12'' Front Cover U.K.
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12'' Rear Cover U.K.
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12'' A Side U.K.
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12'' B Side U.K.
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"Slades Greats" is a compilation album by Slade of their hits from 1971 to 1976. It was released and was produced by Chas Chandler via Polydor record label on 12th May 1984.
This album reached number 89 on the U.K. chart, the compilation was the 2nd Polydor record label release relating to Slade since 1976, featuring 16 tracks in total, with the compilation being released on vinyl and cassette.
Background
The album was issued in the wake of the band's success of singles "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway" although they weren't included on the compilation. The compilation instead focused on the band's hits from the 70s, with the same track listing as the 1980 compilation "Slade Smashes" but with 4 tracks removed "Gypsy Roadhog", "In For A Penny", "Give Us A Goal" and "My Baby Left Me / That's Alright Mama".
Recording
"Slades Greats" was released via Polydor record label on 12th May 1984.
Sounds magazine gave the compilation five stars and wrote "Ah yes, children, there was life before punk, and nowhere was it lived as riotously fine as 'twas by Nod The God and these noisy sods. For many moons, Slade were the ultimate in down to earth rock 'n' roll knees ups, and to my mind (and there are few finer), their definitely boisterous brand of Big Grin pop with balls has never been bettered, nor ear drums so merrily battered. So any album spanning 16 Slade smashes (from "Get Down And Get With It" in May '71 to "Let's Call It Quits" in February '76) has gotta be a trusty must, right? Well yes, except the last time I reviewed this album was 4 years ago when it was called "Slade Smashes" and came with exactly the same tracks in exactly the same running order only with an extra 2 songs on each side. Missing are "Gypsy Roadhog", "In For A Penny", "My Baby Left Me" and the far more essential "Give Us A Goal", written according to experts in hour of Charlton's Derek 'Gypo' Hales (Are you sure? - Ed). In other words, Polydor record label are doing a Decca record label and the Stones, trying to wring a few bob out of their back catalogue now the noise boys have moved on to labels and chart successes new. So long standing Slade slaves should fink before you buy. Is it worth shell out a jacks for a cut with (un peu) more guts of tracks you've already got? Probably not. This is an album of more use to entirely new fans who've got a lot of catching up to do. You lucky sods."
Release
"Slades Greats" was originally released on 12" vinyl and cassette.
During the autumn a full European tour was announced to promote the album. Tickets began selling before the band had confirmed that the tour would actually take place and shortly after it had to be cancelled because Noddy Holder, who was facing a divorce from his 1st wife, was unwilling to do it.
In late 1984, a new single, similar in style to "My Oh My" was released in the U.K. Entitled "All Join Hands", the song reached number 15 on the U.K. chart
and thus became Slade's very last U.K. top 20 single."Merry Xmas Everybody" was also re released, peaking at number 47 on the U.K. chart.
Promotion
The main form of promotion was via Slade's live performances.
Chart Performance
The album reached number 89 on the U.K. chart.
Track Listing - 12" LP U.K.
A1. Cum On Feel The Noize (Holder, Lea) - 4:25
A2. My Friend Stan (Holder, Lea) - 2:38
A3. Far Far Away (Holder. Lea) - 3:34
A4. Coz I Luv You (Holder, Lea) - 3:31
A5. Everyday (Holder, Lea) - 3:07
A6. Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) (Holder, Lea) - 4:32
A7. The Bangin' Man (Holder, Lea) - 4:09
A8. Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me (Holder, Lea) - 4:34
B1. Mama Weer All Crazee Now (Holder, Lea) - 3:41
B2. Look Wot You Dun (Holder, Lea, Powell) - 2:54
B3. Take Me Bak 'Ome (Holder, Lea) - 3:12
B4. Let's Call It Quits (Holder, Lea) - 3:30
B4. Merry Xmas Everybody (Holder, Lea) - 3:42
B5. How Does It Feel? (Holder, Lea) - 5:53
B6. Get Down With It (Bobby Marchan) - 3:50
B7. Gudbuy T'Jane (Holder, Lea) - 3:30
Cum On Feel The Noize
"Cum On Feel The Noize" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 23rd February 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 4th number 1 single in the U.K. and their 1st to enter straight at number 1.
It entered at the top slot in both the U.K. and Irish charts, which was quite a rare feat at the time and was the 1st occasion this had happened since The Beatles single 'Get Back' in 1969. The song spent all 4 weeks of March at the top of the chart, discounting the final day of the month where the single went down to number 2. Originally, the song was titled 'Cum On Hear The Noize' until Lea suggested the change in words. Holder officially revised the title when he recalled, "how I had felt the sound of the crowd pounding in my chest". Holders 'Baby, baby, baby' introduction was actually just a microphone test. Upon release, the single sold 500,000 copies in only 3 weeks of release. As a result, the pressing factory were completely out of stock for a few days.
My Friend Stan
"My Friend Stan" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th September 1973 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The single marked the band's 1st attempt to musically move away from their usual anthemic rock sound, being more piano based and sounding more like a novelty track.
At the time, Lea was persuaded to complete this song by manager Chas Chandler who'd heard him playing the melody on the piano at his home. Holders lyrics were full of innuendo which was quite risque for the time. During recording, drummer Powell was walking with the aid of a stick and had to be lifted on to his drum kit, due to his near fatal car accident in July 1973.
Far Far Away
"Far Far Away" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 11th October 1974 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The single was released to promote the upcoming film and album, both titled "Slade In Flame". Holder originally came up with the song's lyrics while standing on a balcony overlooking the Mississippi river in Memphis. Manager Chas Chandler inspired Holder to complete the song. Lea contributed the chorus to Holders verse. As referenced in Holders biography, he states "Far Far Away" remains his favourite Slade song. The song was originally titled 'Letting Loose Around the World'.
Coz I Luv You
"Coz I Luv You" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 8th October 1971 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 1st U.K. number 1. Typical of Slade's brash, stomping glam style, it prominently featured Leas electric violin and quickly reached number 1 in the U.K. singles chart, where it stayed there for 4 weeks in November 1971. Originally, the 1st week of being released, the single hit number 26, followed by number 8 the next week and number 1 the following after. The single was number 1 for 4 weeks in a row and stayed at number 3 for the following 3 weeks after.
The track was written in half an hour. This began the writing partnership of Holder and Lea which would carry on throughout Slade's career. Originally the band felt the song to be too soft and so clapping was added to the recording. The misspelt titles also became a trademark for Slade, causing a great dislike among teachers up and down the country.
Everyday
"Everyday" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 29th March 1973 and reached number 3 on the U.K. chart.
"Everyday" marked a change from Slade's usual style. The public did not expect a ballad to be released and Slade upon release, the band knew they were taking a risk but "Everyday" had become a firm favourite on stage when the crowd would sing along, which the band had never expected.
Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)
"Thanks For The Memory" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 9th May 1975 and reached number 7 on the U.K. chart.
The single only spent 1 week in the top 10, and became Slade's last top 10 U.K. hit for 6 years. The single is notable for the use of keyboard, at the time new to a Slade single although piano and organ had been used in previous material.
The song was originally titled 'Here's To Your Health, Here's To Your Wealth'. "Thanks For The Memory" was censored upon release because the BBC took offence at the line 'have a love smell on your sheet'. Holder soon re recorded the vocal as 'have some honey with your meat' to allow play on Top of The Pops.
The Bangin' Man
"The Bangin’ Man" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th June 1974 and reached number 3 on the U.K. chart.
The single returned to a more rock based sound unlike the previous ballad single "Everyday". The track was written while on tour in Australia and once again innuendo was rampant in the lyrics. The song was about being woken up by room maids after partying while on tour. Commonly mistaken, many fans thought the song's lyrics related to the band's drummer Powell but the song actually spoke of Graham "Swinn" Swinnerton, Slade's longtime tour manager.
Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me
"Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 22nd June 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 5th number 1 single in the U.K. and their 2nd to enter the charts at the top spot.
Jim got the idea of the track at the Trumpet pub in Bilston where local pianist Reg Kierle was playing piano. The single was recorded whilst the band were touring in America, originally being titled 'You Know How To Squeeze Me'.
Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 25th August 1972 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 3rd number 1 single in the U.K.
Originally, the idea was to release the single with pre radio plays and pre orders, in hopes the single would go straight to number 1 during the 1st week of release. The single entered the charts on its 1st week at number 2, then followed by number 1 for the next 3 weeks in September 1972 (giving the band their 3rd number 1 in the U.K.). The single fared less well in the U.S.A. where it reached number 76.
Some months before, the band had played at the Boston Gliderdrome in Linolnshire, a bouncer had told them about another act who'd appeared there drunk 'crazy with whiskey' and this gave Holder the idea for the lyrics. The song was originally titled 'My My We're All Crazy Now' the title was changed by manager Chas Chandler, the spelling, of course was adapted by the band's own traditions. Several of the most distinctive parts of the record were virtual ad libs, including the 'mama mama mama yeah' coda at the end.
Look Wot You Dun
"Look Wot You Dun" written by Holder and Lea and Powell, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th January 1972 and reached number 4 on the U.K. chart.
The track was originally written by Lea and Powell and was taken to Holder for his input. The track was influenced by John Lennon. During recording, Slade's guitarist Hill borrowed Peter Frampton's guitar as his own had been left at home and was inaccessible due to bad weather during the Christmas holiday. This track is the only Slade song to feature a Powell vocal of heavy breathing in the chorus.
Upon release, the single sparked a protest from teachers across the U.K. about bad spelling. Record Mirror magazine published a short article about the protest at the time, "The new Slade single "Look Wot You Dun" has sparked off protests amongst the teaching profession, according to a spokesman for the group. He told Record Mirror that several teachers have written to the Ministry of Education complaining about the deliberate misspelling of the title and the previous single "Coz I Luv You". They allege that the phonetic spellings create confusion in their pupils' minds.
Yet today the bad spelling has become a cult for texting.
Take Me Bak 'Ome
"Take Me Bak 'Ome" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 26th May 1972 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 2nd number 1 single in the U.K. The song was also the band's debut appearance on the U.S.A. singles chart, peaking at number 97.
Around this time the band appeared at the Great Western festival near Lincoln. Slade triumphed before a large crowd despite a line up of more serious acts. Hill, incidentally wore an all silver leather outfit for the first time on stage at Lincoln, his sartorial touch would influence British fashion for the next few years. "Take Me Bak 'Ome" was currently at number 2 in the British charts during the festival. The following week it reached number 1 and Slade gained further credibility as live performers.
Let's Call It Quits
"Let's Call It Quits" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 30th January 1976 and reached number 11 on the U.K. chart.
The single became Slade’s last U.K. top 20 hit for 5 years until the 1981 single "We’ll Bring The House Down".
The single was released to limited success within Europe as the single failed to make an impact within usual loyal countries such as Netherlands, Austria and Germany, again like the previous single "In For A Penny". Slade's popularity was further declining, particularly because the band were living and touring in America, trying to crack the market there.
Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 7th December 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 6th and last number 1 single in the U.K. earning the U.K. Christmas Number 1 slot in December 1973, by mid January it was still at number 1 remaining in the top 100 until mid February 1974.
By 1973 Slade were one of the most popular bands in Britain, having achieved 2 number one singles, "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me", in 3 months. These singles had both entered the charts straight at number 1, a rare feat at the time as this was the 1st occurrence since The Beatles hit number one in 1969 with 'Get Back'.
Based on melodies from discarded songs written 6 years before, "Merry Xmas Everybody" became Slade's best selling single, released at the peak of their popularity, and sold over a million copies upon its 1st release. It is Slade's last number 1 single, but by far their most successful, staying at number 1 for 5 weeks in a row. It has been released during every decade since 1973.
How Does It Feel?
"How Does It Feel" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 7th February 1975 and reached number 15 on the U.K. chart.
This was the lowest charting single since Slade's first hit "Get Down And Get With It" in 1971. The single's 1st week in the top 100 only began at number 38 which was poor for a Slade single at the time.
The tune was originally written by Lea, back in 1970 on an old out of tune piano with half the keys missing. It was brought out of the cupboard to be the theme tune for Slade's film "Slade In Flame". Holders melancholy lyrics added an extra dimension to the opening and closing credits. The song also featured members of the band Gonzales on brass instruments.
Get Down And Get With It
"Get Down And Get With It" written and originally performed by American musician Bobby Marchan, gaining more popularity by Little Richard. Slade originally released their version via Polydor record label on 21st May 1971 and reached number 16 on the U.K. chart.
This was Slade's first U.K. chart entry. Originally, both Slade manager - producer Chas Chandler and Slade had decided that in order to make a break into the charts they would need to capture their strong reputation as a live act onto record. They chose "Get Down And Get With It" as the band would frequently play the song live and it was always a popular live number. The song was successfully captured in the studio, complete with foot stomping and hand clapping as intended, eventually breaking Slade into the U.K. chart as well as Europe.
"Get Down And Get With It" would become a popular concert track for the rest of Slade's career with live versions appearing on the 1972 live album "Slade Alive!".
Gudbuy T'Jane
"Gudbuy T'Jane" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 17th November 1972 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The song lost the number 1 spot to Chuck Berry's single 'My Ding A Ling' Slade's 2 previous singles had charted at number 1 in the U.K. the single stayed in the U.K. top 10 from the moment it was released for 8 weeks. The single was also the most successful of Slade's 1970s singles in the U.S.A. peaking at number 68.
At the time, the band were on tour and needed a follow up hit single to "Mama Weer All Crazee Now". The idea came to Lea while he was sitting by a pool in San Diego. He completed it in the toilet in the plane on the flight home. Holders lyrics came from a TV show he saw in San Francisco on which the band appeared, and on which a girl called Jane demonstrated a Sex Machine. Holder completed his lyrics just prior to the recording session. Holders original lyrics were 'Hello To Jane' however Lea decided that it would sound better as 'Goodbye To Jane' when they went to record it. The loose feel of the record is explained by the fact this was Take 2 and the band had never played the song before until that day.
Credits
Dave Hill - lead guitar
Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jim Lea - bass guitar
Don Powell - drums
Chas Chandler - producer, Engineer
Tommy Vance - liner Notes
Keith Altham - photography
Green Ink - sleeve
"Slades Greats" is a compilation album by Slade of their hits from 1971 to 1976. It was released and was produced by Chas Chandler via Polydor record label on 12th May 1984.
This album reached number 89 on the U.K. chart, the compilation was the 2nd Polydor record label release relating to Slade since 1976, featuring 16 tracks in total, with the compilation being released on vinyl and cassette.
Background
The album was issued in the wake of the band's success of singles "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway" although they weren't included on the compilation. The compilation instead focused on the band's hits from the 70s, with the same track listing as the 1980 compilation "Slade Smashes" but with 4 tracks removed "Gypsy Roadhog", "In For A Penny", "Give Us A Goal" and "My Baby Left Me / That's Alright Mama".
Recording
"Slades Greats" was released via Polydor record label on 12th May 1984.
Sounds magazine gave the compilation five stars and wrote "Ah yes, children, there was life before punk, and nowhere was it lived as riotously fine as 'twas by Nod The God and these noisy sods. For many moons, Slade were the ultimate in down to earth rock 'n' roll knees ups, and to my mind (and there are few finer), their definitely boisterous brand of Big Grin pop with balls has never been bettered, nor ear drums so merrily battered. So any album spanning 16 Slade smashes (from "Get Down And Get With It" in May '71 to "Let's Call It Quits" in February '76) has gotta be a trusty must, right? Well yes, except the last time I reviewed this album was 4 years ago when it was called "Slade Smashes" and came with exactly the same tracks in exactly the same running order only with an extra 2 songs on each side. Missing are "Gypsy Roadhog", "In For A Penny", "My Baby Left Me" and the far more essential "Give Us A Goal", written according to experts in hour of Charlton's Derek 'Gypo' Hales (Are you sure? - Ed). In other words, Polydor record label are doing a Decca record label and the Stones, trying to wring a few bob out of their back catalogue now the noise boys have moved on to labels and chart successes new. So long standing Slade slaves should fink before you buy. Is it worth shell out a jacks for a cut with (un peu) more guts of tracks you've already got? Probably not. This is an album of more use to entirely new fans who've got a lot of catching up to do. You lucky sods."
Release
"Slades Greats" was originally released on 12" vinyl and cassette.
During the autumn a full European tour was announced to promote the album. Tickets began selling before the band had confirmed that the tour would actually take place and shortly after it had to be cancelled because Noddy Holder, who was facing a divorce from his 1st wife, was unwilling to do it.
In late 1984, a new single, similar in style to "My Oh My" was released in the U.K. Entitled "All Join Hands", the song reached number 15 on the U.K. chart
and thus became Slade's very last U.K. top 20 single."Merry Xmas Everybody" was also re released, peaking at number 47 on the U.K. chart.
Promotion
The main form of promotion was via Slade's live performances.
Chart Performance
The album reached number 89 on the U.K. chart.
Track Listing - 12" LP U.K.
A1. Cum On Feel The Noize (Holder, Lea) - 4:25
A2. My Friend Stan (Holder, Lea) - 2:38
A3. Far Far Away (Holder. Lea) - 3:34
A4. Coz I Luv You (Holder, Lea) - 3:31
A5. Everyday (Holder, Lea) - 3:07
A6. Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) (Holder, Lea) - 4:32
A7. The Bangin' Man (Holder, Lea) - 4:09
A8. Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me (Holder, Lea) - 4:34
B1. Mama Weer All Crazee Now (Holder, Lea) - 3:41
B2. Look Wot You Dun (Holder, Lea, Powell) - 2:54
B3. Take Me Bak 'Ome (Holder, Lea) - 3:12
B4. Let's Call It Quits (Holder, Lea) - 3:30
B4. Merry Xmas Everybody (Holder, Lea) - 3:42
B5. How Does It Feel? (Holder, Lea) - 5:53
B6. Get Down With It (Bobby Marchan) - 3:50
B7. Gudbuy T'Jane (Holder, Lea) - 3:30
Cum On Feel The Noize
"Cum On Feel The Noize" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 23rd February 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 4th number 1 single in the U.K. and their 1st to enter straight at number 1.
It entered at the top slot in both the U.K. and Irish charts, which was quite a rare feat at the time and was the 1st occasion this had happened since The Beatles single 'Get Back' in 1969. The song spent all 4 weeks of March at the top of the chart, discounting the final day of the month where the single went down to number 2. Originally, the song was titled 'Cum On Hear The Noize' until Lea suggested the change in words. Holder officially revised the title when he recalled, "how I had felt the sound of the crowd pounding in my chest". Holders 'Baby, baby, baby' introduction was actually just a microphone test. Upon release, the single sold 500,000 copies in only 3 weeks of release. As a result, the pressing factory were completely out of stock for a few days.
My Friend Stan
"My Friend Stan" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th September 1973 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The single marked the band's 1st attempt to musically move away from their usual anthemic rock sound, being more piano based and sounding more like a novelty track.
At the time, Lea was persuaded to complete this song by manager Chas Chandler who'd heard him playing the melody on the piano at his home. Holders lyrics were full of innuendo which was quite risque for the time. During recording, drummer Powell was walking with the aid of a stick and had to be lifted on to his drum kit, due to his near fatal car accident in July 1973.
Far Far Away
"Far Far Away" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 11th October 1974 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The single was released to promote the upcoming film and album, both titled "Slade In Flame". Holder originally came up with the song's lyrics while standing on a balcony overlooking the Mississippi river in Memphis. Manager Chas Chandler inspired Holder to complete the song. Lea contributed the chorus to Holders verse. As referenced in Holders biography, he states "Far Far Away" remains his favourite Slade song. The song was originally titled 'Letting Loose Around the World'.
Coz I Luv You
"Coz I Luv You" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 8th October 1971 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 1st U.K. number 1. Typical of Slade's brash, stomping glam style, it prominently featured Leas electric violin and quickly reached number 1 in the U.K. singles chart, where it stayed there for 4 weeks in November 1971. Originally, the 1st week of being released, the single hit number 26, followed by number 8 the next week and number 1 the following after. The single was number 1 for 4 weeks in a row and stayed at number 3 for the following 3 weeks after.
The track was written in half an hour. This began the writing partnership of Holder and Lea which would carry on throughout Slade's career. Originally the band felt the song to be too soft and so clapping was added to the recording. The misspelt titles also became a trademark for Slade, causing a great dislike among teachers up and down the country.
Everyday
"Everyday" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 29th March 1973 and reached number 3 on the U.K. chart.
"Everyday" marked a change from Slade's usual style. The public did not expect a ballad to be released and Slade upon release, the band knew they were taking a risk but "Everyday" had become a firm favourite on stage when the crowd would sing along, which the band had never expected.
Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)
"Thanks For The Memory" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 9th May 1975 and reached number 7 on the U.K. chart.
The single only spent 1 week in the top 10, and became Slade's last top 10 U.K. hit for 6 years. The single is notable for the use of keyboard, at the time new to a Slade single although piano and organ had been used in previous material.
The song was originally titled 'Here's To Your Health, Here's To Your Wealth'. "Thanks For The Memory" was censored upon release because the BBC took offence at the line 'have a love smell on your sheet'. Holder soon re recorded the vocal as 'have some honey with your meat' to allow play on Top of The Pops.
The Bangin' Man
"The Bangin’ Man" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th June 1974 and reached number 3 on the U.K. chart.
The single returned to a more rock based sound unlike the previous ballad single "Everyday". The track was written while on tour in Australia and once again innuendo was rampant in the lyrics. The song was about being woken up by room maids after partying while on tour. Commonly mistaken, many fans thought the song's lyrics related to the band's drummer Powell but the song actually spoke of Graham "Swinn" Swinnerton, Slade's longtime tour manager.
Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me
"Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 22nd June 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 5th number 1 single in the U.K. and their 2nd to enter the charts at the top spot.
Jim got the idea of the track at the Trumpet pub in Bilston where local pianist Reg Kierle was playing piano. The single was recorded whilst the band were touring in America, originally being titled 'You Know How To Squeeze Me'.
Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 25th August 1972 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 3rd number 1 single in the U.K.
Originally, the idea was to release the single with pre radio plays and pre orders, in hopes the single would go straight to number 1 during the 1st week of release. The single entered the charts on its 1st week at number 2, then followed by number 1 for the next 3 weeks in September 1972 (giving the band their 3rd number 1 in the U.K.). The single fared less well in the U.S.A. where it reached number 76.
Some months before, the band had played at the Boston Gliderdrome in Linolnshire, a bouncer had told them about another act who'd appeared there drunk 'crazy with whiskey' and this gave Holder the idea for the lyrics. The song was originally titled 'My My We're All Crazy Now' the title was changed by manager Chas Chandler, the spelling, of course was adapted by the band's own traditions. Several of the most distinctive parts of the record were virtual ad libs, including the 'mama mama mama yeah' coda at the end.
Look Wot You Dun
"Look Wot You Dun" written by Holder and Lea and Powell, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 28th January 1972 and reached number 4 on the U.K. chart.
The track was originally written by Lea and Powell and was taken to Holder for his input. The track was influenced by John Lennon. During recording, Slade's guitarist Hill borrowed Peter Frampton's guitar as his own had been left at home and was inaccessible due to bad weather during the Christmas holiday. This track is the only Slade song to feature a Powell vocal of heavy breathing in the chorus.
Upon release, the single sparked a protest from teachers across the U.K. about bad spelling. Record Mirror magazine published a short article about the protest at the time, "The new Slade single "Look Wot You Dun" has sparked off protests amongst the teaching profession, according to a spokesman for the group. He told Record Mirror that several teachers have written to the Ministry of Education complaining about the deliberate misspelling of the title and the previous single "Coz I Luv You". They allege that the phonetic spellings create confusion in their pupils' minds.
Yet today the bad spelling has become a cult for texting.
Take Me Bak 'Ome
"Take Me Bak 'Ome" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 26th May 1972 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the bands 2nd number 1 single in the U.K. The song was also the band's debut appearance on the U.S.A. singles chart, peaking at number 97.
Around this time the band appeared at the Great Western festival near Lincoln. Slade triumphed before a large crowd despite a line up of more serious acts. Hill, incidentally wore an all silver leather outfit for the first time on stage at Lincoln, his sartorial touch would influence British fashion for the next few years. "Take Me Bak 'Ome" was currently at number 2 in the British charts during the festival. The following week it reached number 1 and Slade gained further credibility as live performers.
Let's Call It Quits
"Let's Call It Quits" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 30th January 1976 and reached number 11 on the U.K. chart.
The single became Slade’s last U.K. top 20 hit for 5 years until the 1981 single "We’ll Bring The House Down".
The single was released to limited success within Europe as the single failed to make an impact within usual loyal countries such as Netherlands, Austria and Germany, again like the previous single "In For A Penny". Slade's popularity was further declining, particularly because the band were living and touring in America, trying to crack the market there.
Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 7th December 1973 and reached number 1 on the U.K. chart.
This was the band's 6th and last number 1 single in the U.K. earning the U.K. Christmas Number 1 slot in December 1973, by mid January it was still at number 1 remaining in the top 100 until mid February 1974.
By 1973 Slade were one of the most popular bands in Britain, having achieved 2 number one singles, "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me", in 3 months. These singles had both entered the charts straight at number 1, a rare feat at the time as this was the 1st occurrence since The Beatles hit number one in 1969 with 'Get Back'.
Based on melodies from discarded songs written 6 years before, "Merry Xmas Everybody" became Slade's best selling single, released at the peak of their popularity, and sold over a million copies upon its 1st release. It is Slade's last number 1 single, but by far their most successful, staying at number 1 for 5 weeks in a row. It has been released during every decade since 1973.
How Does It Feel?
"How Does It Feel" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 7th February 1975 and reached number 15 on the U.K. chart.
This was the lowest charting single since Slade's first hit "Get Down And Get With It" in 1971. The single's 1st week in the top 100 only began at number 38 which was poor for a Slade single at the time.
The tune was originally written by Lea, back in 1970 on an old out of tune piano with half the keys missing. It was brought out of the cupboard to be the theme tune for Slade's film "Slade In Flame". Holders melancholy lyrics added an extra dimension to the opening and closing credits. The song also featured members of the band Gonzales on brass instruments.
Get Down And Get With It
"Get Down And Get With It" written and originally performed by American musician Bobby Marchan, gaining more popularity by Little Richard. Slade originally released their version via Polydor record label on 21st May 1971 and reached number 16 on the U.K. chart.
This was Slade's first U.K. chart entry. Originally, both Slade manager - producer Chas Chandler and Slade had decided that in order to make a break into the charts they would need to capture their strong reputation as a live act onto record. They chose "Get Down And Get With It" as the band would frequently play the song live and it was always a popular live number. The song was successfully captured in the studio, complete with foot stomping and hand clapping as intended, eventually breaking Slade into the U.K. chart as well as Europe.
"Get Down And Get With It" would become a popular concert track for the rest of Slade's career with live versions appearing on the 1972 live album "Slade Alive!".
Gudbuy T'Jane
"Gudbuy T'Jane" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via Polydor record label on 17th November 1972 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
The song lost the number 1 spot to Chuck Berry's single 'My Ding A Ling' Slade's 2 previous singles had charted at number 1 in the U.K. the single stayed in the U.K. top 10 from the moment it was released for 8 weeks. The single was also the most successful of Slade's 1970s singles in the U.S.A. peaking at number 68.
At the time, the band were on tour and needed a follow up hit single to "Mama Weer All Crazee Now". The idea came to Lea while he was sitting by a pool in San Diego. He completed it in the toilet in the plane on the flight home. Holders lyrics came from a TV show he saw in San Francisco on which the band appeared, and on which a girl called Jane demonstrated a Sex Machine. Holder completed his lyrics just prior to the recording session. Holders original lyrics were 'Hello To Jane' however Lea decided that it would sound better as 'Goodbye To Jane' when they went to record it. The loose feel of the record is explained by the fact this was Take 2 and the band had never played the song before until that day.
Credits
Dave Hill - lead guitar
Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jim Lea - bass guitar
Don Powell - drums
Chas Chandler - producer, Engineer
Tommy Vance - liner Notes
Keith Altham - photography
Green Ink - sleeve
