7'' front cover U.K.

7'' rear cover U.K.

7'' A Side U.K.

7'' b Side U.K.

"Shape Of Things To Come" was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Slade originally released their version produced by Chas Chandler via Fontana Record Label on 6th March 1970. This single failed to appear on the U.K. chart. "Shape Of Things To Come" appeared on their 1970 album "Play It Loud".

Background
The single was issued as the lead single from the "Play It Loud album". Unlike the groups 1969 debut album "Beginnings", the band were now managed and produced by Chas Chandler. "Shape Of Things To Come" was produced by Chas Chandler as was the b - side. The b -side "C'mon C'mon" was originally exclusive to the single, eventually being released on CD via the 2007 Salvo compilation B - Sides. This b - side was written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, with this b - side being written before the band had discovered the duos writing talent together. Noddy Holder and Jim Lea would pen almost all of Slades entire material, as well as all 6 U.K. number 1 singles. This single would be the band’s final under Fontana Record Label, as the band would sign to Polydor Record Label for their commercial peak, beginning in 1971. Despite being released under Fontana Record Label, the song still appeared on their album "Play It Loud" which was released under Polydor Record Label. On the "Play It Loud" album, the song was titled "The Shape Of Things To Come". The song was later added as a rarity track to their 1973 U.K. number 1 compilation album "Sladest". Today, the original single has become a collectable rarity, as the single was deleted soon after it failed to chart.

Recording
"Shape Of Things To Come" was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil was released via Fontana Record Label on 6th March 1970. And was released as the lead single from their album "Play It Loud" Now managed by Chas Chandler, they are in their skinheads period and release this Mann - Weil song from the 'Wild In The Streets' motion picture. It was not a hit (in March 1970) but they had a TV exposure on Top of the Pops. The version is rather good, quite Cream inclined. The b - side is totally under the 'Beatles' influence with its 'Paperback Writer' riff, and once again, it's rather good although it seemed unlikely that the band may make long lasted impression with a so 60's music.

Release
"Shape Of Things To Come" was originally released on 7" vinyl.
NME reviewed the single upon release, "The Midlands group whose main claim to fame is their skinheads. But in this rip roaring rocker, the quartet also display abundant musical ability. The fervently shouted solo vocal rides above the thunderous beat and raucous guitar sounds, to create a dynamism and a fiery attack reminiscent of the early days of The Who."

Promotion
Due to the band’s previous commercial failure, there was no promotional video. The main form of promotion for the single was the band's live performances in the U.K. Upon release of the album and single, the band appeared on the U.K. show Disco 2 to promote the release. They made 3 appearances during 1970 and a total of 3 songs were performed from the album. The first performance featured "Shape Of Things To Come", whilst in October the band returned to the show and performed the 2 tracks "Know Who You Are" and "Sweet Box", which was broadcast in colour. All 3 performances have never surfaced since broadcasting. For the single, the band found themselves performing the song on the BBC music show Top of the Pops. This broadcast has also remained unfound since the original performance. This appearance was in the period that Slade were skinheads, and reportedly, one of the producer’s sons had been attacked by a group of skinheads shortly before. This meant a debate took place before the band were allowed to appear on the show.

Chart Performance
"Shape Of Things To Come" single failed to enter the U.K. top 100 singles chart.

Track Listing - 7" U.K. Single
A1. Shape Of Things To Come (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil) - 2:19
B1. C'mon C'mon (Noddy Holder) - 2:40

Shape Of Things To Come
"Shape Of Things To Come" was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Slade originally released their version via Fontana record label on 6th March 1970 and failed to appear on the U.K. chart. It was 1st performed by the band 'Max Frost and The Troopers' on their 1968 album titled the same as the song's title. "Shape Of Things To Come" was the band's final release on Fontana Record Label. The band performed the song on Top of the Pops, their 1st appearance on the show, despite the song failing to chart in the U.K. This performance has not been seen since the original broadcast. Allmusic.com wrote "Also there is less cover music here. What sounds like the opening to the Yardbirds version of Graham Gouldman's "For Your Love" emerges as Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil's "The Shape of Things to Come."
This single appeared on their album "Play It Loud".

C'mon C'mon
"C'mon C'mon" written by Holder and Lea, this was the b - side to Slades original single "Shape Of Things To Come". This song was written before the band had discovered the duo’s writing talent together although the Dutch version featured "Wild Winds Are Blowing" instead. Holder and Lea would pen almost all of Slades entire material, as well as all 6 U.K. number 1 singles. The original version of the single states Holder as the sole writer of the b - side although the 1991 reissue states Holder and Lea.

Credits
Dave Hill - lead guitar, backing vocals
Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jim Lea - bass guitar, backing vocals
Don Powell - drums
Chas Chandler - producer