Alright, kids, gather 'round. It's time we talked about Slade and their monster of an album, "Slayed?". Now, I know what you're thinking. Slade? Aren't they that glam rock band with the goofy outfits and misspelled song titles? Yeah, that's them. But hold on to your platform boots, because "Slayed?" ain't no bubblegum pop party.
Let's rewind a bit. Slade had been kicking around since the late '60s, starting out as a blues-rock band called Ambrose Slade. They paid their dues, slogging it out in the clubs and honing their chops. By the early '70s, they'd shed the blues and embraced the glitter and glam that was sweeping the UK music scene. They scored a string of hits, with their raucous, anthemic tunes and Noddy Holder's distinctive, gravel-throated vocals.
But "Slayed?", released in 1972, was something else entirely. It was a bold, ambitious statement, a declaration that Slade was more than just a singles band. They wanted to rock, and they wanted to rock hard.
The album kicks off with "How D'You Ride", a swaggering, riff-heavy rocker that sets the tone for what's to come. Holder's vocals are at their snarling best, and the band is locked in, delivering a tight, powerful performance. It's a far cry from the bubblegum pop of their earlier hits.
From there, the album takes us on a wild ride. "The Whole World's Goin' Crazee" is a stomping, glam-rock anthem, with a chorus that'll have you singing along at the top of your lungs. "Look at Last Nite" is a bluesy, soulful ballad that showcases Holder's vocal range and the band's versatility. "Move Over" is a raucous, proto-punk blast that predates the Sex Pistols by a few years.
And then there's "Gudbuy T'Jane", the album's centerpiece and arguably Slade's finest moment. It's a sprawling, seven-minute epic that starts out as a gentle ballad before exploding into a full-on rock 'n' roll maelstrom. It's got everything: soaring vocals, blistering guitar solos, thundering drums, and a chorus that'll stay with you for days.
The rest of the album is just as strong, with highlights like the driving "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" and the tongue-in-cheek "I Won't Let It 'Appen Agen". Throughout, the band sounds energized and inspired, pushing themselves to new heights.
"Slayed?" was produced by Chas Chandler, who'd previously worked with Jimi Hendrix and The Animals. He brought a raw, unpolished edge to the album, capturing the band's energy and intensity. The album was recorded at Command Studios in London, a legendary studio that had hosted the likes of The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
Of course, "Slayed?" wasn't without its controversies. The album's title, with its deliberately misspelled word, raised a few eyebrows. Some critics dismissed it as a gimmick, while others saw it as a clever commentary on the band's image. The album's cover, featuring the band members dressed as cavemen, also drew some criticism.
But in the end, "Slayed?" proved that Slade was a force to be reckoned with. It was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one risks.
on the UK charts and cementing the band's status as one of the biggest rock acts in the world. It's an album that's full of energy, passion, and raw rock 'n' roll power. It's a testament to Slade's talent and their willingness to take
So, if you're looking for an album that'll slay you, look no further than "Slayed?". It's a glam rock classic that still sounds fresh and exciting today. Crank it up and let Slade rock your world.
