Description
Ambrose Slade – Ballzy – Transparent Turquoise Vinyl Record
Ambrose Slade’s Ballzy (1969) is the original title of the debut album by the band Slade, when they were still performing under the name Ambrose Slade. The album was later reissued as Beginnings, reflecting a shift in the band’s musical style and their eventual rise to fame in the glam rock scene. However, Ballzy is very different from the sound Slade would become known for—it captures the band experimenting with a variety of styles, including psychedelic rock, blues, and hard rock, heavily influenced by the late 1960s British rock scene.
Before becoming the glam rock icons known as Slade, the band was called Ambrose Slade and featured the same core lineup: Noddy Holder (vocals, guitar), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass, keyboards), and Don Powell (drums). Ballzy marked their first foray into recording, but at the time, their musical identity was still in flux.
The album was produced by Chas Chandler, former bassist of The Animals and the man who discovered Jimi Hendrix. Chandler’s influence is evident in the album’s raw, unpolished production style and the band’s bluesy rock sound.
Ballzy is a mixture of psychedelic rock, blues, and hard rock, reflecting the prevailing sounds of the late 1960s. The band’s early style is less polished and more experimental than the straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll sound they would later adopt. The album features a number of covers and instrumental tracks, along with original songs. It’s clear that Ambrose Slade was still searching for their sound at this point, experimenting with a variety of genres without fully committing to one particular direction.
Key Tracks
“Genesis”: An instrumental track that opens the album, “Genesis” is a bluesy, jam-like piece that sets the tone for the experimental nature of Ballzy. It features a raw, garage-rock style with a prominent organ and gritty guitar work, highlighting the band’s technical ability while also reflecting their desire to explore different textures and sounds.
“Knocking Nails into My House”: This original song is a mix of rock and blues with a more structured, riff-driven format. Noddy Holder’s distinct vocal style is already apparent here, even though it’s still evolving. The song has a rough, unrefined quality that reflects the band’s raw energy during their early days.
“Journey to the Centre of Your Mind”: A cover of The Amboy Dukes’ psychedelic rock hit (featuring Ted Nugent), this track showcases the band’s interest in the heavier, trippy side of 1960s rock. The song features driving guitars and a spaced-out, psychedelic vibe that fits well with the era’s trends.
“Born to Be Wild”: Ambrose Slade’s take on Steppenwolf’s classic anthem is heavier and rawer than the original. It captures the rough-and-ready spirit of the band’s early live performances but lacks the polish and tightness of their later, more successful work.
“Pity the Mother”: This track stands out as a deeper, more emotionally charged piece. It features slower tempos and a more reflective, bluesy feel, hinting at the introspective moments that Slade would sometimes incorporate into their later albums.
The inclusion of covers on Ballzy reflects the band’s early stage of development, where they were trying on different musical hats to see what fit. Tracks like The Beatles’ “Martha My Dear” and Frank Zappa’s “Ain’t Got No Heart” reveal their diverse influences, ranging from pop and rock to avant-garde. These covers demonstrate their musical versatility and hint at the eclectic style that would later define Slade. However, the renditions here are raw, lacking the distinctive glam rock flair that would soon become their trademark.
Produced by Chas Chandler, the album has a raw, garage-rock sound. Chandler’s influence as a producer is notable in the album’s unrefined energy and straightforward production style, focusing on capturing the band’s live sound without excessive studio polish. The guitar tones are gritty, the drums are punchy, and the vocals have a rough, unpolished edge. The production on Ballzy contrasts sharply with the slicker sound of their later glam rock albums, which would feature more layered production and anthemic, sing-along choruses.
Upon its release, Ballzy did not make a major impact commercially or critically. The band was still relatively unknown at the time, and the album did not chart. It wasn’t until they embraced their glam rock persona, simplified their sound, and released hits like “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” that they gained widespread fame.
In retrospect, Ballzy is an interesting snapshot of Slade’s beginnings, showing the band at a formative stage before they developed the bombastic, crowd-pleasing style that would make them famous. The album has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among die-hard Slade fans who are curious about the band’s early work and enjoy the rougher, more experimental side of their music.
In 1970, after the band changed their name to Slade and began to find their signature sound, Ballzy was reissued under the title Beginnings. This re-release marked a new chapter for the band as they started transitioning toward the more straightforward rock ‘n’ roll and glam rock that would define their career.
Ballzy (later Beginnings) captures Ambrose Slade in a transitional phase, experimenting with different styles before they settled into the glam rock powerhouse they became in the early 1970s. While not as polished or successful as their later work, the album is an interesting insight into the band’s early sound, reflecting their diverse influences from blues, psychedelic rock, and garage rock. For fans of Slade, Ballzy is a fascinating look at their humble beginnings and an important part of their musical evolution.
RSD 2022 Release
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Genesis
Everybody’s Next One
Knocking Nails Into My House
Roach Daddy
Ain’t Got No Heart
Pity The Mother
Mad Dog Cole
Fly Me High
If This World Were Mine
Martha My Dear
Born To Be Wild
Journey To The Centre Of Your Mind
