Why Noddy Kant Spell

Slade “Skweeze Me Pleeze Me”
Slade “Gudbuy T’Jane”
Slade “Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)”

by Mark Cappelletty

Summer’s over this weekend. There’s no better hot weather music than Slade, a ‘70’s sensation in the UK who unfairly ended up a footnote in America, thanks to Quiet Riot’s cover of “Cum On Feel The Noize.”



The band — a bunch of ugly mugs from the Midlands fronted by mutton-chopped, Lewis Carroll top-hat-wearing Noddy Holder — dressed up in lavish glam costumes and laid out big chunky riffs that make you want to drive around in a conversion van circa 1975. There’s not much to the majority of their songs — one’s called “Bangin’ Man” just so you get the point — and the egregious misspellings only add to the charm. With song titles like “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” and “Look Wot You Dun” you have to wonder if Superman nemesis Bizarro ever managed the band. (or perhaps Mr. Mxyzptlk? - Kevin)



Regardless of the band’s spelling and grammar skills, the songs all kick ass. Guitarist Dave Hill rocks out despite dressing like he’s on tour with Funkadelic and drummer Don Powell, constantly scowling like a Dickens villain, beats the shit out of his drums. Even down tempo songs like the surprisingly touching “Everyday” make you want to find that Bic lighter in your glove compartment and light it up in the air.



If “Summer Song” isn’t the best way to send August packing, I’ll eat Noddy Holder’s giant hat. Even if the one in the video looks like it was covered in upholstery from my parents’ old sofa.