A Day in the Life of the Dummies

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A Day in the Life of the Dummies
The Dummies A Day in the Life of the Dummies 1992 Album Cover.jpg
Studio album by
The Dummies
Released10 March 1992 [1]
Genre Rock, pop [2]
Length39:40
Label Receiver Records Limited
Producer Jim Lea

A Day in the Life of the Dummies is a compilation album by The Dummies, which was a musical project of Jim Lea of Slade and his brother Frank. The album was released in March 1992 and gathers all of the 1979-80 recordings produced by the pair. [3]

The Dummies was a musical project formed by Slade bassist Jim Lea and his brother Frank Lea in 1979. Between 1979 and 1981, they released three singles and recorded a number of original and Slade songs, which were collected on the 1992 album A Day in the Life of the Dummies.

Jim Lea (musician) British musician, songwriter

James Whild Lea is an English musician, most notable for playing bass guitar, keyboards, piano, violin, and guitar, and singing backing vocals in Slade from their inception until 1992, and for co-writing most of their songs.

Slade British rock band

Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton. They rose to prominence during the glam rock era in the early 1970s, achieving 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones on the UK Singles Chart. The British Hit Singles & Albums names them the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles. They were the first act to have three singles enter the charts at number one; all six of the band's chart-toppers were penned by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea. As of 2006, total UK sales stand at 6,520,171, and their best-selling single, "Merry Xmas Everybody", has sold in excess of one million copies. According to the 1999 BBC documentary It's Slade, the band have sold over 50 million records worldwide.

Contents

Background

The Dummies was formed by the Jim and Frank Lea in 1979. With Slade suffering from a period of low popularity and resistance from radio, Jim wanted to find out whether it was his and lead vocalist Noddy Holder's songwriting or simply a reluctance from DJs to play new Slade material. [4] The pair formed Cheapskate Records, which Frank wanted to use to prove that any independent label, with the right promotion and distribution, could release a hit single. The Dummies produced three singles between 1979 and 1981, and although they all failed to chart, they did gain radio play. While some tracks were recorded in 1979, much of the Dummies material was recorded in 1980. [3]

Noddy Holder English musician and actor, songwriter

Neville John "Noddy" Holder is an English musician and actor. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the English band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Holder co-wrote most of Slade's material with bass guitarist Jim Lea and is known for his unique and powerful voice.

Cheapskate Records was a record label established by Slade bassist Jim Lea and his brother Frank Lea in 1979. It was active until 1982, however was later briefly revived for the release of three Slade singles in 1987-88. Aside from Slade, some of the artists on the label were The Dummies, The Ska-Dows, Sue Wilkinson, Roy Wood, Tich Turner's Escalator, Malcolm Roberts, Top Secret and The Glitter Band.

"When the Lights Are Out", a cover of the 1974 Slade song, was released as the debut single in 1979. [5] It gained extensive radio play, but suffered from distribution problems. By the time it was re-released on Pye Records at the beginning of 1980, [6] the song was at the end of its airplay run and subsequently failed to chart. [3] "Didn't You Use to Use to Be You" followed in 1980, which was specifically written for the Dummies by Jim and Holder. [7] The single generated much airplay and was expected to become a big hit, but suffered distribution issues. [8] It was backed by a cover of Slade's "Miles Out to Sea" as the B-side. "Maybe Tonite" was released in 1981 as the final Dummies single. Another song purposely written for the project, it gained radio play but failed to chart. The B-side was a cover of Slade's "When I'm Dancin' I Ain't Fightin'". [9]

When the Lights Are Out

"When the Lights Are Out" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1974 as the fourth and final single from their fourth studio album Old New Borrowed and Blue. The single was released in America and Belgium only. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler.

Pye Records was a British record label. Its best known artists were Lonnie Donegan (1956–69), Petula Clark (1957–71), The Searchers (1963–67), The Kinks (1964–71), Sandie Shaw (1964–71), Status Quo (1968–71) and Brotherhood of Man (1975–79). The label changed its name to PRT Records in 1980, before being briefly reactivated as Pye Records in 2006.

During the late 1980s, Frank was surprised how much second-hand copies of the Dummies singles were selling for. He suggested releasing a compilation album to gather the Dummies recordings. In a 1988 fan club interview, Jim had commented: "We got into the studios and listened to it recently. Frank was keen to do it, but I'm not at the moment." [10] Jim was reluctant to have such an album released as he felt that the production of the time did not do the songs justice. [1] Despite this, it was announced in the Slade International Fan Club in early 1991 that such an album seemed likely to be released soon. [11] A Day in the Life of the Dummies was released in 1992 by Receiver Records Limited.

The cover of Slade's "Nobody's Fool" was originally to be released as a single, but the idea was scrapped once more material had been recorded. As a result, the Dummies' version remained unreleased until it appeared on the album. Other Slade covers included "Jeanie Jeanie", "Burning in the Heat of Love" and "It Ain't Love It Ain't Bad". All were also previously unreleased, except "Burning in the Heat of Love", which surfaced in 1985 on the UK/German various artists compilation Metal Killers Kollection, where it was credited to Jim Lea rather than the Dummies. [12] "Sheila" preceded Slade's recording of the song in 1984 for their twelfth studio album Rogues Gallery , [13] though the Dummies' version was not released until its inclusion on this album. "Poland" is a reworking of Slade's "Lemme Love into Ya", and had first surfaced in 1982 as a Jim Lea single under the pseudonym Greenfields of Tong. [14] "The Minute I Lost Control" was the third song to be specifically written by Holder and Lea for the Dummies, but not released at the time.

Nobodys Fool (Slade song) single by Slade

"Nobody's Fool" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the third and final single from the band's sixth studio album Nobody's Fools. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. Released in April 1976, the single failed to chart in the UK Top 50, but reached No. 3 on the BMRB's UK Breakers Chart.

Ginny, Ginny 1979 single by Slade

"Ginny, Ginny" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the lead single from the band's eighth studio album Return to Base. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK charts.

Burning in the Heat of Love 1977 single by Slade

"Burning in the Heat of Love" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1977 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK charts.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Trucking Magazinefavorable [15]

In 2008, Trucking magazine reviewed the album alongside Jim Lea's 2007 solo album Therapy . The reviewer commented: "Most tracks are Slade covers and not a million miles from the originals, which in itself guarantees an album of great pop/rock songs that will have passed by all but the most ardent of Slade fans." [15]

<i>Therapy</i> (James Whild Lea album) 2007 studio album by James Whild Lea

Therapy is the debut studio album by English musician Jim Lea, best known as the former bassist and songwriter of the British rock band Slade. Although Therapy is Lea's first solo album, he had previously released material as singles under various pseudonyms since the early 1980s.

Track listing

All tracks written and composed by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea

No.TitleLength
1."Didn't You Use to Use to Be You"3:25
2."Maybe Tonight"2:37
3."Nobody's Fool"2:42
4."Jeanie Jeanie"3:17
5."Burning in the Heat of Love"3:01
6."Poland"3:16
7."Sheila"3:33
8."When I'm Dancin' I Ain't Fightin'"3:08
9."The Minute I Lost Control"2:05
10."When the Lights Are Out"3:03
11."It Ain't Love It Ain't Bad"2:56
12."Miles Out to Sea"3:17
13."Poland (Instrumental)"3:14

Personnel

Related Research Articles

<i>Old New Borrowed and Blue</i> 1974 studio album by Slade

Old New Borrowed and Blue is the fourth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 15 February 1974 and reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. It has been certified Gold by BPI. The album was produced by Chas Chandler. For the album, Slade attempted to begin breaking away from their usual rock formula. For example, the singles "My Friend Stan" and "Everyday" were piano-led and did not have the typical "Slade" sound.

<i>Return to Base</i> 1979 studio album by Slade

Return to Base is the eighth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 October 1979 by Barn Records, and did not enter any national album charts. At the time of the album's release, the band's success had waned and were receiving little fortune. Forced to play at small halls and clubs around the UK, the only income they were reliant on was Noddy Holder and Jim Lea's songwriting royalties. Their recent singles had sold poorly and they were no longer drawing in large audiences. Prior to their last-minute call up for the 1980 Reading Festival, they were on the verge of disbanding.

<i>Well Bring the House Down</i> 1981 studio album by Slade

We'll Bring The House Down is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandler. The album was the first studio album released by the band after their successful appearance at the 1980 Reading Festival. In order to capitalise on their revival, Slade quickly compiled this new album, made up of some new tracks and some recycled ones, mainly from their failed Return to Base album of 1979.

Coz I Luv You 1971 single by Slade

"Coz I Luv You" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1971 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 1 in the UK, giving the band their first number one single, and remained in the charts for fifteen weeks.

Lets Dance (Chris Montez song) single by Chris Montez

"Let's Dance" is a 1962 hit-single by Chris Montez, written and produced by Jim Lee.

Well Bring the House Down (song) 1981 single by Slade

"We'll Bring The House Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1981 as the lead single from their ninth studio album We'll Bring the House Down. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Slade. The band's first single to reach the UK Top 40 since 1977, the song peaked at No. 10 in the UK, remaining in the chart for nine weeks.

You Boyz Make Big Noize (song) single of Slade

You Boyz Make Big Noize is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1987 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Lea. Named after the band's 1987 album of the same name, the song reached No. 94 in the UK, remaining in the chart for the one week.

Wheels Aint Coming Down 1981 single by Slade

"Wheels Ain't Coming Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the opening track from their eighth studio album Return to Base. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Slade. In 1981, the song re-appeared on the band's follow-up album We'll Bring the House Down and was released as the second single from it in March, which reached No. 60 in the UK.

Alive at Reading extended play by Slade

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We Wont Give In original song written and composed by Noddy Holder, Jim Lea

"We Won't Give In" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the fourth and final single from their fourteenth studio album You Boyz Make Big Noize. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Lea. It failed to reach the UK Top 100, reaching No. 121.

Rock n Roll Bolero 1978 single by Slade

"Rock 'n' Roll Bolero" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK charts.

Sign of the Times (Slade song) original song written and composed by Noddy Holder, Jim Lea

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References

  1. 1 2 Slade International Fan Club Newsletter - January-March 1992
  2. ↑ "Day in the Life - Dummies | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. 1999-05-11. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  3. 1 2 3 "Vinyl Album - The Dummies - A Day In The Life Of The Dummies - Receiver - UK". 45worlds.com. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  4. ↑ Charlesworth, Chris (1984). Slade, Feel the Noize!: an illustrated biography. London: Omnibus Press. p. 94. ISBN   0-7119-0538-X.
  5. ↑ "Dummies - When The Lights Are Out / She's The Only Woman - Cheapskate - UK - FWL 001". 45cat. 2017-01-27. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  6. ↑ "The Dummies - When The Lights Are Out / She's The Only Woman - Pye - UK - 7P 163". 45cat. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  7. ↑ "The Dummies - Didn't You Use To Use To Be You? / Miles Out To Sea - Cheapskate - UK - CHEAP 3". 45cat. 2013-05-11. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  8. ↑ Slade Fan Club Newsletter - September-October 1980
  9. ↑ "Dummies - Maybe Tonite / When I'm Dancin' I Ain't Fightin' - Cheapskate - UK - CHEAP 14". 45cat. 1981-02-06. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  10. ↑ Ian Edmundson. "SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk". Crazeeworld.plus.com. Archived from the original on 2017-07-29. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  11. ↑ Slade International Fan Club Newsletter - April-June 1991
  12. ↑ "Various - Metal Killers Kollection (Vinyl, LP) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2017-07-21.
  13. ↑ "Slade - Little Sheila / Lock Up Your Daughters - CBS Associated - USA - ZS4 04865". 45cat. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  14. ↑ "Greenfields Of Tong - Poland / (Instrumental) - Speed Records Ltd. - UK - FIRED 2". 45cat. Retrieved 2017-10-21.
  15. 1 2 Trucking magazine - Reviews: CD and books - Connors' cruising classics - February 2008 - page 102
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