Glam was Glam because it sought an ironic "look" and stripped down noise and sense that was the possible route back past the dull, charmless drudgery of endless muso noodling prog, earnest "head" music and shit third rate blues bands . back to an earlier period of youth, style and rooted rebel fun when good music was great and everyday and singable. Slade was part of that. They should be revered. Here's a book that does that. Bob Geldof An extensive, entertaining and illuminating look at the mercurial if qualified success story of one of Britain's greatest hit making bands. If you only think about Slade every December, you really need to read Daryl Easlea's book. A must have for the music buff.

Phill Jupitus Slade were the governors. Dave Hill's beaming overbite was my guiding light and saviour growing up. And time has clearly shown they also had the best songs and the best shoes. Grit and glam, mine's a Babycham Nick Heyward At last an author with judgement, insight and sympathy has written a substantial book about Slade that dissects the highs and lows of a career that is unique in the annals of British pop. Its up there with Feel The Noize, the book I wrote in 1984; yet longer, more considered, more in-depth, and bang up to date. Chris Charlesworth.