Slade in Flame (album)
Encyclopedia
Slade in Flame was an album by the British
rock
group Slade
released on November 29, 1974. The album contained songs from the film
of the same name.
The album reached #6 on the UK album chart and produced two hit singles, "Far Far Away", which reached #2 on the UK Singles chart
and "How Does it Feel". The band tried to give the album a "sixties" feel, as its eponymous film was set in 1966.
Though the record was lauded by critics, the response of the general public was somewhat muted, and the album did not sell as well as expected. In February 1975 "How Does It Feel" was released as a single. Reaching #15 on the charts it ended a run of 12 consecutive Top 4 hits. However the song has since become regarded as one of the band's finest.
The album was released in the United States
on the Warner Bros.
label, with "The Bangin' Man" replacing "Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here) & "Thanks for the Memory" replacing "Heaven Knows".
The album was certified UK Gold by BPI in February 1975.
Record Mirror magazine voted the album #5 on the top 10 best albums in February 1976.
In 1981, drummer Don Powell was asked in a fan club interview for his three favourite Slade songs. Powell stated "Far Far Away
", "Standin' on the Corner" and "Gudbuy T'Jane" as his favourites.
The album was originally scheduled for release on the 22nd of November, 1974 but Polydor Records were unable to produce enough copies to cover the pre-orders at the time.
Before the album's release, the album itself was awarded with a Silver and Gold Disc based on pre-order sales.
By February 1975, the album had surpassed 200,000 sales in the UK.
Although no single was released in America from the album, most radio stations were playing "How Does It Feel".
suggested a movie as the next step, Slade agreed. The subject matter was to be the gritty tale of the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s group called Flame with the story based on various true music business events that had occurred to Slade and other groups of the time.
The accompanying soundtrack album was naturally Slade's responsibility and a perfect opportunity for the group to flex their musical muscle. Although the album would be marketed as Slade's next record, it gave the group a chance to use the Slade/Flame hybrid to step back a little from their massively successful hit formula of stomping grooves and rowdy choruses and re-establish their versatility.
The audience had been tipped off that the forthcoming Slade In Flame album would feature an evolving Slade sound by the release of Far Far Away
, a month before the album and movie. A swaying, acoustic track featuring the musings of a man who has seen the world but still feels the pull of his roots, it was a personal song written largely by Holder. However, nothing in Slade's catalogue to date quite prepared the listener for "How Does It Feel" including a huge horn section, flutes and haunting piano. The piece was nothing less than the sound of Slade coming of age. Having just returned from a fifth US tour and finally agreeing a script, Slade had a month to record an album of songs designed for the film.
While Slade In Flame was clearly a distinct step forward for Slade, it also marked the end of their reign as the UK's favourite band. Far Far Away performed respectably in the UK however How Does It Feel had such an indifferent sound that it reflected the gap between where Slade were at and what was expected of them. Though regarded with respect as one of the greatest rock films thirty years on, at the time the movie itself hardly helped matters. Slade's audience were used to Slade delivering a rollicking good time whereas the movie's bleak, sour atmosphere had understandably confused rather than enthused fans.
by applying that record's shuffly groove and song structure (seasonal details in the verse, hopeful athemic chorus) to another part of the year. Chris Ingham stated "The results are rather bittersweet as the song evokes the silliness, excitement and temporary nature of the holiday romance." It was featured in an in-concert scene in the movie. The track is also recommended by allmusic.
The track was covered by Sapo.
In a mid-1989 Slade fan club magazine interview, Powell was asked if there was a Slade track that he felt was one of the band's best efforts on record. Powell replied "Difficult to say, I suppose Standin' On The Corner, from the film Flame. It's got a great swing to it and its the first time we even used brass."
Record Mirror magazine wrote "the album comes in a pillar - box red envelope with a sprucy coloured sleeve and a smaller sleeve version (no doubt for your bedroom wall). Because Flame is set in the 1960's, the album has a distinctive 1960's flavour, which should take a few of us hopping down memory lane. "This Girl" is a tarty piece of disco music, with Noddy singing like a frog with a sore throat - the backing on this is particularly ram-bam. Another stomper follows, a ditty of a rocker entitled "Lay It Down", the title track with Noddy, reaching dangerous heights as he bellows "The rise in my voice can sound very queer". "How Does It Feel" has a slower relaxed beat with grasping dramatic vocals delivered with as much feeling as Sir Larry's "Richard III". The closing passage on this number is very stylish, featuring musical flute, symbols, organ and guitar, making this track the Ritziest of the lot. Next comes a supped-up shimmer shaker, "Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing", the amusing lyrics making you go apel. Because the songs have been taken out of context, a few of them have lost their charm and meaning but nevertheless, it is an enjoyable elpee."
After the film made an appearance on British TV in December 1987, London Evening Standard advised people to listen to the soundtrack instead of watching the movie, writing "Slade, Tom Conti, Johnny Shannon. Old hat story of a pop groups rise and fall given some mild interest by the clash between the band and the manager's background. Otherwise listen to the soundtrack."
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group Slade
Slade
Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton, who rose to prominence during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. With 17 consecutive Top 20 hits and six number ones, the British Hit Singles & Albums names them as the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles...
released on November 29, 1974. The album contained songs from the film
Slade In Flame
Slade In Flame is a 1975 film starring the members of the band Slade. In 2007, BBC film critic Mark Kermode called it the "Citizen Kane of rock musicals" and included its soundtrack among the 50 greatest soundtracks in cinema's history.Record Mirror magazine voted the film at #4 on the top 10...
of the same name.
The album reached #6 on the UK album chart and produced two hit singles, "Far Far Away", which reached #2 on the UK Singles chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and "How Does it Feel". The band tried to give the album a "sixties" feel, as its eponymous film was set in 1966.
Though the record was lauded by critics, the response of the general public was somewhat muted, and the album did not sell as well as expected. In February 1975 "How Does It Feel" was released as a single. Reaching #15 on the charts it ended a run of 12 consecutive Top 4 hits. However the song has since become regarded as one of the band's finest.
The album was released in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on the Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
label, with "The Bangin' Man" replacing "Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here) & "Thanks for the Memory" replacing "Heaven Knows".
The album was certified UK Gold by BPI in February 1975.
Record Mirror magazine voted the album #5 on the top 10 best albums in February 1976.
In 1981, drummer Don Powell was asked in a fan club interview for his three favourite Slade songs. Powell stated "Far Far Away
Far Far Away (song)
"Far Far Away" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Slade in Flame. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea...
", "Standin' on the Corner" and "Gudbuy T'Jane" as his favourites.
The album was originally scheduled for release on the 22nd of November, 1974 but Polydor Records were unable to produce enough copies to cover the pre-orders at the time.
Before the album's release, the album itself was awarded with a Silver and Gold Disc based on pre-order sales.
By February 1975, the album had surpassed 200,000 sales in the UK.
Although no single was released in America from the album, most radio stations were playing "How Does It Feel".
Background
In 1974, Slade left behind a remarkable year in which they saw three number one singles and sell-out tours attended by hordes of near-hyserical fans. Slade had peaked all over Europe and the group sensed that 'more of the same' was not the way forward. When manager Chas ChandlerChas Chandler
Bryan James "Chas" Chandler was an English musician, record producer and manager of several successful music acts....
suggested a movie as the next step, Slade agreed. The subject matter was to be the gritty tale of the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s group called Flame with the story based on various true music business events that had occurred to Slade and other groups of the time.
The accompanying soundtrack album was naturally Slade's responsibility and a perfect opportunity for the group to flex their musical muscle. Although the album would be marketed as Slade's next record, it gave the group a chance to use the Slade/Flame hybrid to step back a little from their massively successful hit formula of stomping grooves and rowdy choruses and re-establish their versatility.
The audience had been tipped off that the forthcoming Slade In Flame album would feature an evolving Slade sound by the release of Far Far Away
Far Far Away (song)
"Far Far Away" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Slade in Flame. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea...
, a month before the album and movie. A swaying, acoustic track featuring the musings of a man who has seen the world but still feels the pull of his roots, it was a personal song written largely by Holder. However, nothing in Slade's catalogue to date quite prepared the listener for "How Does It Feel" including a huge horn section, flutes and haunting piano. The piece was nothing less than the sound of Slade coming of age. Having just returned from a fifth US tour and finally agreeing a script, Slade had a month to record an album of songs designed for the film.
While Slade In Flame was clearly a distinct step forward for Slade, it also marked the end of their reign as the UK's favourite band. Far Far Away performed respectably in the UK however How Does It Feel had such an indifferent sound that it reflected the gap between where Slade were at and what was expected of them. Though regarded with respect as one of the greatest rock films thirty years on, at the time the movie itself hardly helped matters. Slade's audience were used to Slade delivering a rollicking good time whereas the movie's bleak, sour atmosphere had understandably confused rather than enthused fans.
UK Track listing
- "How Does It Feel" (Holder/Lea) UK #15
- "Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing" (Holder/Lea)
- "So Far So Good" (Holder/Lea)
- "Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)" (Holder/Lea)
- "O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday" (Holder/Lea)
- "Far Far AwayFar Far Away (song)"Far Far Away" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Slade in Flame. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea...
" (Holder/Lea) UK #2 - "This Girl" (Holder/Lea)
- "Lay It Down" (Holder/Lea)
- "Heaven Knows" (Holder/Lea)
- "Standin' on the Corner" (Holder/Lea)
US Track listing
- "How Does It Feel" (Holder/Lea) UK #15
- "Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing" (Holder/Lea)
- "So Far So Good" (Holder/Lea)
- "The Bangin' Man" (Holder/Lea)
- "O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday" (Holder/Lea)
- "Far Far AwayFar Far Away (song)"Far Far Away" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Slade in Flame. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea...
" (Holder/Lea) UK #2 - "This Girl" (Holder/Lea)
- "Lay It Down" (Holder/Lea)
- "Thanks For The MemoriesThanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)"Thanks for the Memory " is a single from rock band Slade. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The single was released in 1975 and peaked at #7 in the UK, spending 7 weeks on the chart and only one week in the top 10. This became Slade's last top ten hit for 6 years...
" (Holder/Lea) - "Standin' on the Corner" (Holder/Lea)
How Does It Feel
"How Does It Feel", the opening track of Slade In Flame. The tune was originally wrote by Lea, back in 1970 on an old out of tune piano with half the keys missing. It was brought out of the cupboard to be the theme tune for Flame. Chris Ingham of Rock Backpages stated "Lea's simple piano part, Holder's vocal intoning a lyric full of philosophical wonder, ghostly backing vocals, organ and flute. These elements would be enough to mark "How Does It Feel" as a notable Slade recording but with addition of a huge horn section to, piping flutes and a running time of over five minutes." Allmusic stated "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." How Does It Feel is also recommended by allmusic.Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing
"Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing" is one of the up-tempo rock tracks, Chris Ingham described the track as "a propulsive number that manages to be powerful but also taut and contained." The track is the first appearance by the group on screen, featuring Hill's searing slide guitar. Allmusic wrote "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
"So Far So Good", the optimistic track that is used as Flame's first hit. Chris Ingham wrote "The song is a good example of Holder's pithy way with a lyric, intimating success is about having the right attitude of life ("making the best out of having ago") while also celebrating the good luck of a survivor ("taking chances...I'm alive!"). A good example of how even a second-drawer mid-1970s Slade song, i.e., probably not commercial or extraordinary enough to be a single, is still replete with craft." Allmusic stated "So Far So Good" is a beautiful rocker." The track was covered by Alice Cooper songwriter Mike Bruce on his first solo album.Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)
"Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)" attempts to recreate the magic of their 1973 megahit Merry Xmas EverybodyMerry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a 1973 song by the English rock band Slade. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler, it was the band's sixth number-one single in the UK...
by applying that record's shuffly groove and song structure (seasonal details in the verse, hopeful athemic chorus) to another part of the year. Chris Ingham stated "The results are rather bittersweet as the song evokes the silliness, excitement and temporary nature of the holiday romance." It was featured in an in-concert scene in the movie. The track is also recommended by allmusic.
O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday
"O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday" is described by Chris Ingham as "a ribald salutation to growing up, teenage rites of passage and the inevitability of female surrender." In the film, Flame are seen powering out the opening riff - another slide guitar feature - while being memorably elevated into view via a hyraulic stage. Allmusic wrote "On "OK Yesterday Was Yesterday," Noddy gives his lungs a big-time workout."Far Far Away
"Far Far Away", a swaying, acoustic track featuring the musings of a man who has seen the world but still feels the pull of his roots, it was a personal song written largely by Holder. The track was released as a single, peaking at #2 in the UK.This Girl
"This Girl" on the album, is a clavinet-driven song. Chris Ingham wrote "A bitter little track about a fickle female featuring an extravagant echo effect on Holder's voice and some particularly strident lead guitar from Hill." For the film, it was rewritten and rearranged to be the number that horror-rockers Roy Priest and the Undertakers sing. Their erstwhile singer - soon to be Flame frontman Stoker (played by Holder) - delivers the song from a coffin in a version unavailable on record. The track was covered by Andre Verhage and The Jinx.Lay It Down
"Lay It Down" is much like the Stones, with Powell laying a rock-solid, 'Brown Sugar'-like foundation before guitars, bass and brass build the song. Lea cited the Stones as his bigger influence earlier on, before he rediscovered The Beatles' melodic power.Heaven Knows
"Heaven Knows" is a lighthearted, optimistic song which functions as the b-side to Flame's inaugural single, seen in the movie to be given a quick spin by pirate DJ Tommy Vance. Chris Ingham wrote "The song is treated to a suitably jaunty treatment, but is probably the moment that most betrays the deadline pressure Slade were working under. The song perhaps deserved performances of greater refinement than it receives here." The track is also recommended by allmusic.Standin' On The Corner
"Standin' On The Corner" features a horn section (including the only saxophone solo in Slade history) and scatter-gun lyrics style. Chris Ingham wrote "The result if one of Slade's great underexposed rockers. Holder's lyrics lustily appreciates the merits of 'good time gals'."The track was covered by Sapo.
In a mid-1989 Slade fan club magazine interview, Powell was asked if there was a Slade track that he felt was one of the band's best efforts on record. Powell replied "Difficult to say, I suppose Standin' On The Corner, from the film Flame. It's got a great swing to it and its the first time we even used brass."
Critical reception
Upon release, reviews were overall positive. One magazine review stated "This is the album from Slade's debut film. The group that's playing is not supposed to be them but the music included here certainly sounds like the Slade we all know and love. Only occasionally, do they stray from the usual mould. The first track is one of those exceptions. It's called How Does It Feel. For once Noddy's voice is allowed to take almost total precedence and the result is a poignant and unusual number. Then we're back to the Slade sound with "Them Kinds Monkeys Can't Swing", and at slightly varying speeds. I like "O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday", an instantly memorable if predictable number that could easily be a single. Side two opens with "Far Far Away", to my mind one of their more classy hits. Then comes "This Girl" with Noddy sounding more Lennonish than ever. A different number, a little less pleasant lyrically than the standard Slade song and all the better for it. Then we're back to rockers again with their jaunty beat. On the last track, the addition of some saxes and brass adds a lot of depth to "Lay It Down", and that lays down some quite funky music. A touchy album but definitely more good than bad."Record Mirror magazine wrote "the album comes in a pillar - box red envelope with a sprucy coloured sleeve and a smaller sleeve version (no doubt for your bedroom wall). Because Flame is set in the 1960's, the album has a distinctive 1960's flavour, which should take a few of us hopping down memory lane. "This Girl" is a tarty piece of disco music, with Noddy singing like a frog with a sore throat - the backing on this is particularly ram-bam. Another stomper follows, a ditty of a rocker entitled "Lay It Down", the title track with Noddy, reaching dangerous heights as he bellows "The rise in my voice can sound very queer". "How Does It Feel" has a slower relaxed beat with grasping dramatic vocals delivered with as much feeling as Sir Larry's "Richard III". The closing passage on this number is very stylish, featuring musical flute, symbols, organ and guitar, making this track the Ritziest of the lot. Next comes a supped-up shimmer shaker, "Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing", the amusing lyrics making you go apel. Because the songs have been taken out of context, a few of them have lost their charm and meaning but nevertheless, it is an enjoyable elpee."
After the film made an appearance on British TV in December 1987, London Evening Standard advised people to listen to the soundtrack instead of watching the movie, writing "Slade, Tom Conti, Johnny Shannon. Old hat story of a pop groups rise and fall given some mild interest by the clash between the band and the manager's background. Otherwise listen to the soundtrack."
Chart performance
| Chart (1974) | Peak position |
Total weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 31 | ? |
| German Albums Chart | 41 | ? |
| Norwegian Albums Chart | 2 | 20 |
| UK Albums Chart | 6 | 18 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 93 | 14 |
Slade
- Noddy HolderNoddy HolderNeville John "Noddy" Holder MBE is an English musician and actor. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist with the rock band Slade....
- lead vocals, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together... - Dave HillDave HillDave Hill is an English musician, who is the lead guitarist and backing vocalist in the English glam rock group, Slade. The music journalist, Stuart Maconie, commented "he usually wore a jumpsuit made of the foil that you baste your turkeys in and platforms of oil-rig-derrick height...
- lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure... - Jim LeaJim LeaJim Lea , is an English musician, most notable for playing bass guitar, keyboards, violin, guitar, and singing backing vocals in Slade.-Career:...
- bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal... - Don PowellDon PowellDon Powell is a drummer who founded the English glam rock group, Slade.- Biography :As a child Powell joined the Boy Scouts where he became interested in the drums after being asked to join the band on a Sunday morning parade. After Etheridge Secondary Modern School he studied Metallurgy at...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
Additional credits
- Bud Beadle - baritone saxophone
- Ron Carthy - trumpet
- Mick Eve - tenor saxophone
- Steve GregorySteve GregorySteve Gregory is an English jazz saxophonist and composer. He plays tenor, alto, soprano and baritone saxophone as well as the flute.Steve Gregory was born in the UK. At St. Paul's School he learned guitar and piano and played clarinet in the school orchestra. He turned down a place at the...
- tenor saxophone - Malcolm Griffiths - trombone
- Chris Mercer - baritone, tenor saxophone
- Eddie Quansah - trumpet
- Chris Hammer Smith - trombone
- Chas ChandlerChas ChandlerBryan James "Chas" Chandler was an English musician, record producer and manager of several successful music acts....
- producer - Alan O'Duffey - engineer
- Paul Welch - art direction
- Wadewood Associates - art design
- Steve Ridgeway - logo design
- Welbeck Photography - production stills
- Gered Mankowitz - photography (front, back & portrait photos)