Cover of Slade In Flames

Slade
In Flames

Valeriorivoli

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For fans of slade, lovers of 1970s glam rock, classic rock enthusiasts, and readers interested in rock music history and its influential bands.
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LA RECENSIONE

Slade: In flames (1974)

Slade were a group of outfits who had been around since the late 60s as Ambrose Slade, but they transitioned to Glam Rock with their image of rowdy proletarian rabble-rousers and local exhibitionists. They released their first single in October 1969, but the first success came after the album with a prophetic title, Play It Loud (Cotillion, 1970). This was followed by top ten singles Coz I Love You (1971), Look Wot You Dun (1971), Take Me Back Home (1972), Mama Weer All Crazee Now (1972), Gudbuy T' Jane (1972), and especially the anthem Cum On Feel The Noise (1973).

Noddy Holder competes with Robert Plant as the best shouter, so much so that Slade seems like the Led Zeppelin of glam, the more metal wing. Immediate, raw, yet exhilarating, Slade managed to make their way through the myriad of masked bands of the period, and boasted explosive live shows. I chose to review In Flame, the soundtrack of their first -and last- film, instead of albums containing their most beautiful singles because here Slade have matured (?) and are at the height of fame: among the songs, the standout is How Does It Feel?, which opens the album with a beautiful melody and sophisticated arrangements, Them Kinda Monkeys Can't Swing, vigorous, and the carefree Summer Song.

So Far So Good is a melodic rock about the good times of adolescence, followed by Far Far Away featuring a noticeable big acoustic guitar and a memorable chorus, then my favorites, This Girl, pure glam rock with a sensual pace, and a bass line almost like disco music, and Lay It Down, with a compelling atmosphere. Slade are a group underrated by critics, but they were ahead of their time and so much noise that in America they were considered a pre-litteram metal band.

They certainly influenced the Kiss, who significantly chose Alive as the title of their live album, following the wake of Slade Alive from 1972. The band experienced a second youth overseas with two metal covers by Quiet Riot, Cum on feel the noize, and Mama weer all crazee now.

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Summary by Bot

The review highlights Slade's evolution into glam rock pioneers with their 1974 album 'In Flames,' showcasing mature melodies and energetic rock anthems. Noddy Holder's powerful vocals are likened to Robert Plant, and the band is described as underrated but influential, impacting metal acts like Kiss and Quiet Riot. Key songs like 'How Does It Feel?' and 'Far Far Away' are praised for their sophistication and energy. Overall, the album represents Slade at the height of their fame with a vibrant, raw sound.

Slade

English rock band formed in Wolverhampton in 1966, best known for their 1970s glam-rock hits, explosive live shows and anthemic singles.
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