My Friend Stan

"My Friend Stan" is a single from glam rock band Slade which appeared on Slade's 1974 album Old New Borrowed and Blue.^[1] The single was written by lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The single was released in late 1973 and peaked at #2 in the UK, spending only 8 weeks on the chart which compared to Slade's eight previous singles was a disappointment. The single originally entered the charts at #4. It did stay in the top #10 for 5 weeks.^[2] The single marked a change from their previous records with the single being more piano based, sounding more like a novelty track.^[3]

Despite only reaching #2 in the UK, the single sold the same amount as the previous single "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me".^[4][5]

The single was certified UK Silver by BPI in October 1973.^[6]

The single peaked at #195 for 1973 on rateyourmusic.^[7]

Background

At the time, Lea was persuaded to complete this song by manager Chas Chandler who'd heard him playing the melody on the piano at his home. Holder's lyrics were full of innuendo which was quite risque for the time. During recording, drummer Don Powell was walking with the aid of a stick and had to be lifted on to his drum kit.^[8]

Shortly before release, Polydor records had to import 100,000 copies of the single into the UK, due to the phenomenal demand of the record.^[9][10]

Subsequent to its original release on Old New Borrowed and Blue, "My Friend Stan" has appeared on several Slade compilation albums, including Greatest Hits, Wall of Hits, Slade Smashes, Slade Greats and The Very Best of Slade.^[11]

The track was also recorded by artists The Romans and Muska.^[12]

Music video

A Polydor Records promotional video was recorded at the Olympic Studios in Barnes, supposedly of the band actually recording "My Friend Stan". vocalist/co-writer Holder is seen in a grandad t-shirt, making funny faces and yawning, whilst bassist/co-writer Lea tries to hide behind the piano from the film cameras. Guitarist Dave Hill uses his trademark Superyob guitar, and drummer Powell is seen with short hair - the filming taking place shortly after Powell's near-fatal car crash.^[13][14]

Track listing

7" Single

1. "My Friend Stan" - 2:38
2. "My Town" - 3:02

Critical reception

Upon release, Record Mirror magazine published a short article based on the feelings of a certain fan towards the single. "If you listen to the b-side of "My Friend Stan", you will hear a very good commercial song "My Town" which should have been the a-side. Friends of mine say that "My Friend Stan" is Slade's worst single. True, until you get the record and listen to the b-side. Then it becomes Slade's best single! It's certainly worth buying it if only for the b-side."^[15]

Chart performance

Cover versions

• In 1973, Finnish singer Muska recorded a version of the song for her self-titled album. The song is titled 'Ystävättäret'.^[25]
• In 1993, Belgian band The Romans recorded a version of the song for their album Major Panic.^[26]

Personnel

• Noddy Holder: Lead vocals and guitar
• Jim Lea: Bass guitar, piano and backing vocals
• Dave Hill: Lead guitar and backing vocals
• Don Powell: Drums

References