Skin I'm In (50th Anniversary Edition) vinyl

For their final album, Skin I'm In, the Chairmen of the Board veered away from their signature Motown-style soul, embracing a psychedelic funk-rock direction influenced by George Clinton's Funkadelic. The album, featuring backup from Parliament-Funkadelic members like Bernie Worrell and Eddie Hazel, offers a distinctive fusion of pop-soul melodies and funky grit. Tracks like 'Everybody Party All Night' blend smooth harmonies with a dynamic wah-wah guitar riff, while 'Finders Keepers' showcases punchy horn arrangements. The album's highlight is a sprawling cover of Sly Stewart's 'Life and Death,' integrating Mellotron and synthesiser for a lush, textured sound. Despite its departure from the Chairmen's earlier work, the album's second side presents soulful ballads, including a poignant take on 'Only Love Can Break a Heart.' Reissued for its 50th anniversary on 140g black vinyl, this edition features remastered audio by Phil Kinrade and a printed inner with notes by Stuart Cosgrove. It's a compelling listen for fans of funk and a notable chapter in the Chairmen's legacy.