Reviewed by Quo
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Slade's sound was seemingly very clearly defined by the time their Old New Borrowed and Blue album hit the record shops. So it would come as no surprise to those watching the group most closely at the time that they would start to diversify on this album which, with hindsight, gives a very clear indication of the coming maturity of their later meisterwerk, 'Flame'.
Another tremendous cover, Just a little bit (originally by The Undertakers) starts the album in good style and once again, everything is louder and clearer. Don's hihat, which propels much of the song, hisses brilliantly and Nod delivers one of his best vocals over marvelous unison guitar and bass. This album has always sounded great, so Tim Turan has done a special job to tweeze the sound that bit further. The quieter parts of the first song are great to hear. Another great 'room sound'.
The chiming guitars of 'When the lights are out' ring loud and clear, compared to the muddier version previously on CD.
The album's real oddity is 'Find yourself a rainbow'. Thanks to Tommy Burton, we have a real Slade vaudeville pub singalong. The piano sounds beautiful on this edition and it's a shame Tommy Burton isn't around to hear this.
Miles out to sea' sounds crisp, clear and simply bounces along irresistibly - whatever it's about! Previously obscured piano makes its way into the mix under some of the verses.
The real power rockers on this album have always been 'We're really gonna raise the roof' and 'Do we still do it?' It's hard to say much about these two songs except that they now sound just that bit better. Giving Nod's voice a bit more edge on one of his most shredded vocals is perhaps a dangerous thing to do. Jim will hopefully be pleased with the bass sound on 'Do we still do it'.
'How can it be' sounds (on the quieter parts) like the band are sat around the listener - one of Chas Chandlers great skills. The backing vocals are enhanced on the verses and the guitars are much clearer.
I skipped 'Don't blame me' as I wasn't prepared for the utter onslaught of Nod's voice at this time!!!
The crisp hi-hat driving 'My friend Stan' counterpoints fabulously with Jim's offbeat bass, which sounds spot on. This is possibly one of Jim's best ever bass parts, even if the song is plain daft. Even when Slade got a little bit throwaway lyrically, musically, they always sounded like a top class band.
'Everyday' remains the lovely song it always has been and remains one of Slade's best ever sounding songs. the guitar (and bass especially) sound a little more aggressive. Not a bad thing. The fuzzed-out guitars of 'Good time gals' sit over newly clear drums.
The bonus tracks:
'I'm Mee I'm Now And That's Orl' - even when cleaned up, still sounds menacing and angry.
The drums on this edition really do benefit from the Turan treatment.
'Kill 'em at the hot club tonite' remains delightful and it's a joy to hear a pristine version of this whimsical little song at last.
'The bangin' man' has been added here and it fits in just right. The track seems to have an added presence.
'She did it to me' makes a welcome appearance. This should have been on the original album. Pristine.
If I had to single out anything improved on here, again it's the drums and the general clarity of the track.
One of Nod's better vocals, too.
To complete the disc, we have the scarce 'Slade talk to 19 readers' flexidisc, where Slade plug the album and Nod makes feeble jokes.
Brilliant!
Old New Borrowed and Blue
1. Just A Little Bit
2. When The Lights Are Out
3. My Town
4. Find Yourself A Rainbow
5. Miles Out To Sea
6. We're Really Gonna Raise The Roof
7. Do We Still Do It
8. How Can It Be
9. Don't Blame Me
10. My Friend Stan (UK No. 2)
11. Everyday (UK No. 3)
12. Good Time Gals
BONUS TRACKS:
13. I'm Mee I'm Now And That's Orl
14. Kill ‘Em At The Hot Club Tonite
15. The Bangin' Man (UK No. 3)
16. She Did It To Me
17. Slade Talk To “19” Readers