Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply (1984)
Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply is a repackaged version of Slade's eleventh studio album,
The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, released in North America by CBS in March 1984. The album was largely produced by Jim Lea with John Punter producing the two singles "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My".
The album reached No. 33 in the US, giving the band their long-awaited breakthrough, while both "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My" enjoyed Top 40 success too. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply proved to be the band's most successful North American release in their career. In Canada, the album reached No. 26 and was certified Gold in August 1984 for 50,000 sales there.
Background
The 1983 success of Quiet Riot's version of Slade's 1973 UK chart topper "Cum On Feel the Noize" led to Slade signing with CBS for their first American record deal since the 1970s. The label soon repackaged the band's recently released album, The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, into Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply. The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, along with its singles "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway", had already achieved success in the UK and Europe. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply featured a different track-order. It also replaced "Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" and "Razzle Dazzle Man" with the B-Sides "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" and "Can't Tame a Hurricane".
"Run Runaway" was released first in America in March 1984. A music video was shot at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, which went on to receive frequent rotation on MTV. The song went on to reach No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. "My Oh My" was later released in June and would reach No. 37. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, released in April, reached No. 33. "Slam the Hammer Down" was also released as a promotional-only single, featuring "Hot" and "Hotter" remixes by Shep Pettibone.
The band's new-found success in America saw them set out to do a full American tour supporting Ozzy Osbourne. For their American activities, Slade were managed by Sharon Osbourne. Prior to the tour, the band played a few warm-up shows. However, on the first night of the tour with Osbourne, Slade had to cancel the remainder of the shows when Jim Lea collapsed after the first gig and was diagnosed with hepatitis. Coinciding with the breakdown of Noddy Holder's marriage, the band agreed to stop touring to allow Holder a break. This was the final time the band would tour together, although the band would continue recording and releasing new material.
Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Retrospective reviews
Song information
Chart performance
Canadian Albums Chart: #26
US Billboard 200: #33
US Billboard Rock Albums: #3
US Cashbox Albums Chart: #32
Track listing
1. Run Runaway (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 5:00
2. My Oh My (Holder, Lea) - 4:12
3. High and Dry (Holder, Lea) - 3:12
4. Slam the Hammer Down (Holder, Lea) - 3:24
5. In the Doghouse (Holder, Lea) - 2:45
6. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply (Holder, Lea) - 3:33
7. Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv (Holder, Lea) - 2:42
8. Can't Tame a Hurricane (Holder, Lea) - 2:30
9. (And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie (Holder, Lea) - 3:42
10. Ready to Explode (I The Warm Up, II The Grid, III The Race, IV The Dream) (Holder, Lea) - 8:28
Personnel
Slade
Additional personnel
The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, released in North America by CBS in March 1984. The album was largely produced by Jim Lea with John Punter producing the two singles "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My".
The album reached No. 33 in the US, giving the band their long-awaited breakthrough, while both "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My" enjoyed Top 40 success too. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply proved to be the band's most successful North American release in their career. In Canada, the album reached No. 26 and was certified Gold in August 1984 for 50,000 sales there.
Background
The 1983 success of Quiet Riot's version of Slade's 1973 UK chart topper "Cum On Feel the Noize" led to Slade signing with CBS for their first American record deal since the 1970s. The label soon repackaged the band's recently released album, The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, into Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply. The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome, along with its singles "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway", had already achieved success in the UK and Europe. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply featured a different track-order. It also replaced "Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" and "Razzle Dazzle Man" with the B-Sides "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" and "Can't Tame a Hurricane".
"Run Runaway" was released first in America in March 1984. A music video was shot at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, which went on to receive frequent rotation on MTV. The song went on to reach No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. "My Oh My" was later released in June and would reach No. 37. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, released in April, reached No. 33. "Slam the Hammer Down" was also released as a promotional-only single, featuring "Hot" and "Hotter" remixes by Shep Pettibone.
The band's new-found success in America saw them set out to do a full American tour supporting Ozzy Osbourne. For their American activities, Slade were managed by Sharon Osbourne. Prior to the tour, the band played a few warm-up shows. However, on the first night of the tour with Osbourne, Slade had to cancel the remainder of the shows when Jim Lea collapsed after the first gig and was diagnosed with hepatitis. Coinciding with the breakdown of Noddy Holder's marriage, the band agreed to stop touring to allow Holder a break. This was the final time the band would tour together, although the band would continue recording and releasing new material.
Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
- Chicago Tribune stated: "While most of Slade's music isn't really heavy metal, it has some affinities. The band's sledgehammer style is akin to the intensity of metal attacks, and one of Slade's earlier songs, "Cum On Feel the Noize," became a big hit for Quiet Riot last year. Slade's approach is often a shade more melodic, though, and not given as frequently to rave-up guitar assaults. But that's almost splitting hairs. The two styles are certainly in the same camp. It's all loud, aggressive music, and new Slade numbers such as "Slam the Hammer Down" should satisfy even the most demanding metal-head."
- Daily Record (of Morristown) said: "The years haven't softened singer Noddy Holder's sandpaper rasp any. He sounds as pleasantly abrasive as ever. Holder and bassist Jim Lea are still writing some decent tunes as well. Their tunefulness and their humor make them a wonderful alternative to such grim successors as Judas Priest, or even the colorless Quiet Riot. It's good to have them back."
- Philadelphia Daily News commented: "Slade reappears hot on the heels of the revival of "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" and though there isn't anything quite so inspired and grungy here, fans of light heavy metal and Joan Jett's style of headbashing will find this batch of grunge very much to their liking. At least, it is to mine."
- Mark Marymont of Springfield Leader & Press said: "The new album is pretty much like the olders ones. Most of the songs are piledriving rock 'n' roll, with songs that come off more like sloganizing than meaningful lyrics. There was also a goofy sense of fun to the early Slade and they have managed to hold onto that as well. Most of the songs are pretty simple rockers with a memorable chorus and lots of guitar. These guys may be somewhere between the classy rock of Bob Seger and the heavy metal of Judas Priest. They aren't subtle by any means, but they are fun. If Quiet Riot can score hits, then there is no reason why Slade can't."
- The Odessa American (of Texas) wrote: "After two decades, this British quartet shows it still can turn out the bawdy rock 'n' roll that endeared it to many European fans. Half of this album is negligible, but 10 years after Slayed?, this veteran troupe still delivers non-bombastic rock melodies, charming ballads and of course, misspelled song titles."
- The Pittsburgh Press concluded: "Powerful a lot of Slade's music is. Mindless it isn't. Noddy Holder can belt out the vocals but maintains quality while doing so. Bassist Jim Lea adds violin touches here and keyboard touches there. Guitarist Dave Hill can be a whiz but never a tasteless one. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply well could win Slade the American audience they couldn't wrest from Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Uriah Heep more than a decade ago."
- David Hersrud of the Rapid City Journal (South Dakota) said: "When it comes to the roots of heavy metal rock 'n' roll, Slade stands alone. The album's best cut, "Run Runaway" is typical Slade. It's anthem-like beginnings grabs your attention and holds it. Whereas most hard rock bands are prone to instrumental excesses, Slade's songs are short and to the point. The melodies are clean with no frills, which probably explains why the band hasn't really caught on with the hard rock audience. Hopefully Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply will change all that."
- Sam Richards, writing for The Missoulian, noted: "When I decided to review Slade's comeback album, I didn't expect much. Needless to say, I was surprised when I heard some of the most melodic heavy metal since Van Halen's debut album. Slade give us a few flat-out metal rave-ups, quieter numbers, and even a disco-ish heavy-metal hybrid, "Run Runaway". Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply is definitely metal; the melodies are original, if sometimes awkward, and, most importantly for non-metalheads, it swings."
- Russ DeVault of The Atlanta Constitution wrote: "It's a very listenable, balanced album. "My Oh My" is arguably the best song on the album, but don't waste time looking for a weak cut."
- Jim Sullivan of The Boston Globe felt the album sleeve was "hideous" and "tacky", but "cover art aside, Slade is back with spirit and style". He added: "The album shows the gang is shooting straight with its rusty, razor edged pop-metal. Slade is the genuine article, a controlled collision of guitar noise, boozy shouts, and sharp, memorable hooks."
- Gene Triplett of The Daily Oklahoman stated: "On Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, Slade are as raucous as ever, still cranking out anthemic, upbeat rockers in their inimitable, pile-driving style. It's bands like Slade that kept the fun in rock music during the '70s and they're still needed today. It's good to have them back."
- Bob Andelman of the Tampa Bay Times (St Petersburg, Floria) commented: "Slade are a lot closer to Queen than Quiet Riot, as evidenced by the anthemic qualities of "My Oh My" and "C'est La Vie". Like Queen, Slade bounces agreeably between rock opera and rhythm bashers like "Run Runaway", "In the Doghouse" and "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply". Like Dexy's Midnight Runners and early Kansas, Slade achieves a slight ethnicity through use of the violin, providing a texture which makes its music so much more agreeable than the average hard rock dreck on the market today."
Retrospective reviews
- Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic summarised: "On Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, Slade shows that they are still the masters of loud, trashy hard rock."
- Jeff Giles of Ultimate Classic Rock said the album was the "right album at the right time - a well-written and smartly polished set of songs that topped off the band's rock sound with pop production perfectly in step with current trends."
Song information
- "Run Runaway" is a Celtic-flavoured rock-jig. Lea wrote the song on his fiddle, which he played on the track.
- Lea had always wanted to write a "big, folksy ballad" and after presenting the melody idea of "My Oh My", Holder then wrote the lyrics.
- "High and Dry" was first released by the British heavy metal band Girlschool. Holder and Lea produced their 1983 album Play Dirty, which featured "High and Dry", along with another Slade song, "Burning in the Heat of Love".
- "Slam the Hammer Down" opens with a shouted soliloquy by Holder from a helicopter.
- "In the Doghouse" features saxophone by Andy Dummit. The song had been recorded during 1982 and was considered as a potential single during the early part of 1983, however RCA opted against the idea.
- "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" originally appeared as a B-Side to Slade's 1983 hit "My Oh My." The song speaks about a drunk driver with an "amorous female" as passenger being followed by the police.
- "Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv" speaks of prostitution. The closing instrumental section heard on the original version of the song was omitted from the end of the track for inclusion on Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply.
- "Can't Tame a Hurricane" was originally a B-Side on the 12" version of "My Oh My", where it was titled "Don't Tame a Hurricane". The song is a tribute to Northern Irish professional snooker player Alex Higgins.
- "(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie" was originally released as a single in November 1982, where it reached No. 50 in the UK.
- "Ready to Explode" is an eight-and-half-minute, multi-themed song about the excitement of motor racing. The construction of the song was inspired by Jim Steinman's work with Meat Loaf. The track, which took months to complete, featured BBC DJ Pete Drummond providing the announcements on the track. The song was split into four different parts: The Warm Up, The Grid, The Race and The Dream. Holder said of the song to Melody Maker: "It's all in sections but it's got a running theme, a riff that links it together. There's an instrumental passage, then a main part of the song, then it goes into another part and there's a slow bit at the end - it's the first thing we've ever done like that, but it's basically a rocker."
Chart performance
Canadian Albums Chart: #26
US Billboard 200: #33
US Billboard Rock Albums: #3
US Cashbox Albums Chart: #32
Track listing
1. Run Runaway (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea) - 5:00
2. My Oh My (Holder, Lea) - 4:12
3. High and Dry (Holder, Lea) - 3:12
4. Slam the Hammer Down (Holder, Lea) - 3:24
5. In the Doghouse (Holder, Lea) - 2:45
6. Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply (Holder, Lea) - 3:33
7. Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv (Holder, Lea) - 2:42
8. Can't Tame a Hurricane (Holder, Lea) - 2:30
9. (And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie (Holder, Lea) - 3:42
10. Ready to Explode (I The Warm Up, II The Grid, III The Race, IV The Dream) (Holder, Lea) - 8:28
Personnel
Slade
- Noddy Holder - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Dave Hill - lead guitar, backing vocals
- Jim Lea - bass, keyboards, guitars, backing vocals, lead vocal on verses (track 10), producer (tracks 3-10)
- Don Powell - drums, percussion, gongs
Additional personnel
- Andy Dummit - saxophone (track 5)
- Pete Drummond - announcements (track 10)
- John Punter - producer (tracks 1-2)
- Andy Miller, Dave Garland - engineers (tracks 3-10)
- Mike Nocito, Pete Schwier - engineers (tracks 1-2)
- Lou Brooks - artwork (illustration)
- Jo Di Donato - cover design