22 Oct '07 - 342 W - + 3 - 3 Cover Versions: #1 Cum On Feel The Noize

In the 1983, the American band, Quiet Riot, had a big hit with a song called Cum On Feel The Noize. A whole decade before that, in 1973, the same song was a UK Number One hit (one of many number ones) for the British band, Slade. I know that there are those people who prefer the Quiet Riot version - suffice to say, I am not among their number.

As far as I am concerned, Slade are one of the all-time great rock bands. Not just good, not just very good but Great with a capital ‘G’. The classic line-up was the one that had that incredible string of hits in the ‘70s: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea. Dave Hill and Don Powell. The band has been through a number of ‘versions’ since then but two of the original members (Dave Hill and Don Powell) are still touring (their web site is: http://www.amazingslade.net/, their MySpace site is http://www.myspace.com/thesladeband).

Now here’s a funny thing. I have never met Slade. I have, however, met and interviewed a whole heap of big-name pop stars - Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Adam Ant, Judas Priest, Mick Jagger, Spandau Ballet, Toyah, Kim Wilde etc. Suffice to say, I am not prone to coming over all goggle-eyed and star-struck when meeting pop stars. But, I think I just might go all simpery and silly if I were ever to meet the Slade chaps. Because, in my book, they are, quite simply, The Best of The Best.

Not only did they record an absolutely storming version of Cum On Feel The Noize but, more important, they also wrote the song (Jim Lea and Noddy Holder). It seems odd that the song was given a Heavy Metal makeover by Quiet Riot. Slade were always heavy and always loud but they were never ‘Heavy Metal’. They were just, well, Slade. Not part of a category. Just unique.

Make up your own mind. First Quiet Riot...


Then the Slade original...