I remember seeing Slade on German television (Musikladen) performing their song “Rock and Roll Preacher”. I think I liked it, but forgot it.
A few months later I saw a re-run of the show. This time I remembered the name of the band. The next time I was at my favourite record store, I bought a Slade album. Since I didn’t know anything about the band, I just picked any album.
This album happened to be “Slade in Flame”. At home, I played this record – and was really disappointed. The first song “How does it feel” started soft and slow with someone playing the piano. That was not the hard rock I had in mind when I bought the record.
The second song “Them Kinda Monkeys Can’t Swing” was closer to the hard rock I had on my mind.
I don’t remember when I fell in love with this album. But when I play this album now, I get goose bumps and a chill runs down my spine.
It is a great album. Expect something unusual. Play it at least ten times before you decide whether you like it. And play it loud.
If you want to hear more of Slade: I love their first live album “Slade Alive” with songs like “Darling Be Home Soon” and “Hear Me Calling”.
Another wonderful song is “Ready to Explode”. It appeared on the “Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply” album which was re-released as “The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome”.