12'' Front Cover U.K.

12'' Rear Cover U.K.

12'' A Side U.K.

12'' B Side U.K.

"The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome" was Slades 10th studio U.K. album, It was released and was produced by Jim Lea and John Punter via RCA record label on 3rd December 1983.
This album reached number 49 on the U.K. chart, becoming the band's most successful album of the decade. The 2 singles released from the album were successful, peaking in the top 40 of both the U.K. and U.S.A. chart.
In the U.S.A. and Canada, this album was issued as "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply", in a different track order and featuring alternate artwork.

Background
Following Slade's legendary performance at the Reading festival in 1980, the group's career was now on solid ground in the terms of media interest, sold out shows and a major record deal with RCA record label. However, since Slade's comeback single "We'll Bring The House Down", hits had been harder to come by. Singles such as "Wheels Ain't Coming Down", "Lock Up Your Daughters", "Ruby Red" and "(And Now The Waltz) C'est La Vie" all were denied significant chart action. The record company expected hit singles from the band.
Jim Lea had always wanted to write a big, folksy ballad and when he presented his melody idea to Noddy Holder, the lyrics to "My Oh My" were created. Another song produced was "Run Runaway", a celtic flavoured rock jig featuring some of Noddy Holders most elliptical, memorable lyrics and the return of Jim Leas fiddle. RCA record label were delighted and appointed John Punter to work on the tracks.
Punter's methods were different to what Slade were used to, for example he made the band record their parts separately which the band weren't used to. This did the trick though as "My Oh My" became a huge hit for Slade in the Christmas of 1983. "My Oh My" peaked at number 2, the top spot denied by The Flying Pickets cover of Yazoo's 'Only You'.
In the mean time, things began stirring in the States, the country that had emphatically resisted Slade's charms despite an 18 month on the road effort by the group in 1975 - 76 to wear them down. Shortly following, the rock band 'Quiet Riot' covered Slade's 1973 U.K. chart topper "Cum On Feel The Noize". Slade's original had been a flop in the states however Quiet Riot's cover peaked at number 5 in the U.S.A., making it a massive hit. The song helped 'Quiet Riot' sell 7 million copies of their album Metal Health.
"Run Runaway" was soon released in the U.S.A. and U.K. With the help of a suitably celebratory video shot at Eastnor Castle in Hertfordshire. This became a top 10 hit in the U.K.. but more importantly it was Slade's first top 20 hit in the States.

Recording
"The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome" was released via RCA record label on 3rd December 1983.
Upon release, The Record Mirror stated "Romping back into the forefront of 80s pop with an apparently effortless confidence and an untainted infectiousness. Slade are riding hard on the heels of a smash hit single with an album that decently consolidates the success of "My Oh My". Noddy Holder only has to turn on that formidable voice on the opening "Slam The Hammer Down" and you know straight away Slade will never abandon the battle while there's spirit enough left to fight It. Now this is the Slade we’ve known and loved and laughed with for years a raucous, rollicking and simply addictive little riot that kicks the album off with a resounding start no wonder people are rediscovering rock ‘n’ roll these days. And there's more of same craftsmen at variations on a theme. Slade storm on through the vinyl with "In The Doghouse", the irresistible "High And Dry", the excellent "Cheap 'N' Nasty Luv" and a grand finale with "Razzle Dazzle Man". Look for humour and you’ll find it dotted around all over the place. "Get your oats in while you can can", hollers Noddy Holder on "Cocky Rock Boys (Rule OK)". "You're full of wit and it hits the fan". There are certain moments of contrast to be found on this album. The family sing song "My Oh My" fades into something approaching insignificance besides the more fiery stompers, and the percussive, mid placed "Run Runaway", oddly chosen as the next single, droops into repetitiveness before the 2nd verse is out. And "(And Now The Waltz) C'est La Vie" tends to disappear into the clouds of its own long winded ambition. Finally though, its certain that for flash and sparkle, slap and tickle, and a ride on a runaway rock 'n' roller coaster. Slade have lost none of their old wicked touch."

Release
"The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome" was originally released on 12" vinyl, cassette and CD.
Originally, the album was to be released in February 1984, as confirmed by the band shortly before, however the success of "My Oh My" caused RCA record label to quickly release the album earlier in late 1983, who wanted to cash in on the success of the single. This caused some Slade fans to worry about the record being lost in the frantic Christmas market.
Noddy Holder was asked the meaning behind the title upon release, he stated "I was reading the sports pages 1 day and there was an article on motor sport. It talked about the 'kamikaze complex', those guys who compete seem to have in putting their life on the line every time they go on the track. I think Barry Sheene was mentioned as a specific example. Anyway, it struck me that some of our songs fitted in with this idea, so the title seemed a logical choice. And let's face it, everyone has something of that complex in 'em, we all take gambles at some point in our lives." On the back insert of the album, a sentence under the track listing reads "From day one we are all part of the amazing kamikaze syndrome".
In a December 1983 interview with Slade by Record Mirror magazine, Jim Lea spoke of the album, stating "Our album is inspired by people doing dangerous exploits, Barry Sheene and sportsmen who live close to the edge."
Noddy Holder spoke of the album in a 1986 interview "We all felt that there should have been a single out on the back of "Run Runaway". The album was our 1st big success in America, it was top 5 all over Europe and number 1 in Scandinavia for months. Britain was the only place it wasn't a big album. We could have, theoretically, had another single off it. It would have been a hit. There was plenty of good stuff on that album."

Promotion
During the album's release in December, the band were touring throughout the U.K. in order to promote the album. With the massive success of "My Oh My", the band were appearing on national TV regularly, followed by the success of "Run Runaway".
As the album was originally to be released in February 1984, a major concert tour was penciled for the Spring. However, when RCA record label decided to release the album in December 1983 instead, a college tour for that month was organised instead. Although a college tour was not ideal after the big success of their "My Oh My" single, but the band were committed to the tour, although negotiations were taking place for a concert tour in the Spring of 1984. This tour would never take place and after a few concerts in America during 1984 (following the band's American success with "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway"), the band would never perform live again, except for a one off version of Chuck Berrys 'Johnny B. Goode' during Slade's 25th Anniversary party, organised by the band's fan club.

Chart Performance
The album reached number 49 on the U.K. chart.

Track Listing - 12" LP U.K.
A1. Slam The Hammer Down (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 3:26
A2. In The Doghouse (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 2:44
A3. Run Runaway (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 4:59
A4. High And Dry (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 3:10
A5. My Oh My (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 4:11
A6. Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.) (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 3:25
B1. Ready To Explode (The Warm Up, The Grid, The Race, The Dream) (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 8:28
B2. (And Now The Waltz) C'est La Vie (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 3:44
B3. Cheap 'N' Nasty Luv (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 3:37
B4. Razzle Dazzle Man (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 4:25

Slam The Hammer Down
"Slam The Hammer Down" written by Holder and Lea, opens the original album with a shouted voice communication by Holder from a helicopter. Chris Ingham who wrote the album notes for the Salvo remasters stated "The track features an elaborately motor racings ex metaphor." The track was issued as a promo in the U.S.A. only via CBS record label which contained two remixes (Hot Mix / Hotter Mix), both remixed by Shep Pettibone.
The track was performed at Montreaux festival along with "Run Runaway" in 1984.

In The Doghouse
"In The Doghouse" written by Holder and Lea, features brass instruments for the 1st time in a Slade track for years, last notably on the 1975 album "Slade In Flame". Chris Ingham stated ""In The Doghouse" celebrates the carefree indiscretions of youth."
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "A mid tempo rocker with catchy backing vocals and featuring saxes played by Andy Dummit and a Hill solo."

Run Runaway
"Run Runaway" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via RCA record label on 27th January 1984 and reached number 7 on the U.K. chart.
This has a celtic flavoured rock jig featuring some elliptical lyrics and the return of Lea's fiddle. RCA record label saw the potential of the track and appointed John Punter to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop. This track became the 1st hit in the U.S.A. for Slade after years of trying to crack the American market, peaking at number 20 on their chart.
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "The new single almost Big Countryish great intro featuring rapid fire Powell drumming. Very catchy hook line. The 1st single to feature Lea's violin playing for a very long time".

High And Dry
"High And Dry" written by Holder and Lea, Chris Ingham stated ""High And Dry" is known for showing notable Holder vocal, once memorably described by Melody Maker's Jim Arundel as "a blistering yell that's akin to Little Richard undergoing throat surgery by blowtorch without an anaesthetic". "High And Dry" is also for its unapologetic commemoration of insensitive womanising; "you want equality", goes the lyric, "you won't get none of that from me". How that fits with Slade's declaration in "My Oh My" that they "believe in woman" is difficult to say, but a politically correct Slade wouldn't be Slade at all."
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "Powerhouse drum intro followed by mid tempo rocker, nice guitar sound."
'Girlschool' did a cover version of this song which was produced by both Holder and Lea.

My Oh My
"My Oh My" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via RCA record label on 11th November 1983 and reached number 2 on the U.K. chart.
This came about as Lea had always wanted to write a big, folksy ballad and when he presented his melody idea to Holder, the lyrics to "My Oh My" were created. The melody came from an idea that Lea had while listening to Hill and Holder tuning up in the dressing room before a gig at a University in Wales. This track became a huge hit in the U.K. peaking at number 2, and number 37 in the U.S.A.
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "Not a lot to say about this 1, a great track, thanks for making it a hit."

Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)
"Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" written by Holder and Lea, Chris Ingham wrote ""Cocky Rock Boys" tips a wink at Slade's audience and shows Lea's production off complete with a backward vocal effect, the first for a Slade track." This particular track did not feature on the American version of the album "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply".
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "A slight acknowledgement to male chauvinist within the lyrics of this, but nothing to cause too many fits of apoplexy in the re feminists. Opens with more powerhouse drumming and then goes into a rocker, another live hit? Some more sound effects in the middle section, a great way to finish side 1."
In the Slade International Fan Club newsletter for April, May and June 1988, a fan asked who spoke the repeat lines "You Frank and Johnny, you're hurting my arm." The club stated that it was Holder speaking the lines and that the lines were taken from a 1941 film titled 'The Maltese Falcon', starring Humphrey Bogart.

Ready To Explode
"Ready To Explode" written by Holder and Lea, is an 8 and a half minute track it is a multi themed song suite about the excitement of motor racing, inspired in part by the Jim Steinman's work with Meat Loaf. Guitarist Hill said "I seem to remember that Lea was hooked on the 'Bat Out Of Hell' album at the time, and he wanted to make a record about...being on the edge and all this type of thing". The track featured Pete Drummond doing commentary announcements on the track.
The song was split into four different parts:
Part 1: The Warm Up
Part 2: The Grid
Part 3: The Race
Part 4: The Dream
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "An epic, 8 and a half minutes long featuring Jim singing lead in the verses, as the driver in the song about a motor race. Holder says the part of the race commentator. 2 very different voices and the idea works really well. The track announcer is former Radio Caroline and Radio 1 DJ, Pete Drummond. The song is a very heavy rocker with some neat guitar work from Hill and great bass from Lea."

(And Now The Waltz) C'est La Vie
"(And Now The Waltz) C'est La Vie" written by Holder and Lea, this was originally released as a single by Slade via RCA record label on 12th November 1982 and reached number 50 on the U.K. chart.
This is described by Chris Ingham as "a waltz time anthem about the bittersweet feelings surrounding an end of affair rendezvous", was originally released in 1982 as a Christmas single.
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "What can be said about this vastly underrated song except that it should have been a monster hit."

Cheap 'N' Nasty Luv
"Cheap 'N' Nasty Luv" written by Holder and Lea, is described by Chris Ingham as "another in the series of Slade songs which display an interest in the oldest profession though the usual lusty appreciation is set aside here and replaced with an empathetic view of a young lady unhappy in her situation." On the American album release, "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply", the song is shortened compared to the European version which adds a solo synthesizer section at the end.
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "A glimpse at the past with the title spelling on this one! Social comment without the moralising! Keyboards from Lea in unison with guitars on this rocker."

Razzle Dazzle Man
"Razzle Dazzle Man" written by Holder and Lea, features a fast tempo, new wave influence until mid way when the song changes into a ballad featuring acoustic guitar and large choir backing vocals. Chris Ingham wrote ""Razzle Dazzle Man" closes the album, but not before reprising motifs from "Ready To Explode" and a fade giving the impression that side 2 was all one thematic piece." This particular track did not feature on the American version of this album "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply".
In the 1st Slade fan club magazine of 1984, Slade roadie and tour manager Haden Donovan spoke of the song in a track to track description of each song from the album. For the song he wrote "An orchestral type opening before the band explode into the album closing rocker typical of Slade and what better way to close the album! See if you can hear outside voices at the end of this 1 !!!"

Credits
Dave Hill - lead guitar, backing vocals
Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Jim Lea - bass guitar, keyboards, piano, violin, backing vocals, producer
Don Powell - drums, percussion, gong
Andy Dummit - saxophone on "In The Doghouse"
DJ Pete Drummond - announcements on "Ready To Explode"
John Punter - producer
Andy Miller - engineer
Dave Garland - engineer
Mike Nolito - engineer on "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My"
Pete Schwire - engineer on "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My"
Andrew Christian - art direction
John Shaw - photography
Phil Davis - set designer
Shoot That Tiger! - design