Slade: "Know Who You Are" Single (1970)

Artist: Slade Label: Polydor Country: UK Catalogue: 2058 054Slade’s "Know Who You Are" backed with "Dapple Rose", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Polydor (catalog number 2058 054) on September 18, 1970.

This single, produced by Chas Chandler, marked Slade’s debut release on Polydor Records after moving from Fontana, and it was the lead single from their second studio album, Play It Loud (November 1970).

Despite its musical quality, the single failed to chart, reflecting the band’s struggle to break through before their glam rock success in 1971.

Track Details

A-Side: "Know Who You Are" (2:54)

Origin: Written by Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill, and Don Powell, "Know Who You Are" was recorded in 1970, produced by Chas Chandler for Barn Productions Ltd. It was included on Slade’s second album, Play It Loud (Polydor, November 1970). The song evolved from an instrumental called “Genesis” by Ambrose Slade (the band’s original name) from their 1969 debut album Beginnings. The 1970 version added lyrics and a tighter arrangement, showcasing the band’s early hard rock sound.

Style: A hard rock track with bluesy and folk influences, "Know Who You Are" features a driving rhythm, Noddy Holder’s forceful vocals (described as “virtually snarled” by New Musical Express), and a walloping beat that explodes into a powerful chorus. Reviewers note folk elements in the verses, CSN&Y-style harmonies in the chorus, and a Beatles-esque descending chord progression at the end, distinguishing it from Slade’s later glam anthems with deliberate misspellings (e.g., “Cum On Feel the Noize”). The track draws from influences like The Yardbirds, The Move, and Ten Years After, with Chas Chandler keeping Holder’s vocals restrained for a polished sound.

Publisher: Barn Publishing (Slade) Ltd.

Promotion:

Slade performed the song on the UK TV show Disco 2, broadcast on October 31, 1970, alongside another Play It Loud track, “Sweet Box.” The performance is presumed lost, as few Disco 2 recordings survive. They also played it in a BBC studio session around the same time. New Musical Express praised its “hard-hitting philosophy” and “wall of sound” hook but noted its “limited appeal,” while Record Mirror saw “chart chance” potential, citing Chas Chandler’s confidence in the band.

Reception:

Despite critical praise, the single failed to chart, leading Polydor to quickly delete it, making it a collector’s item. A live version on Slade Alive! (1972) and its inclusion on the No. 1 compilation Sladest (1973) later boosted its recognition. AllMusic’s Joe Viglione called it a “wonderful study” of Slade’s early sound, and Ultimate Classic Rock’s Dave Swanson named it one of Slade’s finest songs.

Artist: Slade Label: Polydor Country: UK Catalogue: 2058 054

B-Side: "Dapple Rose" (3:31)

Origin: Written by Jim Lea and Don Powell, “Dapple Rose” was also included on Play It Loud. Recorded in 1970, produced by Chas Chandler, it reflects Powell’s lyrical inspiration from his childhood in Wolverhampton. In a 2009 fan forum interview, Powell recalled seeing neglected horses and donkeys in gypsy camps near his home, expressing sadness at their poor treatment, which inspired the song’s theme of an elderly, mistreated horse.

Style:

A melancholic, folk-rock ballad with a gentle melody and introspective lyrics, “Dapple Rose” contrasts the A-side’s aggression. It features soft guitar work, Holder’s emotive vocals, and a somber tone, showcasing Slade’s versatility before their glam rock era. The track’s equine theme and emotional depth make it a standout B-side, though it’s less known than their later hits.

Publisher: Barn Publishing (Slade) Ltd.

Reception:

Less reviewed than the A-side, “Dapple Rose” is appreciated by fans for its heartfelt lyrics and folk influence. Its inclusion on Play It Loud and YouTube uploads (e.g., a 2008 post calling it “poor horsie”) highlight its cult appeal among Slade enthusiasts.

Release Details

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2058 054

Barcode: Not applicable (1970 release, pre-barcode era).

Release Date: September 18, 1970

Format: 7" vinyl, 45 RPM, stereo, manufactured in the UK.

Matrix/Runout (Per Discogs):Side A: 2058 054 A//2 420 05

Side B: 2058 054 B//2 420 05

Note: Later represses (possibly unofficial) have hand-etched matrix numbers (e.g., 2058 058) and lack the “needle-destroying” runout lines of the original.

Production:

Produced by Chas Chandler for Barn Productions Ltd. Recorded in 1970, likely at Olympic Studios, London, where Slade recorded much of their early material.

Packaging: Issued in a Polydor company sleeve (red with black text) in the UK, without a picture sleeve, typical for their early singles.

International pressings (e.g., Germany) may include picture sleeves, which are rarer and more valued.