The Skellington Chronicles cover

The Skellington Chronicles

Julian Cope · 1993

61 min · 25 tracks · post-punk

A chaotic blend of lo-fi rock energy and surreal storytelling that captures Julian Cope's eccentricity.

Why this album works

'The Skellington Chronicles' is notable for its unconventional structure and eclectic range, showcasing Cope's idiosyncratic style. Although it did not achieve significant chart success, it garnered attention for its bold experimentation, influencing various indie and alternative artists who appreciated its rawness and offbeat charm.
Best for
dynamic shifts in energy surreal storytelling with chaos short bursts of eccentricity
Context
Released in 1993, 'The Skellington Chronicles' marked a transitional phase for Julian Cope after his commercial peak in the late 1980s. By this time, he was exploring more avant-garde and experimental sounds following the success of albums like 'Saint Julian' (1987) and 'Fried' (1984). This album reflects Cope's move away from mainstream appeal toward a more personal and eclectic artistic expression.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Doomed 2:40
  • 2 Beaver 2:28
  • 3 Me & Jimmy Jones 1:30
  • 4 Robert Mitchum 2:43
  • 5 Out of My Mind on Dope & Speed Standout 3:27
  • 6 Don’t Crash Here 1:00
  • 7 Everything Playing at Once 1:31
  • 8 Little Donkey 2:44
  • 9 Great White Wonder 2:12
  • 10 Incredibly Ugly Girl 3:04
  • 11 No How, No Why, No Way, No Where, No When 1:59
  • 12 Commin’ Soon 2:26
  • 13 Electrical Stormgirl 1:51
  • 14 Poppins 1:38
  • 15 Skip 1:32
  • 16 I’ve Got My T.V. & My Pills 1:40
  • 17 The Angel & the Fellatress 3:56
  • 18 Waco‐pops 1:38
  • 19 Common Land at Water’s Edge 2:30
  • 20 Scud‐u‐like 0:47
  • 21 Grimreaper Is a Krautrocker (For Gavin Wall) Standout 8:32
  • 22 American Tragedy Standout 1:20
  • 23 Wayland’s Smithy Has Wings 1:34
  • 24 Madonna Baglady Blues 4:42
  • 25 London Underground 1:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata