SLADE - SLADEST 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Incl. Booklet with Gatefold Album Cover

In the grand narrative of rock 'n' roll, few bands have captured the unbridled spirit of the genre quite like Slade. With their outrageous platform boots, glam-rock swagger, and anthemic choruses, they were a force of nature that stormed the charts and captured the hearts of millions. At the heart of their reign of rock 'n' roll revelry sits "Sladest," a double-LP compilation that serves as a monument to their unbridled energy and infectious enthusiasm.

Released in 1973, "Sladest" arrived at a time when Slade was riding high on a wave of success. They had already racked up a string of chart-topping singles, including "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me," and their live shows were legendary for their raucous energy and audience participation. "Sladest" was a celebration of their achievements, a collection of their biggest hits and fan favorites that showcased their unique blend of rock 'n' roll grit and pop sensibility.

From the opening chords of "Cum On Feel the Noize," it's clear that Slade is not a band to be trifled with. The song explodes with a primal energy, driven by Noddy Holder's powerful vocals and Dave Hill's searing guitar riffs. It's an anthem for the disenfranchised, a call to arms for anyone who's ever felt the urge to let loose and raise a little hell. And it's just the beginning of the rock 'n' roll rollercoaster that is "Sladest."

The album is a veritable treasure trove of Slade's signature sound. There's the stomping, glam-rock stomp of "Mama Weer All Crazee Now," the infectious pop hooks of "Gudbuy T'Jane," and the anthemic sing-along of "Merry Xmas Everybody." Each song is a showcase of the band's songwriting prowess and their ability to craft tunes that are both catchy and meaningful.

But "Sladest" is more than just a collection of hits. It's also a window into the band's evolution and their willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. There's the bluesy swagger of "Look Wot You Dun," the acoustic balladry of "Everyday," and the psychedelic-tinged "My Friend Stan." These songs demonstrate that Slade was not content to simply rest on their laurels; they were constantly pushing the boundaries of their music and exploring new sonic territories.

Of course, no discussion of Slade would be complete without mentioning their infamous misspelling of song titles. From "Cum On Feel the Noize" to "Mama Weer All Crazee Now," their deliberate misspellings were a playful jab at the music establishment and a way to connect with their working-class fans. It was a move that drew both praise and criticism, but it was undeniably part of what made Slade so unique and endearing.

"Sladest" was recorded at various studios throughout the UK, including Command Studios and Olympic Studios, and was produced by Chas Chandler, the band's longtime manager and mentor. Chandler, who had previously worked with Jimi Hendrix, brought a sense of professionalism and polish to Slade's sound, while still allowing their raw energy and personality to shine through.

In the end, "Sladest" is a celebration of the enduring power of rock 'n' roll. It's an album that captures the essence of a band at the peak of their powers, a band that wasn't afraid to be loud, proud, and unapologetically themselves. It's a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of noise, a little bit of glitter, and a whole lot of heart to make some truly great music. So crank up the volume, let your hair down, and get ready to experience the rock 'n' roll riot that is "Sladest."