Cum On Feel the Noize

"Cum On Feel the Noize"

UK/European cover of "Cum On Feel the Noize".
Single by Slade
from the album Sladest
B-side "I'm Mee, I'm Now, an' That's Orl"
Released 23 February 1973
Recorded 1973
Genre Glam rock,[1] hard rock[2][3]
Length 4:24
Label Polydor Records
Writer(s) Noddy Holder, Jim Lea
Producer(s) Chas Chandler
Certification Gold (BPI)
Slade singles chronology
"Gudbuy T' Jane"
(1972)		 "Cum On Feel the Noize"
(1973)		 "Skweeze Me Pleeze Me"
(1973)
Audio sample
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Alternative Cover
German/European cover of "Cum On Feel the Noize".
Alternative Cover
Dutch cover of "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. As a single from Slade, it was a follow-up to "Gudbuy T' Jane", a number-two hit in the UK.

The single's B-side "I'm Mee, I'm Now, and That's Orl" was voted no. 3 of the top three Slade B-sides in the Slade Fan Club Poll of 1979.[4][5]

The song was also a 1983 hit for heavy metal band Quiet Riot.

Background

"Cum On Feel the Noize" entered at the top slot in both the UK and Irish charts, which was quite a rare feat at the time and was the first occasion this had happened since The Beatles' "Get Back" in 1969. The song went on to spend four weeks at the top of the chart in March 1973.

Upon release, the single sold 500,000 copies in only three weeks of release. As a result, the pressing factories were completely out of stock for a few days.[6][7]

In December 1983, a UK re-issue of the song was released via Polydor on 7" and 12" vinyl,[8] due to the success of the Quiet Riot version.[9] The single peaked at #98 for a total of two weeks in the UK.[10] The 7" single was backed by the two 1972 Slade hits "Take Me Bak 'Ome" and "Gudbuy T'Jane", whilst the 12" vinyl version added Slade's 1971 hit "Coz I Luv You" to the three 7" vinyl tracks.[11]

According to Noddy Holder's autobiography, the single had half a million pre-orders on the days leading up to the release. Typical of Slade's releases at the time, it fared less well in the USA, where it would only peak at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song actually inspired New York rock band Kiss to write their popular signature rock anthem "Rock and Roll All Nite".

This was the first Slade track in which the band attempted to recreate and write about the atmosphere at their gigs. Originally, the song was titled "Cum On Hear the Noize"; Holder revised the title when he recalled, "how I had felt the sound of the crowd pounding in my chest", though other sources state that it was Jim Lea who suggested the change in words.[12][13] Holder's "Baby baby baby" introduction was actually just a microphone test.[14]

Dave Thompson from AllMusic described the song as "a deafening roar in the classic Slade mould".

In a December 1984 interview with Record Mirror, the magazine tested Lea's memory by asking him to recall the story behind certain hits. For "Mama Weer All Crazee"/"Cum on Feel the Noize", Lea stated "I was at a Chuck Berry gig in '72 and everybody was singing his tunes. He kept stopping and letting the crowd sing and it wasn't just a few people, it was everyone. I thought it was amazing and thought – why not write the crowd into the songs, and so of course, the next one was 'Take Me Bak 'Ome' then 'Gudbuy T'Jane' but then we got round to 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' and 'Cum On Feel the Noize' and all the chants were written into the tunes."

In an early 1986 Slade fan club magazine interview, guitarist Dave Hill spoke of the song's lyrics. "The song was based around audiences and things that were happening to us. They were just experiences. Obviously, when you are on the road, you are writing about being on the road, you're writing about what's going on."[15][16]

In a late 2006 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Holder was asked for some tracks that have "rocked his world over the years". Holder included "Cum On Feel the Noize", stating: "I thought Oasis did a great version of it. When it was out they invited me to go and see them play when they did their home gig in Manchester. I went to the show, and they encored with 'Cum On Feel the Noize'. It was a great buzz for me to see 40,000 kids, from a new generation, going mad to a tune that I'd written 20 years before. It's probably our most covered song around the world. Probably the most unusual was the Japanese Cliff Richard who did it in Japanese. But the biggest-selling version was by Quiet Riot, who took it to no.5 in America 10 years after we did it. And on the back of that track, Quiet Riot's Metal Health album sold six million copies."

In the September–December 1986 Slade fan club magazine, the poll results were announced for the 1986 opinion poll based on Slade's material. For the best single of the 1970s, "Cum On Feel the Noize" was placed at no.1.

In an early 1999 issue of Q Magazine, a poll listed the top 100 singles of all time. "Cum On Feel the Noize" came in at 96th place. The accompanying text stated: "In 1973, Slade – the '70s Oasis – were on a roll, "Cum On Feel the Noize" being their fourth number one on March 10. More than any of their previous singles, this seemed to encapsulate the band's party-time ethos and Wolverhampton cheek ("So you think my singing's out of time?/Well it makes me money"). A classic performance from the sandpaper-throated Noddy Holder, the finest primal rock 'n' roll howler after Lennon. Best played very, very loud." An addition of bonus information was also included, "Best bit: (0.01) Holder's cry of 'Baby baby baaaybaah!' Still guaranteed to flood the dance floor. Where to get it now: Wall of Hits, Polydor. You said: 'My first single, and still makes me feel young.' M. Maguire, West Paisley."

In an early 2005 edition of Q Magazine, a top 100 poll was issued titled "100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever!". "Cum On Feel the Noize" was featured at no. 62, with the accompanying text stating, "Available: Sladest (Polydor, 1973). Written to celebrate the feeling of being the biggest band in Britain; produced to sound like a live wall-of-noise stomp-along. Solo: (0.03, 2.16) Two clanging, pre-Sonic Youth fanfares."

Promotion

The song was performed on numerous UK and European TV shows upon release, whilst the band's live performances were also a form of promotion.

The song was performed on UK show, Top of the Pops, as well as an unknown French TV show.

In 1977, the band performed the song on East German TV where the group also mimed several other previous hits, as well as each member being interviewed.[17]

Music video

A music video was created by Caravelle. It was recorded at the band's live show in The Hague, the Netherlands, in a similar fashion to the live video of "Gudbuy T'Jane". Bassist/co-writer Jim Lea could remember this day of filming because it was the day that he first played the band's following single "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" to manager/producer Chas Chandler. Lea was in the dressing room and used an electric guitar without an amp.[13][18][19]

Formats

7" Single
  1. "Cum On Feel the Noize" – 4:24
  2. "I'm Mee, I'm Now, An' That's Orl" – 3:41
7" Single (1983 reissue)
  1. "Cum On Feel the Noize" – 4:24
  2. "Take Me Bak 'Ome" – 3:13
  3. "Gudbuy T' Jane" – 3:31

Critical reception

Upon release, Disc Magazine wrote, "With a shriek of 'Baby, baby, baby' we're into another Slade-up that doesn't sound radically different as other reviewers have insisted that it is. Slade do this pop/rock stomping better than anyone and it's interesting to observe how other companies are casting wildly about for a Slade of their own. Perhaps there's a more obvious melody, but Slade always include a bit of a tune anyway and therein lies their success, and there's a soccer sing-a-long chorus that'll grab you. Otherwise it's pretty much the successful recipe as before. Slade can actually play and Chas Chandler has worked wonders with them. Long may they all flourish."[20]

NME magazine wrote, "Unmistakeably Slade – a rousing, raucous, rocker that follows its predecessors with an instantly recognisable sound. I know it sounds old hat, but Slade succeed in making the listener want to gyrate while other groups merely dream of a reaction. This one's a Lea/Holder composition with Noddy putting forth a sassy, powerful vocal and an audience accenting the chorus. Definitely number one."[21]

In early 2010, Classic Rock magazine featured Slade as part of their "The Hard Stuff Buyers Guide" where the magazine reviewed numerous Slade albums. As part of this article, an "Essential Playlist" listed 14 Slade songs that included "Cum On Feel the Noize".

Chart performance

Chart (1973) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[22] 18
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[23] 10
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[24] 5
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[25] 6
France (SNEP)[26] 18
Germany (Official German Charts)[27] 8
Ireland (IRMA)[28] 1
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[29] 21
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[30] 4
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[31] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[32] 98
Chart (1983) Peak
position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[33] 98

Personnel

Quiet Riot cover version

"Cum On Feel the Noize"
Single by Quiet Riot
from the album Metal Health
B-side "Run For Cover"
Released July 1983
Recorded 1982
Genre Glam metal, heavy metal
Length 4:50 (Album Version)
3:20 (Single Edit)
Label Pasha
Writer(s) Noddy Holder, Jim Lea
Producer(s) Spencer Proffer
Quiet Riot singles chronology
"Bang Your Head (Metal Health)"
(1983)		 "Cum On Feel the Noize"
(1983)		 "Slick Black Cadillac"
(1983)

In 1983, American heavy metal band Quiet Riot covered the song. Quiet Riot's version of "Cum On Feel the Noize" went on to peak at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 on 19 November 1983. It helped make Quiet Riot's Metal Health album a number-one hit. The song's success drew huge nationwide attention to the 1980s Los Angeles metal scene. It also helped to break Slade belatedly in the US. The song was certified gold by the RIAA. Originally, Kevin DuBrow and Frankie Banali were dead set on not covering the song, because they claimed that they hated it. Instead, they decided to try to cover the song as badly as they could so the label would refuse to release it.

Quiet Riot's version of "Cum On Feel the Noize" was ranked #80 on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders back in 2002, though the song was not Quiet Riot's only Top 40 hit and therefore not a true one-hit wonder. In 2009, it was named the 41st "best hard rock song of all time" also by VH1.[34]

In a December 1983 interview by Kerrang magazine, Holder spoke of the Quiet Riot version.

The first Slade knew about Quiet Riot was when they approached our publisher for permission to do 'Cum On Feel the Noize.' We agreed, never believing something like this would happen. In fact, the record was out for some while in the States before becoming a big hit, wasn't it? The really nice thing about the whole affair is that it proves how strong our songs are. After all; 'Cum On Feel the Noize' is now ten years old, so it's obviously stood the test of time rather well!

We've actually been approached in the recent past by people wanting us to update one of our classics. But, not even seeing what a band like Quiet Riot have done so successfully with modern studio technology on an old Slade tune has persuaded us it's worth doing. There was a spontaneity and electricity about the numbers when we first did 'em that could never be recaptured now. There just wouldn't be the same feel so, no matter how much money is offered, we're not into prostituting our own heritage.

In a December 1983 interview by Record Mirror magazine, Lea stated: "Quiet Riot phoned us up and asked if they could use the song. They were a bit cheeky really because they had already recorded it. I think they've done a very good version and the song is a classic." Lea was asked if he knew how much he was to make out of the publishing royalties. He replied, "Let's say enough to buy some very nice Christmas presents. Because of the success of the song in the States, we've also got five major record companies trying to outbid each other and sign us to a major deal. We've had ridiculous offers coming over the phone. We'll give you five Rolls Royces if you go with us, that kind of thing."

In a Ludwig drums interview with Quiet Riot's drummer Frankie Banali, Ludwig HQ asked, "It has been said that Slade liked Quiet Riot's version of 'Cum On Feel the Noize' better than their original. Is this true?" Banali replied, "If that is true, they never told us! I think they were a little bitter about our success with their song. They had a hit with it in other territories but not in the US and later our version overshadowed theirs worldwide. Any real success in the US always seemed to elude Slade, so Quiet Riot having a major hit with 'Cum On Feel the Noize' was bittersweet for them. When Quiet Riot played the Hammersmith Odeon in London opening up for Judas Priest in 1983, we offered them an invitation complete with a limo service to attend the show, but they never responded. Later I was shopping in Kensington Market and ran into (Slade bassist,) Jimmy Lea, who co-wrote the song. I wanted to shake his hand and thank him for writing a great song. He looked into my face, and walked away leaving me with nothing in my hand but air! I look at the situation like this: Quiet Riot received a great measure of success with the help of that song, and Slade received a great deal of money for their trouble. Fair enough!"

Chart performance

Chart (1983) Peak
position
Canada (RPM)[35] 8
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[36] 34
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) 45
US Billboard Hot 100 5
US Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks 7

Sales certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Canada (Music Canada)[37] Gold 50,000^
United States (RIAA)[38] Gold 1,000,000^

^shipments figures based on certification alone

Other cover versions

In music, film, and television

See also

References

  1. ↑ Savage, Jon (1 February 2013). "The 20 best glam-rock songs of all time". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  2. ↑ Wayne Robins (31 March 2016). A Brief History of Rock, Off the Record. Routledge. p. 147. ISBN 978-1-135-92346-4.
  3. ↑ Zara, Christopher (February 3, 2014). "GoldieBlox Super Bowl Ad: Toy Startup Parodies Slade/Quiet Riot With Help From Intuit (INTU)". International Business Times. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Slade Fan Club Magazine January–February 1980
  6. ↑
  7. ↑ Slade Fan Club Newsletter April - May 1973
  8. ↑ "Slade - Cum On Feel The Noize / Take Me Bak 'Ome - Polydor - UK - POSP 399". 45cat. Retrieved 2012-08-10.
  9. ↑
  10. ↑ "The Official Charts Company - Cum On Feel The Noize {1983} by Slade Search". The Official Charts Company. 6 May 2013.
  11. ↑ "Slade Cum On Feel The Noize UK 12" RECORD/MAXI SINGLE (130388)". Eil.com. 28 January 1999. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 2012-08-10.
  12. ↑
  13. 1 2 Slade International Fan Club newsletter June –July–August 1986
  14. ↑ Slade's Greatest Hits booklet
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ Slade International Fan Club newsletter March - April - May 1986
  17. ↑ "SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk". Crazeeworld.plus.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  18. ↑
  19. ↑
  20. ↑
  21. ↑
  22. ↑ "Australian-charts.com – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  23. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  24. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  25. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  26. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize" (in French). Les classement single.
  27. ↑ "Musicline.de – Slade Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH.
  28. ↑ Jaclyn Ward - Fireball Media Group. "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Archived from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  29. ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize". Top 40 Singles.
  30. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Slade – Cum On Feel the Noize". Swiss Singles Chart.
  31. ↑ "Slade - Cum On Feel the Noize". Chart Stats. 1973-05-19. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  32. ↑ "Slade - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
  33. ↑ "Slade - Cum On Feel the Noize {1983}". Chart Stats. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  34. ↑ "Spreadit.org : Music". Spreadit.org. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2009.
  35. ↑ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
  36. ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Quiet Riot – Cum On Feel the Noize". Top 40 Singles.
  37. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Cum on Feel the Noize". Music Canada.
  38. ↑ "American single certifications – Cum on Feel the Noize". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
Preceded by
"Blockbuster!" by Sweet		 UK number one single
3 March 1973 for four weeks 		Succeeded by
"The Twelfth of Never" by Donny Osmond
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