Slade: Let's Dance Single (1988)

A Slade Dancefloor Resurrection

released in the UK on November 15, 1988, Slade’s “Let's Dance (1988 Remix)” 7-inch vinyl single on Cheapskate Records (catalogue: BOYZ 3) was backed with “Standing On The Corner,” this remixed stomper, composed by Jim Lea and produced by James Lea, revived Chris Montez’s 1962 hit (written by Jim Lee, #4 US Hot 100, #2 UK). Montez’s original—featuring Joel Hill (guitar), Ray Johnson (Philicorda organ), Ray Pohlman (bass), Jesse Sailes (drums)—was re-released in 1972 with “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (later swapped for “You're the One”), hitting top 5 in UK/Germany again and title track of Montez’s 1972 album. The A-side’s updated beat and Holder/Lea energy entered the UK Top 200 at No. 152 for 1 week on December 10, 1988. Issued in a standard sleeve, with a UK-exclusive mini-CD variant featuring Far Far Away and How Does It Feel, it’s a nostalgic Cheapskate gem.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Let's Dance (1988 Remix)” (Jim Lea)

Composer – Jim Lea. Producer – James Lea.

B-Side: “Standing On The Corner” (Jim Lea, Noddy Holder)

Composer – Jim Lea, Noddy Holder. Producer – James Lea.

Release Details:

Label: Cheapskate Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM (BOYZ 3):

A: “Let's Dance (1988 Remix)” (Jim Lea) – Producer – James Lea

B: “Standing On The Corner” (Jim Lea, Noddy Holder) – Producer – James Lea

CD, Mini, Single (BOYZ CD3):

“Let's Dance (1988 Remix)” (2:40) – Written-By – J. Lea – Producer – Jim Lea

“Far Far Away” (3:36) – Written-By – Lea, Holder

“How Does It Feel” (5:53) – Written-By – Lea, Holder

“Standing On The Corner” (4:52) – Written-By – Lea, Holder

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Cheapskate Records – Copyright © – Cheapskate Records – Licensed From – BMG/RCA – Published By – Barn Publishing (Slade) Ltd. / Chappell Morris Ltd. – Glass Mastered At – DADC Austria – Sleeve – Intro – UK exclusive with adapter J-card.

Country Variations

The single was a UK exclusive release:

UK (Cheapskate BOYZ 3 / BOYZ CD3): Released November 15, 1988. 7-inch, mini-CD.

Production and Context

Produced by James Lea. Recorded in 1988. The lineup: Noddy Holder (vocals), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass), Don Powell (drums). “Let's Dance (1988 Remix)” revived Chris Montez’s 1962 hit (Jim Lee composition, Monogram Records; Joel Hill guitar, Ray Johnson Philicorda organ, Ray Pohlman bass, Jesse Sailes drums; #4 US Hot 100, #2 UK; 1972 reissue top 5 UK/Germany, title track of Montez album). “Standing On The Corner” a new Lea/HOLDER cut. Released amid Slade’s ‘80s revival, it followed You Boyz Make Big Noize (No. 98 UK, 1987)

Chart Performance:

UK (Top 200): No. 152 (1 week).

Entry Date: December 10, 1988.

Peak: No. 152.

Weeks on Chart: 1.

Chart Run: No. 152 (Dec 10).

Legacy and Collectibility

“Let’s Dance (1988 Remix)” is Slade’s glam revival stomp, with “Standing On The Corner” a solid B-side. Original UK 7-inch vinyls, mini-CD (Price Guide: £30). Verify catalogue BOYZ 3.

Streams on Spotify via compilations preserve the analog kick.

This single is a must-have for Slade fans and ‘80s glam collectors.

Have you snagged this Slade remix in your vinyl collection? Does Let's Dance dance you? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube.