Slade Album Review
Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody
Words by Ian Dickinson
When it comes to Christmas in the UK Slade is an integral part of the festive season, far more so than that Jesus Christ guy. Rumor has it he is the reason we have Christmas. It cannot be denied that Merry Xmas Everybody is a certified Christmas classic. When I hear it for the first time, each Christmas, fond memories of Christmas past are reawakened and kiddy feelings for the coming holidays are fuelled. Thanks Slade you rock!
Slade rehashing and putting out a new album around Christmas time is as inevitable as festive binge drinking and regret. Its not pretty and we all feel a bit dirty afterwards, but it happens. Merry Xmas Everybody is the vehicle on which Slade push their greatest hits out. Possibly because this is the only time of year that anyone would buy it. Lets be honest we all know why the majority of people buy it, Slade have become part of our nations Christmas culture and entertainment.
I bet you cant guess what track the album opens with? You guessed it Merry Xmas Everybody. It is easy to take the track for granted, but it really is good and a reminder of how shit Christmas music is now that X-Factor dominates the pop charts every year. Back in the day a bunch of hard rocking glam boys could get make it to number one. The songs longevity is a testament to the bands talent. The Christmas theme is kept alive with Santa Clause Is Coming To Town. The lyrics have been slightly modified to “he knows when you have been good or bad so be BAD for goodness sake.” Now thats rock! Slade’s true classic’s are also showcased, such as Cum On Feel The Noize and Coz I Luv You. It is these tracks that remind you that Slade weren’t just a novelty Christmas act but real Rock N Rollers. It is clear why Slade influenced so many bands such as Kiss, Motley Crue, The Jam, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones.This isn’t only a combination of Christmas songs, covers and greatest hits, this album takes you all the way through the festive season and includes New Year party favorites the Okey Cokey and Here’s To…(The New Year).
Slade have produced a multipurpose party album. It is exactly what it says it is; Party Hits. It is a fun and silly album but also a reminder that Slade wrote some fantastic rock tunes. I am sure my family and me will be getting plenty of usage out of it is thrown out. 3,758 listenings of Merry Xmas Everybody is enough to drive anyone to self harming. No need to fear though. The process will begin again next year. Slade will re-release the same stuff with a new Christmasy cover, I will buy it, enjoy it, bin it and then do it all again the following year. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about, pointless traditions and routines.
