What makes Celts and Cobras by The Shakin' Pyramids notable?

'Celts and Cobras' is significant for its role in the rockabilly revival, reflecting the genre's growing popularity in the early 1980s. The album received attention from music critics and helped solidify The Shakin' Pyramids' place within this movement, contributing to the resurgence of interest in rockabilly during that period. By the time 'Celts and Cobras' was released in May 1982, The Shakin' Pyramids were establishing themselves as a notable act in the UK rockabilly revival scene. This album followed their debut 'The Shakin' Pyramids', showcasing their distinctive sound as they sought to carve out a niche within the genre.

How many songs are on Celts and Cobras?

Celts and Cobras has 14 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Celts and Cobras

The Shakin' Pyramids · 1982

36 min · 14 tracks · rockabilly

A spirited fusion of rockabilly rhythms and eclectic influences that captures a vibrant, carefree energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pharaoh's Chant — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and catchy melody, encapsulating the album's playful spirit while highlighting the band's unique blend of rockabilly and other influences.
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Just a Memory — This track showcases a more reflective side of the band, combining nostalgic lyrics with upbeat instrumentation, demonstrating their ability to balance fun with emotional depth.
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Reeferbilly Polka — An unconventional yet memorable track, it captures the band's playful essence and willingness to experiment, making it a standout example of their distinctive style and humor.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid rockabilly compositions with lively arrangements but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong rhythmic drive, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing slower tracks like 'Just a Memory' and 'It Hurts to Be in Love'.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the lively and interactive feel of the music.
The instrumentation prominently includes twangy guitars and upright bass, characteristic of rockabilly, while also incorporating elements from other genres like folk and country.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Pharaoh's Chant 2:41
2 Like Me With No-One 3:46
3 Pretty Neat Come On 2:54
4 Just a Memory 2:29
5 Plainsailin' 2:19
6 Sugar Bee 2:14
7 Rockin' Mystique 2:32
8 Quit and Split 2:31
9 It Hurts to Be in Love 2:26
10 You Can Bet 1:37
11 Just Rockin' 3:40
12 Ferocious 1:58
13 Who Cares 2:38
14 Reeferbilly Polka 2:21

What to play next

Listen next

The Shakin' Pyramids

1983

Go back to

Skin 'Em Up

1981

Full The Shakin' Pyramids discography Artists like The Shakin' Pyramids

rockabilly

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata