Slade

Continuing the Japanese Airmail label's much-praised series of Slade reissues, each presented in miniature LP form, Play It Loud (like the earlier Beginnings) represents the band as it struggled to come to grips with its own talent -- and potential. Still searching for the magical songwriting formula, the Noddy Holder/Jim Lea songwriting team of the future has yet to gel; in its place, Lea and Don Powell turn in a less commercial but equally raucous brew, most noteworthy across the likes of "Sweet Box," "Dirty Joker," and "I Remember." That said, any number of Slade classics are on hand, beginning with the cuts that subsequently surfaced on the chart-topping Sladest compilation and spreading on through covers of "Shape of Things to Come" and "Journey to the Centre of Your Mind." In addition, three bonus tracks pick up on the band's 45-only activities, beginning with -- at last! -- the breakthrough hit "Get Down and Get with It." ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide