I Don't Mind

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raucous vibes of "I Don't Mind" by Slade from their iconic 1972 album Slayed?, and the Zoo Freaks are surely stomping along to its gritty glam rock energy. This track, nestled on an album that hit No. 1 in the UK and went Gold in Australia, showcases Slade’s raw, boot-stomping sound, with Noddy Holder’s powerful vocals cutting through the mix. According to a 2010 review by AllMusic, "I Don't Mind" is part of an album filled with “party-hard tracks,” though it’s less celebrated than hits like “Mama Weer All Crazee Now.” In a 2006 interview with Express & Star, Holder recalled the band’s early ’70s frenzy, noting that Slayed? was recorded during a whirlwind of touring and chart-topping success, capturing their live energy in the studio. A fan on Rate Your Music described the song as a solid, if overlooked, piece of Slade’s “harder edge of glam,” suggesting its driving rhythm still resonates with those who dig deep into the album.

Delving into the song’s context, "I Don't Mind" reflects Slade’s knack for blending catchy hooks with a rebellious, streetwise attitude. In a 1975 biography, The Slade Story by George Tremlett, Jim Lea, the band’s bassist and co-songwriter, mentioned that tracks like "I Don't Mind" were crafted to keep the audience hyped, mirroring the band’s explosive live shows. A rare tidbit from a 1984 fan club newsletter, The Slade Papers, reveals that the band recorded much of Slayed? in a newly built Piccadilly studio, aiming to bottle the chaos of their fan-club gigs. On Slade’s official Facebook, a 2022 post celebrated the 50th anniversary of Slayed?, sharing vintage photos and prompting fans to reminisce about tracks like "I Don't Mind" as part of the album’s raw charm. The Slade Fan Club group on Facebook buzzes with similar nostalgia, with members sharing bootleg live versions from 1972 where Holder’s ad-libs gave the song extra swagger.

Slade began in Wolverhampton, England, in 1966, rising from the ashes of local bands in the Black Country. Originally called The Vendors, then The ’N Betweens, the lineup solidified with Noddy Holder (vocals/guitar), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass), and Don Powell (drums). According to Wikipedia, their early years were gritty, playing small gigs and even a tough stint in the Bahamas in 1968, where they were stuck with a massive hotel bill after a club engagement went south. This ordeal, detailed in Discogs, strengthened their bond and expanded their repertoire. Their big break came in 1971 with the single “Get Down and Get With It,” a cover produced by manager Chas Chandler, which cracked the UK charts. The Holder-Lea songwriting duo then fueled a string of hits, cementing Slade’s glam rock legacy, as noted in a 2000 autobiography by Holder, Who’s Crazee Now?. Their influence, acknowledged by bands like Kiss and The Ramones, stems from their unapologetic, high-energy sound.

Stay connected with Slade’s official website for the latest on their music and legacy. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for throwback photos and updates, or check their X account for fan interactions and news. Fans can dive deeper at the Slade Fan Club website, a treasure trove of newsletters and history, or join the vibrant Slade Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and rare recordings. For more Slade mania, the Slade Appreciation Society group is another spot where Zoo Freaks can geek out over the band’s glam rock glory.