Slade in Flame

by Slade

Overview

Slade in Flame is a tough album to judge. It marks the end of Slade's rule over the British charts -- the album went to number six (the band's previous four LPs reached number one), but it would be nearly ten years before the band would return to the top of the pops. Made as an accompanying piece to the movie of the same name, Slade in Flame was different than the group's other records. It's an artistic tour de force for a band that was looked on as "just a good time." Although Slade was that, the band had a lot more in its bag of tricks, and this album shows it. Most folks (if not all) were expecting Slade to come out with a Monkees-type movie: lots of slapstick and a funny, lighthearted good time. Instead, the band delivered a much more reality-based film and album. Don't worry, though, because it's still pure Slade. The album stretches the band's stylistic universe to include brass and more keyboards than before. The lyrics are a little more serious than you might expect -- the album is about what a bummer it can be to be famous, as well as the all of the advantages (girls). From the opening number, "How Does It Feel," Slade sets a different tone. A piano and vocal intro greets the listener. Of course, by the end of the song the full band is rocking furiously. They don't let up on the classic "Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing," which features great drumming by Don Powell. "So Far So Good" is a beautiful rocker, and was covered by Alice Cooper songwriter Mike Bruce on his first solo album. On "OK Yesterday Was Yesterday," Noddy gives his lungs a big-time workout. [The British and American versions of this album differ slightly. The U.S. version added two British A-sides, "Bangin' Man" and "Thanks for the Memories," while deleting a couple of tracks. "Bangin' Man" is definitely one of Slade's best, and worth seeking out on a greatest-hits CD.] ~ Geoff Ginsberg

Product Details

Release Date:	06/17/2022
Label:	Bmg
UPC:	4050538799620
Rank:	84226

Tracks

1. How Does It Feel
2. Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing
3. So Far So Good
4. Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)
5. OK Yesterday Was Yesterday
6. Far Far Away
7. This Girl
8. Lay It Down
9. Heaven Knows
10. Standin' on the Corner
11. How Does It Feel [USA 7" Edit]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Slade   Primary Artist
Bud Beadle   Sax (Baritone)
Mick Eve   Sax (Tenor)
David Hill   Guitar
Chris Mercer   Sax (Tenor),Sax (Baritone)
Malcolm Griffiths   Trombone,Trombone (Bass)
Jim Lea   Bass,Violin,Vocals,Keyboards
Noddy Holder   Guitar,Vocals
Eddie Quansah   Trumpet
Jimmy Lea   Guitar (Bass)
Steve Gregory   Sax (Tenor)
Ron Carthy   Trumpet
Don Powell   Drums
Dave Hill   Guitar,Vocals
James Lea   Violin,Guitar (Bass)
Neville Holder   Guitar,Vocals
Chris Frazer Smith   Trombone
Chris Hammer Smith   Trombone

Technical Credits

Chas Chandler   Producer
Jim Lea   Composer,Songwriter,Digital Remastering
Noddy Holder   Composer,Songwriter
Gered Mankowitz   Photography
Mark Brennan   Project Consultant
Alan O'Duffy   Engineer
James Lea   Composer,Lyricist
Neville Holder   Composer,Lyricist
Paul Welch   Art Direction
Steve Ridgeway   Logo Design
Chris Ingham   Liner Notes