Description
The Skeletons – In The Flesh – Cassette
The Skeletons’ In the Flesh!, released in 1988, is a testament to the vibrant and eclectic blend of rock & roll, rockabilly, and roots rock that defined this Springfield, Missouri band. Known for their technical proficiency, irreverent charm, and deep reverence for classic American music, The Skeletons crafted an album that pays homage to the golden age of rock while injecting their own quirky and energetic personality. Though the album flew under the mainstream radar, it has since become a cult classic, beloved by fans of roots music and Americana for its authenticity and infectious spirit.
The album features a mix of original compositions and thoughtfully selected covers, showcasing the band’s versatility and encyclopedic knowledge of American music traditions. Songs like “Outta My Way” and “Older Guys” capture the raw, unfiltered energy of early rock & roll, while tracks like “I Play the Drums” and “Laugh at Me” highlight the band’s ability to deliver clever, engaging lyrics alongside tight, dynamic performances. The Skeletons also delve into more whimsical territory with tracks such as “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Crazy Country Hop,” demonstrating their sense of humor and their knack for blending fun with musicality.
The band’s lineup—Lou Whitney on bass, D. Clinton Thompson on guitar, Bobby Lloyd Hicks on drums, and Joe Terry on keyboards—brings a wealth of experience and chemistry to the album. Whitney and Thompson, in particular, were central figures in Springfield’s music scene, and their work on In the Flesh! reflects their deep commitment to keeping the spirit of rock & roll alive. From Thompson’s jangly guitar riffs to Hicks’s crisp drumming and Terry’s spirited keyboard lines, every track feels vibrant and full of life.
The production of In the Flesh! mirrors the band’s aesthetic: unpretentious and full of energy. Originally released in the UK by The Next Big Thing Records and later reissued by Demon Records in 1990 and East Side Digital in 1991, the album has been made available in various formats over the years. The East Side Digital reissue combined the original album with tracks from the band’s earlier Rockin’ Bones EP, making it a comprehensive showcase of The Skeletons’ work during this period.
Critically, In the Flesh! was well-received by those who discovered it, with praise directed toward the band’s tight performances and their ability to bridge the gap between reverence for classic rock styles and the irreverence of indie rock. The Skeletons’ ability to breathe new life into covers like “Primitive” and “Very Last Day” demonstrated their musical prowess, while their original tracks further cemented their status as underappreciated gems of the era.
Though the album didn’t achieve commercial success, its legacy endures as a shining example of the power of authentic, roots-driven music. In the Flesh! embodies the DIY ethos of indie rock while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of American music, making it a must-listen for fans of artists like NRBQ, Commander Cody, or even the band’s Springfield contemporaries, The Morells.
For those looking to explore the intersection of classic rock influences and modern indie sensibilities, In the Flesh! offers a joyful, engaging journey through rock & roll history as reimagined by a band that truly understood the genre’s heart and soul.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
East Side Digital Records
Track Listing
1. Outta My Way
2. Older Guys
3. Laugh At Me
4. Waitin’ For A Slow Dance
5. Meaning Of The Blues
6. I’m Little But I’m Loud
7. Thirty Days In The Workhouse
8. I Play The Drums
9. Primitive
10. To Every Heart
