started the whole legalization thing.🍁

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Where have you been all my life boys!!!!!

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Rockpile Flaming Groovies, Robert Gordon, Stray Cats, Billy Burnett, King Bees, Dave Edmunds.....Shaking Pyramids

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Great to find an unknown band, kid in a candy store for the first time!!!!

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@kenvelickoff4275 I've tried posting Robert Gordon, Rockpile, The King Bees and Dave Edmunds to the channel but they have all been blocked by KZbin.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 I can get them I mean bands from the early 80's like that

[@anderarcarazbasaguren1641]

RIP James G. Creighton

[@Albums1977]

Legendary

[@avag1334]

I have it on record!! Got it for free from a distant relative who abandoned a bunch of his stuff in a shed

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Hang on to it. Copies of this vinyl LP are becoming hard to find.

[@axemansteele]

I had the album when I was younger but now lost, just tried to find it on iTunes but as they state no longer available, shame brilliant album

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

This album is hard to find and, as far as I'm aware, is only available as second hand copies of the original vinyl LPs. I'm surprised this band didn't have more commercial success than they did. I'm also surprised this album is not available on CD or download.

[@sarageeramblinmattcanal]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 you can buy a CD online called The Collection, by Vault Records that includes this whole album (Skin em up) , the second one and the EPs and Singles, directly from Raucous Records online, also in Discogs

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@sarageeramblinmattcanal Thanks for letting me know. I hadn't seen that one. I'll check it out. Found it: www.raucousrecords.com/shakin-pyramids-collection-cd.html

[@bonsaibiker5378]

played this to death .... still do

[@paulbyrne246]

Remember seeing that at Level 8 at Strathclyde Uni

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Any photos of the band from back then?

[@ValeDoFerro]

Very sad to say that my old friend and musical compadre, the immensely talented Davie Duncan passed away on the 8th June 2024. RIP Davie X

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Sorry to hear that. His music has given me, and many others, a lot of listening pleasure over the years. Feel free to post more about him here.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

I just made the name connection. Are you the Ali McKenzie who produced this album?

[@ValeDoFerro]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Yes, and several other of their singles and EP's which were released on my Cuba Libre label licensed to Virgin.

[@ValeDoFerro]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Yes

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@ValeDoFerro Thought so. Feel free to post anything about the band or its individual members.

[@billybobroyale]

Class

[@donaldarkelian1008]

Well shave my b***s! Best rockabilly album to date. Aces Stray Cats.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

I'll pass on the shaving but glad you liked this one. LOL!

[@JRMachado]

Top D ++++++

[@ValeDoFerro]

Sorry to report that my old pal James G Creighton from the Shakin' Pyramids passed away today 17/2/2021. RIP Jim X

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

Sorry to hear that. What was the cause of death?

[@arisdevries7057]

My condolences for your loss. I have always been a fan of The Shakin Pyramids, you have been a great influence on the music we played and still play!

[@ValeDoFerro]

@@arisdevries7057 Thanks Aris, he was a great lad and a helluva guitarist!

[@ValeDoFerro]

@@marksmusiccollection8373 Thanks Mark - he died from a stroke.

[@marksmusiccollection8373]

@@ValeDoFerro thanks for the info. Condolences to the family. If the family is OK with it, would they willing to provide a photo and bio for an obituary on the Mark's Music Collection website? Are you the Ali MacKenzie credited as producer on this album? Would you like to include any info on the history the Shakin' Pyramids and the band members. Feel free to post here.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Sorry forgot the best, Buddy Holly

[@jeannotpoivre437]

Awesome Jockabilly!! RIP James Creighton. x

[@jarirusi]

Now, R.I.P. Davie Duncan :(

[@a.abeyta6237]

Cat Music.