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Skin Alley - Two Quid Deal? CD (album) cover

TWO QUID DEAL?

Skin Alley

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

3.13 | 28 ratings

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Tom Ozric
Prog Reviewer
3 stars I first discovered this album at a record fair sometime in the late 90's - it was the name Nick Graham that caught my attention. Being a fond fan of Atomic Rooster and their debut album (of which Graham was Bassist/Flautist/Vocalist) I snapped it up in a flash. I definately enjoyed hearing this for the first time, still do, but not as much since I acquired their first 2 LP's. Nick Graham and Bob James (Guitars/Winds/Vocals) contribute about half the songs each, and the result is a jammy, jazzy-rock (without being 'Fusion') that's worth a listen, without question. Graham's Bass playing is an important component of the music, and many of the songs are based around his riffs, especially those written by him (obviously). 'Bad Words and Evil People' is a killer track, starting out with a Bass riff in '7', and cool vocals from Nick, with the jammed- out second half featuring a marvellous Hammond solo from keyboardist Krzysztof Juszskiewicz. 'So Many People' is a funky number, again jammy, with a rhythmic Flute workout during the instrumental section, it's quite a groovy song, actually. 'A Final Coat' starts out softly with a lovely Piano and Flute melody, which leads in to the 5/4 verse section with some tasteful Organ playing followed by a screeching Sax work-out from Bob James till the end. 'Graveyard Shuffle' is a song that I don't really 'connect' with, one of the few songs in my life I don't bother with. On side II we have 'Nick's Seven' with, you guessed it, a Bass riff in '7', but it's a lively piece of music and quite appealing. Instrumental track 'Skin Valley Serenade' is a beautiful tune with many changes and blissful Flauting, it reminds me of Camel for some reason, possibly the most 'colourful' moment on the record. 'So Glad' is a lesser track, with shrill singing from BJ and a repetive melody. It does feature an Accordion solo, which is something different, not necessarily great, but different. 'The Demagogue' has a really good feel to it, great groove - an all-round great song. That segues into 'Sun Music' to finish off the album, slightly weaker, but still listenable. I'll grant it a 3.5 now, as I would've said it's a masterpiece, several years ago.
Tom Ozric | 3/5 |

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