The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome
Encyclopedia
The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome is an album by the British rock
group Slade
. It was released December 3, 1983 and reached number 49 in the UK charts.
Two singles released from the album were successful, peaking in the top 20 of both the UK and US. "Run Runaway" reached #20 on the Billboard
singles chart. Both "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway" had videos to help boost sales.
In the United States and Canada, this album was issued as Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
, in a different track-order and with the track "Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" replaced by "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply".
The album peaked at #1 in Sweden lasting a total of 12 weeks.
Holder was asked the meaning behind the title upon release, he stated "I was reading the sports pages one day and there was an article on motor sport. It talked about the 'kamikaze complex' those guys who compete seem to have in putting their life on the line every time they go on the track. I think Barry Sheene
was mentioned as a specific example. Anyway, it struck me that some of our songs fitted in with this idea, so the title seemed a logical choice. And let's face it, everyone has something of that complex in 'em, we all take gambles at some point in our lives."
, it had not had any hits. Singles such as Wheels Ain't Comin' Down
, Lock Up Your Daughters
, Ruby Red
and C'est La Vie
did not perform well on the charts.
Jim Lea had always wanted to write a big, folksy ballad and when he presented his melody idea to Holder, the lyrics to My Oh My were created. Another song produced was Run Runaway, a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring Lea's fiddle. RCA hired John Punter
to work on the tracks.
Punter's methods were different to what Slade were used to; for example he made the band record their parts separately. My Oh My became a hit in late 1983, peaking at #2, behind The Flying Pickets
cover of Yazoo's
Only You
.
The rock band Quiet Riot
covered Slade's 1973 UK chart topper Cum On Feel The Noize
. Although Slade's original had not been successful in the U.S., Quiet Riot's cover peaked at #5. The song helped Quiet Riot sell seven million copies of their album Metal Health
. As a result of this success, Slade signed with CBS records.
Run Runaway was soon released in the US and UK. Its promotional video was shot at Eastnor Castle
in Hertfordshire
. The song became a top 10 hit in the UK and Slade's first top 20 hit in the States.
to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop. This track became the first hit in the US for Slade after years of trying to crack the American market, peaking at #20. The track is also a recommended track by allmusic.
which was produced by both Holder and Lea. Chris Ingham stated "High and Dry is known for showing notable Holder vocal, once memorably described by Melody Maker
's Jim Arundel as "a blistering yell that's akin to Little Richard
undergoing throat surgery by blowtorch without an anaesthetic". High And Dry is also for its unapologetic commemoration of insensitive womanising; "you want equality", goes the lyric, "you won't get none of that from me". How that fits with Slade's declaration in My Oh My that they "believe in woman" is difficult to say, but a politically correct Slade wouldn't be Slade at all."
.
In the Slade International Fan Club newsletter for April, May and June 1988, a fan asked who spoke the repeat lines "You Frank and Johnny, you're hurting my arm." The club stated that it was Holder speaking the lines and that the lines were taken from a 1941 film titled "The Maltese Falcon
", starring Humphrey Bogart
.
's work with Meat Loaf
. Guitarist Dave Hill said "I seem to remember that he was hooked on the Bat Out of Hell album at the time, and he wanted to make a record about...being on the edge and all this type of thing". The track also featured Pete Drummond doing announcements on the track. The song was split into four different parts:
BBC Radio 2 show, Holder was asked to choose a track from the recently released Best of Slade. To Radcliffe's surprise Holder chose this flop single. Holder reasoned the track showed off his voice really well.
.
Record Mirror
stated "Romping back into the forefront of Eighties pop with an apparently effortless confidence and an untainted infectiousness. Slade are riding hard on the heels of a smash hit single with an album that decently consolidates the success of 'My Oh My. Noddy Holder only has to turn on that formidable voice on the opening 'Slam The Hammer Down' and you know straight away Slade will never abandon the battle while there's spirit enough left to fight It. Now this is the Slade we’ve known and loved and laughed with for years - a raucous, rollicking and simply addictive little riot that kicks the album off with a resounding start - no wonder people are rediscovering rock ‘n’ roll these days.
And there's more of same craftsmen at variations on a theme. Slade storm on through the vinyl with 'In The Doghouse', the irresistible 'High And Dry’, the excellent 'Cheap n' Nasty Love' and a grand finale with 'Razzle Dazzle Man'. Look for humour and you’ll find it dotted around all over the place. "Get your oats in while you can can", hollers Holder on 'Cocky Rock Boys (Rule OK)'. "You're full of wit and it hits the fan".
There are certain moments of contrast to be found on this album. The family sing-song 'My Oh My' fades into something approaching insignificance besides the more fiery stompers, and the percussive, mid-placed 'Run Runaway’, oddly chosen as the next single, droops into repetitiveness before the second verse is out. And '(And Now The Waltz) C'Est La Vie' tends to disappear into the clouds of its own long-winded ambition. Finally though, its certain that for flash and sparkle, slap and tickle, and a ride on a runaway rock n roller coaster. Slade have lost none of their old wicked touch."
Sounds
stated "Kamikaze Syndrome? Pardon me, but wouldn't resurrection shuffle be nearer to the point? Slade seem to be eternal, eternally young, eternally fun. As "My Oh My" finds them back in the running for that number one slot eleven years after their first one, this the album of the single, shows conclusively that Slade are still capable of rocking harder and catchier than most bands half their age.They sound so lively and confident you can forgive them the rock 'n' roll clichés they occasionally slip into, though maybe the real key to their survival comes with the track "Run Runaway" which shows them cheekily and triumphantly plagiarising flavour-of-84 Big Country. Elsewhere, the 'Sailing' style scarves in the air of the single is surpassed by the even more anthemic 'C'est La Vie', but as always it's the hell-raisin' metalboogie stomps that really shake the timbers, and there's enough big stampers here to keep Quiet Riot in hits till 1987!
My favourite tracks are the noisy rocker 'Slam The Hammer Down' which is classic Slade party material, the corny epic 'Cocky Rock Boys' and 'In The Doghouse', an out and out Faces belter, all out with the boys and trousers round your ankles. These are all on side one, but side two is just as moving and features a gripping driving documentary 'Ready To Explode', a belting number about Hanoi Rocks drummer called 'Razzle Dazzle Man' and an Abba style tale, namely 'Cheap n' Nasty Love', an epithet which could never fit Slade. If I hadn't already handed in my top 20 for the year, 'The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome' would have pride of place in it.
Joe Geesin of Get Ready to Rock wrote of the remaster "1983's The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome kicks off proving that while it wasn't the classic Slade of old, they still had it. Noddy still sounded like Noddy, despite the hugely updated production. The riffs were still big, and the solos were if anything better, more metal if commercial metal (check out opener 'Slam The Hammer Down'). This was Slade's biggest commercial success in America. The surprise hit single was 'Run Run Away', despite the new wave tribal sound to the drums. It's still a catchy and memorable track but not one you'd attribute to Slade unless someone told you so. Nice time change mid-song, Celtic flavoured crunchy lead riff, and Jim Lea's violin. 'C'est La Vie' was a waltz ballad that flopped as a single - strange choice lads. Extensive sleevenotes, slipcase and 6 bonus cuts make for a first class package though."
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group Slade
Slade
Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton, who rose to prominence during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. With 17 consecutive Top 20 hits and six number ones, the British Hit Singles & Albums names them as the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles...
. It was released December 3, 1983 and reached number 49 in the UK charts.
Two singles released from the album were successful, peaking in the top 20 of both the UK and US. "Run Runaway" reached #20 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
singles chart. Both "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway" had videos to help boost sales.
In the United States and Canada, this album was issued as Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
-Run Runaway:"Run Runaway", a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring some elliptical lyrics and the return of Jim Lea's fiddle. RCA saw the potential of the track and appointed John Punter to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop...
, in a different track-order and with the track "Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" replaced by "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply".
The album peaked at #1 in Sweden lasting a total of 12 weeks.
Holder was asked the meaning behind the title upon release, he stated "I was reading the sports pages one day and there was an article on motor sport. It talked about the 'kamikaze complex' those guys who compete seem to have in putting their life on the line every time they go on the track. I think Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene
Barry Stephen Frank Sheene MBE was a British World Champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.-Early life:...
was mentioned as a specific example. Anyway, it struck me that some of our songs fitted in with this idea, so the title seemed a logical choice. And let's face it, everyone has something of that complex in 'em, we all take gambles at some point in our lives."
Background
Following Slade's performance at the Reading festival in 1980, the group had sold out shows and had a major record deal with RCA. However, since the single We'll Bring the House DownWe'll Bring the House Down (song)
"We'll Bring The House Down" is a single from rock band Slade from their 1981 album We'll Bring the House Down. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea...
, it had not had any hits. Singles such as Wheels Ain't Comin' Down
Wheels Ain't Comin' Down
"Wheels Ain't Coming Down" is a single from rock band Slade, released in 1981 from the album We'll Bring the House Down although it was originally featured on the previous 1979 album Return to Base..... It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The single peaked at #60 in the...
, Lock Up Your Daughters
Lock Up Your Daughters (song)
"Lock Up Your Daughters" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The single was released in September 1981 and peaked at #29 in the UK, spending a total of 8 weeks on the chart...
, Ruby Red
Ruby Red (song)
"Ruby Red" is a UK only single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The single was released in 1982 and peaked at #51 in the UK, spending 3 weeks on the chart. The single was a gatefold with two live...
and C'est La Vie
(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie
" C'est La Vie" is a single from rock band Slade which appeared on the album The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome and the American version Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply...
did not perform well on the charts.
Jim Lea had always wanted to write a big, folksy ballad and when he presented his melody idea to Holder, the lyrics to My Oh My were created. Another song produced was Run Runaway, a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring Lea's fiddle. RCA hired John Punter
John Punter
John Punter is an English music producer and recording engineer. He has worked with many bands and musicians, such as Japan, Procol Harum, Roxy Music and Slade. His career in music spanned over 30 years and many different genres...
to work on the tracks.
Punter's methods were different to what Slade were used to; for example he made the band record their parts separately. My Oh My became a hit in late 1983, peaking at #2, behind The Flying Pickets
The Flying Pickets
The Flying Pickets are a British a cappella vocal group, who had a Christmas number one hit in 1983 in the UK Singles Chart with their cover of Yazoo's track "Only You".-History:...
cover of Yazoo's
Yazoo (band)
Yazoo are a British synthpop duo from Basildon, Essex. They had a number of Top 10 hits in the UK charts in the early 1980s...
Only You
Only You (Yazoo song)
-Track listing:7": Mute/7 MUTE 20 # "Only You" - 3:10# "Situation" - 3:447": Sire/9 2-98447 # "Only You" - 3:10# "Winter Kills" - 4:0112": Mute/12 MUTE 20 # "Only You" - 3:10# "Situation" - 5:20CD: Mute/CD MUTE 20...
.
The rock band Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot is an American Heavy Metal band. They are best known for their hit singles "Metal Health" and "Cum On Feel the Noize". They were founded in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni, under the original name Mach 1, before changing the name to Little Women and finally Quiet...
covered Slade's 1973 UK chart topper Cum On Feel The Noize
Cum on Feel the Noize
"Cum On Feel the Noize" is a rock song originally released by Slade in 1973.Written by Jim Lea and Noddy Holder and produced by Chas Chandler, "Cum On Feel the Noize" was Slade's fourth number-one single in the UK and their first to enter straight at number one...
. Although Slade's original had not been successful in the U.S., Quiet Riot's cover peaked at #5. The song helped Quiet Riot sell seven million copies of their album Metal Health
Metal Health
Metal Health is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Quiet Riot. It was released on March 11, 1983, bolstered by the #5 hit "Cum on Feel the Noize" and the #31 hit "Metal Health". It knocked The Police's Synchronicity out of #1 in the US. The album went on to sell over six million...
. As a result of this success, Slade signed with CBS records.
Run Runaway was soon released in the US and UK. Its promotional video was shot at Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle is a 19th century mock castle, two miles from the town of Ledbury in Herefordshire, England, by the village of Eastnor. It was founded by John Cocks, 1st Earl Somers as his stately home and continues to be inhabited by his descendents. Currently in residence is the family of...
in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
. The song became a top 10 hit in the UK and Slade's first top 20 hit in the States.
Release
Noddy Holder spoke of the album in a 1986 interview "we all felt that there should have been a single out on the back of 'Run Runaway'. The album was our first big success in America, it was top 5 all over Europe and number 1 in Scandinavia for months. Britain was the only place it wasn't a big album. We could have, theoretically, had another single off it. It would have been a hit. There was plenty of good stuff on that album."Track listing
Slam the Hammer Down
"Slam the Hammer Down" opens the original album with a shouted soliloquy by Holder from a helicopter. Chris Ingham from Rock's Backpages stated "The track features an elaborately motor racing/sex metaphor." The track was issued as a promo in the US only. The single peaked at #92 in the US.In The Doghouse
"In The Doghouse" featured brass instruments for the first time in a Slade track for years. Chris Ingham stated "In The Doghouse celebrates the carefree indiscretions of youth." Noddy Holder later recalled "there was plenty of good stuff on that album...we could have, theoretically, had another single...it would have been a hit", Holder was probably talking about In The Doghouse.Run Runaway
"Run Runaway", a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring some elliptical lyrics and the return of Jim Lea's fiddle. RCA saw the potential of the track and appointed John PunterJohn Punter
John Punter is an English music producer and recording engineer. He has worked with many bands and musicians, such as Japan, Procol Harum, Roxy Music and Slade. His career in music spanned over 30 years and many different genres...
to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop. This track became the first hit in the US for Slade after years of trying to crack the American market, peaking at #20. The track is also a recommended track by allmusic.
High and Dry
"High and Dry" was originally covered by female rock band GirlschoolGirlschool
Girlschool are a British heavy metal band originating out of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene in 1978 and frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead. They are the longest running all-female rock band, still active after more than 30 years...
which was produced by both Holder and Lea. Chris Ingham stated "High and Dry is known for showing notable Holder vocal, once memorably described by Melody Maker
Melody Maker
Melody Maker, published in the United Kingdom, was, according to its publisher IPC Media, the world's oldest weekly music newspaper. It was founded in 1926 as a magazine targeted at musicians; in 2000 it was merged into "long-standing rival" New Musical Express.-1950s–1960s:Originally the Melody...
's Jim Arundel as "a blistering yell that's akin to Little Richard
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
undergoing throat surgery by blowtorch without an anaesthetic". High And Dry is also for its unapologetic commemoration of insensitive womanising; "you want equality", goes the lyric, "you won't get none of that from me". How that fits with Slade's declaration in My Oh My that they "believe in woman" is difficult to say, but a politically correct Slade wouldn't be Slade at all."
My Oh My
"My Oh My" came as Lea had always wanted to write a big, folksy ballad and when he presented his melody idea to Holder, the lyrics to My Oh My were created. The melody came from an idea that Lea had while listening to Hill and Holder tuning up in the dressing room before a gig at a University in Wales. This track became a huge hit in the UK, peaking at #2 and #37 in the US. The track is also a recommended track by allmusic.Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)
"Cocky Rock Boys (Rule O.K.)" ended the original side one of the album. Chris Ingham wrote "Cocky Rock Boys tips a wink at Slade's audience and shows Lea's production off complete with a backward vocal effect, the first for a Slade track." This particular track did not feature on the American version of this album Keep Your Hands Off My Power SupplyKeep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
-Run Runaway:"Run Runaway", a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring some elliptical lyrics and the return of Jim Lea's fiddle. RCA saw the potential of the track and appointed John Punter to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop...
.
In the Slade International Fan Club newsletter for April, May and June 1988, a fan asked who spoke the repeat lines "You Frank and Johnny, you're hurting my arm." The club stated that it was Holder speaking the lines and that the lines were taken from a 1941 film titled "The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon (1941 film)
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 Warner Bros. film based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett and a remake of the 1931 film of the same name...
", starring Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey DeForest Bogart was an American actor. He is widely regarded as a cultural icon.The American Film Institute ranked Bogart as the greatest male star in the history of American cinema....
.
Ready to Explode
"Ready to Explode" is an eight-and-one-half-minute track that that opened side two of the original vinyl album. It is a multi-themed song suite about the excitement of motor racing, inspired in part by the Jim SteinmanJim Steinman
James Richard "Jim" Steinman is an American composer, lyricist, and Grammy Award-winning record producer responsible for several hit songs. He has also worked as an arranger, pianist, and singer...
's work with Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf
Michael Lee Aday , better known by his stage name, Meat Loaf, is an American hard rock musician and actor...
. Guitarist Dave Hill said "I seem to remember that he was hooked on the Bat Out of Hell album at the time, and he wanted to make a record about...being on the edge and all this type of thing". The track also featured Pete Drummond doing announcements on the track. The song was split into four different parts:
- Part 1: The Warm Up
- Part 2: The Grid
- Part 3: The Race
- Part 4: The Dream
(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie
"(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie", described by Chris Ingham as "a waltz-time anthem about the bittersweet feelings surrounding an end-of-affair tryst", was originally released in 1982 as a Christmas single. In November 2005 on one of his regular TV-reviewing slots on the Mark RadcliffeMark Radcliffe
Mark Radcliffe is an English broadcaster who has worked in various roles for the BBC since the 1980s and remains one of Britain's most recognised DJs. He is currently a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music, where he hosts an afternoon show five times a week alongside Stuart Maconie, called...
BBC Radio 2 show, Holder was asked to choose a track from the recently released Best of Slade. To Radcliffe's surprise Holder chose this flop single. Holder reasoned the track showed off his voice really well.
Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv
"Cheap 'n' Nasty Luv" is described by Chris Ingham as "another in the series of Slade songs which display an interest in the oldest profession (see also Standing On The Corner, When Fantasy Calls) though the usual lusty appreciation is set aside here and replaced with an empathetic view of a young lady unhappy in her situation." On the American release, Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, the song is shorter than the European version which adds an extra snythesizer section.Razzle Dazzle Man
"Razzle Dazzle Man" features a fast tempo, new wave influence until mid-way when the song changes into a ballad featuring acoustic guitar and large backing vocals. Chris Ingham wrote "Razzle Dazzle Man closes the album, but not before reprising motifs from Ready To Explode and a fade giving the impression that side 2 was all one thematic piece." This particular track did not feature on the American version of this album Keep Your Hands Off My Power SupplyKeep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
-Run Runaway:"Run Runaway", a celtic-flavoured rock-jig featuring some elliptical lyrics and the return of Jim Lea's fiddle. RCA saw the potential of the track and appointed John Punter to work on the track. The album version is extended to give more time for the Linn drum gallop...
.
Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
"Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" appeared as a b-side to Slade's 1983 hit My Oh My. The title was used for the American version of The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome. The song also appeared on the American release. Chris Ingham wrote "the track is a song about a drunk driver strongly advising his amorous passenger not to grope him while he's being followed by the police. The chorus is as fast as anything Slade ever recorded while the production typifies Slade's sound in the mid-80s."Don't Tame A Hurricane
"Don't Tame A Hurricane" was originally taken from the 12" version of My Oh My. The track featured on Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply, the American version of The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome. On the American release, the title was changed to "Can't Tame A Hurricane. Chris Ingham wrote "Don't Tame A Hurricane has a rocking terseness and directness that recalls Slade's '70s heyday while packing an '80s punch. The 'hurricane' of the song title refers to a larger than life character who won't be tied down and who's an "international cocktail who'll end up on the rocks".Two Track Stereo One Track Mind
"Two Track Stereo One Track Mind" featured as the b-side to Run Runaway. Chris Ingham wrote "The song is a jokey portrait of a girl who blocks out her lover during intercourse by listening to music through headphones. On one level, a piece of titillation, on another a comment on the difficulty achieving meaningful connection in an age of multi-media distractions."Critical reception
At the time of release, reviews were overall positive.Record Mirror
Record Mirror
Record Mirror was a British weekly pop music newspaper, founded by Isadore Green and featured, news articles, interviews, record charts, record reviews, concert reviews, letters from readers and photographs. The paper became respected by both mainstream pop music fans and serious record collectors...
stated "Romping back into the forefront of Eighties pop with an apparently effortless confidence and an untainted infectiousness. Slade are riding hard on the heels of a smash hit single with an album that decently consolidates the success of 'My Oh My. Noddy Holder only has to turn on that formidable voice on the opening 'Slam The Hammer Down' and you know straight away Slade will never abandon the battle while there's spirit enough left to fight It. Now this is the Slade we’ve known and loved and laughed with for years - a raucous, rollicking and simply addictive little riot that kicks the album off with a resounding start - no wonder people are rediscovering rock ‘n’ roll these days.
And there's more of same craftsmen at variations on a theme. Slade storm on through the vinyl with 'In The Doghouse', the irresistible 'High And Dry’, the excellent 'Cheap n' Nasty Love' and a grand finale with 'Razzle Dazzle Man'. Look for humour and you’ll find it dotted around all over the place. "Get your oats in while you can can", hollers Holder on 'Cocky Rock Boys (Rule OK)'. "You're full of wit and it hits the fan".
There are certain moments of contrast to be found on this album. The family sing-song 'My Oh My' fades into something approaching insignificance besides the more fiery stompers, and the percussive, mid-placed 'Run Runaway’, oddly chosen as the next single, droops into repetitiveness before the second verse is out. And '(And Now The Waltz) C'Est La Vie' tends to disappear into the clouds of its own long-winded ambition. Finally though, its certain that for flash and sparkle, slap and tickle, and a ride on a runaway rock n roller coaster. Slade have lost none of their old wicked touch."
Sounds
Sounds (magazine)
Sounds was a long-term British music paper, published weekly from 10 October 1970 – 6 April 1991. It was produced by Spotlight Publications , which was set up by Jack Hutton and Peter Wilkinson, who left "Melody Maker" to start their own company...
stated "Kamikaze Syndrome? Pardon me, but wouldn't resurrection shuffle be nearer to the point? Slade seem to be eternal, eternally young, eternally fun. As "My Oh My" finds them back in the running for that number one slot eleven years after their first one, this the album of the single, shows conclusively that Slade are still capable of rocking harder and catchier than most bands half their age.They sound so lively and confident you can forgive them the rock 'n' roll clichés they occasionally slip into, though maybe the real key to their survival comes with the track "Run Runaway" which shows them cheekily and triumphantly plagiarising flavour-of-84 Big Country. Elsewhere, the 'Sailing' style scarves in the air of the single is surpassed by the even more anthemic 'C'est La Vie', but as always it's the hell-raisin' metalboogie stomps that really shake the timbers, and there's enough big stampers here to keep Quiet Riot in hits till 1987!
My favourite tracks are the noisy rocker 'Slam The Hammer Down' which is classic Slade party material, the corny epic 'Cocky Rock Boys' and 'In The Doghouse', an out and out Faces belter, all out with the boys and trousers round your ankles. These are all on side one, but side two is just as moving and features a gripping driving documentary 'Ready To Explode', a belting number about Hanoi Rocks drummer called 'Razzle Dazzle Man' and an Abba style tale, namely 'Cheap n' Nasty Love', an epithet which could never fit Slade. If I hadn't already handed in my top 20 for the year, 'The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome' would have pride of place in it.
Joe Geesin of Get Ready to Rock wrote of the remaster "1983's The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome kicks off proving that while it wasn't the classic Slade of old, they still had it. Noddy still sounded like Noddy, despite the hugely updated production. The riffs were still big, and the solos were if anything better, more metal if commercial metal (check out opener 'Slam The Hammer Down'). This was Slade's biggest commercial success in America. The surprise hit single was 'Run Run Away', despite the new wave tribal sound to the drums. It's still a catchy and memorable track but not one you'd attribute to Slade unless someone told you so. Nice time change mid-song, Celtic flavoured crunchy lead riff, and Jim Lea's violin. 'C'est La Vie' was a waltz ballad that flopped as a single - strange choice lads. Extensive sleevenotes, slipcase and 6 bonus cuts make for a first class package though."
Chart performance
| Chart (1983) | Peak position |
Total weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Australia ARIA Albums Chart | 50 | ? |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 17 | 2 |
| German Albums Chart | 9 | ? |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 39 | 3 |
| Norwegian Albums Chart | 2 | 22 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 1 | 12 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 5 | 16 |
| UK Albums Chart | 49 | 13 |
Slade
- Noddy HolderNoddy HolderNeville John "Noddy" Holder MBE is an English musician and actor. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist with the rock band Slade....
- Lead Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals - Dave HillDave HillDave Hill is an English musician, who is the lead guitarist and backing vocalist in the English glam rock group, Slade. The music journalist, Stuart Maconie, commented "he usually wore a jumpsuit made of the foil that you baste your turkeys in and platforms of oil-rig-derrick height...
- Guitar, Backing Vocals - Jim LeaJim LeaJim Lea , is an English musician, most notable for playing bass guitar, keyboards, violin, guitar, and singing backing vocals in Slade.-Career:...
- Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Violin (uncredited), Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals on "Ready to Explode" - Don PowellDon PowellDon Powell is a drummer who founded the English glam rock group, Slade.- Biography :As a child Powell joined the Boy Scouts where he became interested in the drums after being asked to join the band on a Sunday morning parade. After Etheridge Secondary Modern School he studied Metallurgy at...
- Drums, Percussion, Gong
Additional credits
- Andy Dummit - Saxophone on "In the Doghouse"
- Pete Drummond - Announcements on "Ready to Explode"
- John PunterJohn PunterJohn Punter is an English music producer and recording engineer. He has worked with many bands and musicians, such as Japan, Procol Harum, Roxy Music and Slade. His career in music spanned over 30 years and many different genres...
- producer - Andy Miller, Dave Garland - engineer
- Andrew Christian - art direction
- Shoot That Tiger! - design
- John Shaw - photography
- Phil Davis - set designer