My Friend Stan

Last updated

"My Friend Stan"
Sladesingle-myfriendstan.jpeg
German/European cover of "My Friend Stan".
Single by Slade
from the album Old New Borrowed and Blue
B-side "My Town"
Released28 September 1973
Genre Glam rock
Length2:38
Label Polydor Records
Songwriter(s) Noddy Holder, Jim Lea
Producer(s) Chas Chandler
Slade singles chronology
"Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me"
(1973)		"My Friend Stan"
(1973)		"Merry Xmas Everybody"
(1973)

"My Friend Stan" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1973 as the first single from the band's fourth studio album Old New Borrowed and Blue . [1] It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 2 in the UK, spending eight weeks on the chart. [2] The single was certified UK Silver by BPI in October 1973. [3]

Contents

Background

"My Friend Stan", alongside the compilation Sladest, was Slade's first release following drummer Don Powell's near fatal car crash in July 1973. The accident threw the band's future into doubt, however Powell survived and was soon able to join the band in recording material for their new album Old New Borrowed and Blue. One of the earliest songs to be recorded, "My Friend Stan" saw Powell still walking with the aid of a stick. He had to be lifted onto his drum stool during recording. [4] After Lea had come up with the song's melody, the band's manager Chas Chandler persuaded him to complete it after he had heard Lea playing the melody on his home piano. [5]

Release

"My Friend Stan" was released in the UK on 28 September 1973. [6] In the run-up to its release date, 250,000 advance orders were placed by retailers and, due to the high demand, Polydor had to import 100,000 copies of the single into the UK. [7] [8] [9]

Music video

The song's music video was filmed at Olympic Studios in London and portrays the band recording the song, with guitarist Dave Hill using his trademark Superyob guitar. [10] [11]

Critical reception

Upon its release, Pete Jones of Record & Radio Mirror called "My Friend Stan" a "much slower Slade offering" and "really rather subdued". He concluded, "An obvious number one, and in some ways more memorable than some of the earlier rampagers." [12] Deborah Thomas of the Daily Mirror commented, "One in the eye from Slade to prove the Wolverhampton stompers haven't lost their shine." [13] John Hutson, writing for the Thanet Times, considered the release to be a "refreshing change from the Slade singles we have come to expect" and one which is "bound to be topping the charts within a couple of weeks". He described "My Friend Stan" as "quite a pleasant tune" and the B-side, "My Town", as being "much more like the Slade we are used to". [14] Widnes Weekly News called it a "real change for Noddy and the boys", with the song being "much slower than anything they've done since 'Look at Last Nite' and very subdued in comparison with 'Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me'". The reviewer continued, "And, possibly because it is such a change, it is an incredibly refreshing single. No need to predict the reception!" [15] James Belsey of the Bristol Evening Post described it as a "cheerful, breezy sort of bouncer", but felt it was "not really packing the impact we've come to expect from Slade". [16]

Track listing

7-inch single

  1. "My Friend Stan" – 2:38
  2. "My Town" – 3:02

Personnel

Slade

Production

Charts

Chart performance for "My Friend Stan"
Chart (1973)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [17] 44
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) [18] 7
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) [19] 8
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) [20] 10
Ireland (IRMA) [21] 1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [22] 13
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [23] 10
Norway (VG-lista) [24] 5
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [25] 6
UK Singles (OCC) [26] 2
West Germany (Official German Charts) [27] 5

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me</span> 1973 single by Slade

"Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1973 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 fifth number one single, and remained in the charts for ten weeks. The song was certified UK Silver by BPI in July 1973. The song would be included on the band's 1973 compilation album Sladest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Join Hands</span> 1984 single by Slade

"All Join Hands" is a power ballad song by English rock band Slade, released in 1984 as the lead single from the band's twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. It reached number 15 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for ten weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gudbuy T'Jane</span> 1972 song by British rock band Slade

"Gudbuy T'Jane" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the second single from their third studio album Slayed? It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 2 in the UK, remaining in the charts for thirteen weeks. The song was certified UK Silver by BPI in 1973. In the United States, the song reached No. 68. It was also included on the band's 1973 compilation album Sladest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everyday (Slade song)</span> 1974 single by Slade

"Everyday" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1974 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Old New Borrowed and Blue. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder, bassist Jim Lea and his wife Louise Lea (uncredited), and was produced by Chas Chandler. It reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart and spent seven weeks in the top 50. The single was certified UK Silver by BPI in April 1974, only three days after its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Far Far Away (song)</span> 1974 single by Slade

"Far Far Away" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1974 as the lead single from the band's first soundtrack album and fifth studio album Slade in Flame, in promotion of the upcoming film of the same name. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 2 in the UK, remaining in the charts for six weeks. The song was certified UK Silver by BPI in November 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look Wot You Dun</span> 1972 single by Slade

"Look Wot You Dun" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as a non-album single. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder, bassist Jim Lea and drummer Don Powell, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 4 in the UK, remaining in the charts for ten weeks. The song would be included on the band's 1973 compilation album Sladest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Does It Feel (Slade song)</span> 1975 single by Slade

"How Does It Feel" is song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 as the second single from the band's first soundtrack album and fifth studio album Slade in Flame, in promotion of the film of the same name. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 15 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)</span> 1975 single by Slade

"Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 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. 7 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Bangin' Man</span> 1974 single by Slade

"The Bangin' Man" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1974 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. 3 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks. The song was certified UK Silver by BPI for sales over 250,000 that same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In for a Penny</span> 1975 single by Slade

"In for a Penny" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1975 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Nobody's Fools. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. It reached number 11 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 50 for eight weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Red (song)</span> 1982 single by Slade

"Ruby Red" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1982 as the third single from the band's tenth studio album, Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Ruby Red" reached number 51 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gypsy Roadhog</span> 1977 single by Slade

"Gypsy Roadhog" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1977 as the only single from the band's seventh studio album Whatever Happened to Slade. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 48 in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Us a Goal</span> 1978 single by Slade

"Give Us a Goal" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. A football-themed song, it failed to enter the UK Singles Chart but did reach number 62 in the Record Business Singles Chart and number 70 in Gallup's National Top 100 Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody's Fool (Slade song)</span> 1976 single by Slade

"Nobody's Fool" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the third and final single from their sixth studio album, Nobody's Fools. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. "Nobody's Fool" failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, ending a run of 17 consecutive hits the band had achieved since 1971, but it did reach number 3 in the UK Star Breakers Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's What Friends Are For (Slade song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

That's What Friends Are For is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the second single from their fourteenth and final studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Roy Thomas Baker. "That's What Friends Are For" reached number 95 in the UK Singles Chart.

<i>Slades Greats</i> 1984 compilation album by Slade

Slades Greats is a compilation album by the British rock band Slade. It was released by Polydor on 25 May 1984 and reached No. 89 in the UK charts. The compilation, a revised re-issue of the 1980 compilation Slade Smashes!, was released following the band's late 1983-early 1984 success with the singles "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ginny, Ginny</span> 1979 single by Slade

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burning in the Heat of Love</span>

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock 'n' Roll Bolero</span> 1978 single by Slade

"Rock 'n' Roll Bolero" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. 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 Singles Chart.

References

  1. ↑ "Slade - Old New Borrowed And Blue at Discogs". Discogs.com. 1974. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  2. ↑ "SLADE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "Home". BPI. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  4. ↑ Old New Borrowed and Blue - 2006 Salvo remaster booklet liner notes
  5. ↑ "CD Album - Slade - Greatest Hits - Feel The Noize - Polydor - UK". 45worlds.com. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  6. ↑ "Don Powell's biggest test". Record Mirror . 22 September 1973. p. 6. ISSN   0144-5804.
  7. ↑ Tony Jasper, ed. (6 October 1973). "Chart Parade: Slade miss out". Record & Radio Mirror . p. 3. ISSN   0144-5804.
  8. ↑ "1973 - Slade Fan Club www.sladefanclub.com". Sladefanclub.com. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  9. ↑ Slade Fan Club Newsletter December 1973
  10. ↑ "1986 - Slade Fan Club www.sladefanclub.com". Sladefanclub.com. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  11. ↑ Slade International Fan Club newsletter June - July - August 1986
  12. ↑ Jones, Pete (6 October 1973). "Singles UK". Record & Radio Mirror . p. 22. ISSN   0144-5804.
  13. ↑ Thomas, Deborah (25 September 1973). "Tuesday Scene: Short Plays" . Daily Mirror . p. 14. Retrieved 24 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  14. ↑ Hutson, John (2 October 1973). "New Slade disc refreshing" . Thanet Times. p. 2. Retrieved 24 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  15. ↑ "Billy bids for success again" . Widnes Weekly News. 5 October 1973. p. 29. Retrieved 24 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  16. ↑ Belsey, James (29 September 1973). "Pops" . Bristol Evening Post . p. 22. Retrieved 24 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  17. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 277. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  18. ↑ "Slade – My Friend Stan" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  19. ↑ "Slade – My Friend Stan" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  20. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Slade". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021. Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 237. ISBN   978-952-7460-01-6.
  21. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – My Friend Stan". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  22. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Slade" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  23. ↑ "Slade – My Friend Stan" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  24. ↑ "Slade – My Friend Stan". VG-lista. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  25. ↑ "Slade – My Friend Stan". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  26. ↑ "Slade: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  27. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Slade – My Friend Stan" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.