Believe it or not, I do consider “the library” when I buy my used records, e.g. I had no Slade, like Slade when I hear ’em on the radio, found a hugely popular Slade best of for cheap: job done.

So perfect was their design and execution, that, like God, if they hadn’t come along, someone would’ve had to invent them. And yet, away from the concert hall, public house, football terrace or party–in short, anywhere there’s people ‘n’ booze–shouty, lout-y and proudly working-class Slade sound out-of-place. Home listening for review purposes just don’t cut it.

My Sladest comes complete with a hype-y, but thoughtful and reasonably well-written booklet. But let’s be honest, lads, even if you’ve got Gered Mankowitz to take your picture, no amount of soft focus was going to help, was it?