SLADE - 'SLADEST'

My copy of SLADE's 'Sladest' (remix 2011) arrived today and it is a lovely record. Originally released in 1973 when SLADE bestrode the world of pop and rock like gods, it's part greatest hits and part look-what-you-missed, with earlier songs from 'Play It Loud'. It's a great album and this reissued version includes a never-before heard song, a studio version of 'Hear Me Calling'.

'Sladest' comes in a tri-fold cardboard cover which, when you first open it, has close-up photos of Sir Noddy and Jim, then open Sir Nod's cover to reveal close-ups of Dave and Don, a nice touch. There's a booklet with a long write-up by Chris Ingham with loads of photos. As ever, with the Salvo re-issues, the packaging is excellent and so is the sound quality on the re-mastered songs. The original album ended with 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' but this version includes a previously unreleased studio version of 'Hear Me Calling' plus 'My Friend Stan', 'My Town' and 'Kill 'Em At The Hot Club Tonight', all from 1973 to keep it all in character.

I love the studio version of 'Hear Me Calling'. As all SLADE fans know, it's the opening track on 'SLADE Alive!' and a song we're all familiar with. This version includes a background of hand-claps recorded in an echo chamber (probably a toilet or stairwell, I suspect) when the lads were trying to re-create their live sound. It's excellent! The whole album sounds excellent, lovely re-mastering.

If you want a taster of SLADE from the glory years then this is the album for you, with all the hits and a few early songs to let you see how the band developed into the Lords of Noize. I am currently worshipping at the altar of Noize...