The Salvo reissue series of Slade's original albums logically concludes with You Boyz make Big Noize, their last album, released in 1987 to a largely indifferent record-buying public who were more into effete electronic bands that dominated the charts.

It's sad that the series concludes with this album for a few reasons; firstly, Slade should have carried on to make more albums, secondly, it shows that they were clawing their way back to their best studio sound for some years, and finally, I guess we want a lot more reissued music and video from Slade. More exists, but is unlikely to ever be made available legitimately.

This has been an exemplary reissue program in many respects - the fans have been involved and listened to by the record company all along and we have got just about what we want in all cases.

The booklet with this CD is illustrated by a series of fun photos of Slade with Betty, the cleaner at Wessex studios. She is the lady who originally coined the album's name (by way of a chance remark about what a big noise Slade made) and eventually the single of the same name. An informative narrative of the period in the group's career is once again written by Chris Ingham. Don Powell candidly shares his feelings about the record and the state of affairs in the group.

The music:

Love is like a rock was chosen to head off the album. Chosen by Jim Lea, it was not an original Slade song - it was an odd start to the album. Jim may have thought it sounded like Slade and it was definitely a good, bombastic start to the album, but.....

That's what friends are for was a single and on this remaster, sounds the best it ever has. The bass end is definitely restored to how it should sound. Catchy and melodic, this song should have been a contender.

Still the same is one of Noddy Holder's most wistful lyrics ever. If it is about his own life in any way, it is a brave and revealing piece of work. A beautifully arranged backing track and a tremendous vocal make this possibly the stand-out track on the whole album.

Fools go crazy is a lightweight piece of bouncy rock fluff, with a great Nod vocal and chugging guitars to the fore. Jim's keyboards drive this song - a reflection of the fact that Slade were now completely studio-bound, with Nod refusing to play any more live shows.

She's heavy features keyboard bass parts and probably some sequenced drums. Very 80's technology! Massed vocals on the verses make Nod's solo vocals stand out as a refief when they are used and the track sounds like the kitchen sink has been thrown at it. Good lyrics about a big fearsome woman!

The guitars on the excellently catchy We won't give in are heavily reminiscent of Nik Kershaw's carefully sculpted single, Wouldn't it be good and and the song is a joy to hear. Again, Slade resort to massed vocals on the choruses, to get an 'anthemic' feel.

Won't you rock with me is again dominated by computer drums and a synth bass. Nod's vocal is all that rescues this silly little song from the mire. Filler.

Ooh la la in LA was the obvious choice for a hit USA single release - but it was not to be. Catchy and brilliantly performed, with all the references to the LA scene that they could squeeze in.

Me and the boys immediately reminds the listener of We will rock you. The lyrics refer to one of Nod's pet hates - bouncers, as well as the lads night out. Acoustic guitars, HUGE drums and a slightly Big Country-esque feel work well.

Sing shout (knock yourself out) is a few minutes of irresistible pop madness. This song bounces and careers off the walls while not saying much, and borrowing from Summertime blues amongst others, to be honest, but what a great tune. Great arrangement. Great fun.

The roaring silence is apparently based on a Simple Minds keyboard riff and Nod writes a suitably manly lyric about being insatiable, etc. Massed vocals tend to remove any impact thatNod's vocals would have had. Filler.

It's hard having fun nowadays is a mid-paced Slade anthem that yet again features massed vocals.

The bonus tracks:

The wonderful 12" extended version of Still the same makes the listeners spine tingle. It really is THAT good.

Every possible permutation of the title track, You boyz make big noize is here, along with the truly excellent rockin' b-sides Gotta go home, Don't talk to me about love and the 'Knights and Emeralds' track Wild wild party. The album is topped off with the 1988 remix of Let's dance.