My Baby's Left Me: That's Alright

Slade’s rendition of “My Baby Left Me: That’s Alright,” released in October 1977 as a non-album single, carries a heartfelt story tied to the passing of Elvis Presley. Recorded at Advision Studios in London on August 31, 1977, the band chose this Arthur Crudup medley as a tribute to “The King” following his death earlier that month. In a 1977 interview with the London Evening News, lead vocalist Noddy Holder expressed the band’s urgency for the single to succeed, stating, “We all really need this one to be a hit.” The track, which reached No. 32 in the UK charts, was a nod to Presley’s early hits and featured bassist Jim Lea stepping in on guitar due to Dave Hill’s absence for interviews in northern England. Tony Mitchell of Sounds magazine hailed it as the “Best Comeback Single,” praising its “fabulous treatment” of the blues classic and noting its potential to revive Slade’s chart presence during the punk rock wave.

The recording process was marked by Slade’s attempt to reconnect with their rock roots after a commercially challenging period. Having returned from the United States in 1976, the band faced a UK music scene dominated by punk, and their 1977 album Whatever Happened to Slade failed to chart. The single’s B-side, “O.H.M.S.,” exclusive to the release, reflected the band’s frustration with the UK tax system, with Holder commenting to Record Mirror that it encapsulated their struggles as “homesick exiles.” A music video featuring the band performing on a stage was filmed to promote the single, and they performed it on shows like Top of the Pops and German TV programs Disco and Rund. Fan reactions, as seen on platforms like hitparade.ch, vary, with some praising its “dreckig” (gritty) energy and others calling it a solid but not standout cover.

Slade’s journey began in Wolverhampton, England, in the mid-1960s, rooted in the Black Country’s working-class culture. Originally formed as The N’Betweens in 1966, the band consisted of Noddy Holder (vocals), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass), and Don Powell (drums). They started as a covers band, playing R&B and soul in local pubs and clubs, honing their energetic live performances. Their big break came when they caught the attention of manager Chas Chandler, formerly of The Animals, who saw their potential after a performance at London’s Rasputin Club in 1969. Chandler signed them to Polydor Records and suggested the name change to Slade. By 1971, their single “Coz I Luv You” hit No. 1 in the UK, kicking off a string of 17 consecutive Top 20 hits, including six chart-toppers, cementing their status as glam rock pioneers. Their distinctive sound, blending catchy hooks with raw energy, and their flamboyant stage presence made them a defining act of the early 1970s.

Slade’s official online presence includes their website at https://www.slade.uk.com/, where fans can find tour updates and merchandise. Their official Facebook page shares nostalgic posts and news, while their Instagram account offers glimpses into their legacy with vintage photos and clips. On X, they engage with fans through updates and throwbacks. Fan-driven communities thrive online, notably the Slade Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memorabilia and stories. The fan site Slade Discography Website provides detailed release histories, and Sladestory offers an archive of band history, crediting historian Chris Selby for his extensive research. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ love for Slade’s gritty rock spirit alive.