Slade-LIVE AT THE BBC - 2CD 2009-Salvo/Union Square Music Ltd. - 698458821126-300 grn
Having been one of the million-odd people that helped send their Cum On Feel The Noize single straight to Number One on its first week of release - almost unheard of back in 1973 - by nicking ten bob from my mum’s purse in order to buy it, I can surely be forgiven for suggesting that back then there were good time Top Of The Pops bands, of which Slade were the undoubted masters, and then there were ’serious’ artists like yer Purples and Sabbaths.
A pity, because as this marvelous two-CD collection of previously unreleased tracks makes plain, Slade were not only capable of producing top-drawer album material, they were easily one of the best live bands this country - or any other - has been lucky enough to call their own.
The first CD comprises 20 tracks from Slades pre-fame days when they relied mainly on cover versions. Not just any covers though, but tasteful - not a word usually associated with Slade but fully justified here - versions of songs by estimable artists. The best of the bunch here include impressive readings of Delaney & Bonnie (Coming Home), Moby Grape (Omaha), Janis Joplin (Move Over), Fairport Convention (It’s Alright Ma, It’s Only Witchcraft) and of course, Little Richard with the band’s apocalyptic take on Get Down With It, recorded in session here for Stuart Henry’s 1971 show and one of the best balls-out rock tracks Led Zeppelin never recorded.
The second disk is a 12-track of recording of their live 1972 show from the BBCs Paris Theatre in Londons Lower Regent Street and includes all their hits up until then - from Coz I Luv You to Mama Weer All Crazee Now - as well as, delightfully, their instrumental cover of Gershwin’s Lady Be Good, affording Jim Lea the opportunity to whip his fiddle out, if you’ll pardon the unfortunate mental image.
Even the specially recorded radio jingles are pretty ace - from the days when Radio 1 could still be considered a place where "we’re all having fun".
An excellent 24 page book with notes from the band members completes this eye-opening package.
Presented In A Double Foldout Digipak Includes 24 Page Book.
Manufactured In The EU (UK).
UPON PURCHASE (at once) THREE SIGNATURE ALBUMS, DELIVERY FREE OF CHARGE!!!