Description
Slade – Slade In Flame – Yellow / Red Splatter Vinyl Record
Limited Edition Yellow/Red splatter vinyl.
A Bold Rock Album and Cult Film Soundtrack from Glam Rock Icons
Released in November 1974 in the U.K. and early 1975 in the U.S., Slade in Flame is both the fifth studio album by British glam rock giants Slade and the soundtrack to their feature film of the same name. Known for their string of stomping hits like “Cum On Feel the Noize,” “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” and “Gudbuy T’Jane,” Slade dominated the U.K. charts in the early 1970s with their raucous energy, singalong choruses, and larger-than-life personalities. But with Slade in Flame, the band took an unexpected creative turn, crafting a record that was darker, grittier, and more introspective than the anthemic party rock their fans had come to expect.
The film Slade in Flame—released in early 1975—was a semi-fictionalized account of the rise and fall of a 1960s rock band, with the members of Slade playing versions of themselves. Unlike the light-hearted musicals of their glam rock contemporaries (such as the Monkees or even the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night), the movie painted a cynical, realistic picture of the music industry, touching on themes of exploitation, greed, and disillusionment. The soundtrack album mirrored this tone, with songs that were more lyrically complex, musically layered, and emotionally nuanced than their earlier work.
Slade in Flame still carried the band’s trademark energy, but the sound was more sophisticated, blending elements of hard rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and even touches of funk. Noddy Holder’s unmistakable rasping vocals, Jim Lea’s melodic basslines and songwriting skills, and the powerhouse rhythm section of guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell gave the album depth and variety. While not as immediately brash or raucous as their earlier chart-toppers, the record showed Slade’s versatility and willingness to evolve artistically.
Highlights from the album include:
“Far Far Away” – The standout single and one of Slade’s finest songs, blending wistful lyrics about fame and touring with soaring melodies. It reached No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart and remains a fan favorite.
“How Does It Feel” – A poignant ballad featuring piano and strings, praised by critics as one of Slade’s greatest achievements. It marked a departure from their rowdy glam sound, showcasing a more mature side of the band.
“Them Kinda Monkeys Can’t Swing” – A funk-infused rocker that opened the album with swagger and drive, demonstrating Slade’s ability to fuse groove with grit.
“This Girl” and “Lay It Down” – Tracks that balance rock edge with soulful undertones, highlighting the album’s stylistic variety.
“Standin’ on the Corner” – A bluesy, story-driven piece that reflects the band’s embrace of character and narrative in their songwriting.
Upon its release, Slade in Flame received mixed reactions. Fans who expected more straightforward glam-rock hits were surprised, even puzzled, by its darker tone and more serious subject matter. The album reached No. 6 on the U.K. Albums Chart, a solid performance but lower than the band’s earlier albums, which had often hit No. 1. Critics, however, were generally favorable, praising the band for taking a risk and stepping outside their comfort zone. Over time, the album has undergone significant reappraisal, with many modern reviewers considering it Slade’s masterpiece, an artistic high point that revealed the depth of their songwriting beyond the glam rock persona.
The legacy of Slade in Flame is twofold: as a cult classic soundtrack and as one of the most daring albums of Slade’s career. While it may not have generated as many instant hit singles as their earlier records, it demonstrated the band’s range and ambition, bridging glam rock with more thoughtful and soulful influences. Today, both the album and the film are celebrated for their honesty and artistic courage, cementing Slade in Flame as a cornerstone in the band’s catalog and a unique entry in 1970s rock history.
Slade – Slade in Flame (1974) is much more than just a soundtrack album—it is a bold and mature statement from one of the U.K.’s most successful glam rock bands. With classics like “Far Far Away” and “How Does It Feel,” alongside deeper cuts that explore funk, blues, and soul, the record showed Slade’s willingness to challenge expectations and prove themselves as more than hit-making party rockers. Though initially divisive, it has since been recognized as a cult favorite and one of the band’s greatest artistic achievements, making it an essential listen for fans of glam rock, classic rock, and 1970s British music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
How Does It Feel ?
Them Kinda Monkeys Can’t Swing
So Far So Good
Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)
O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday
Far Far Away
This Girl
Lay It Down
Heaven Knows
Standin’ On The Corner
