Radio Wall of Sound became the latest hit in the history of the “golden line-up” of the British rock band Slade. Shortly after the release of the single, vocalist Noddy Holder and the author of the composition, bass guitarist Jim Lee finally left the band.
At first, Lee was going to leave her for a solo career, but later changed his mind and limited himself to deciding to perform the song himself.
Radio Wall of Sound song history
In an interview with Ken Sharp, Jim explained why he made this decision:
I already recorded my demo and overdubbed the band over it. While we were working, Nod came over to sing the verse and I said, “Nod, I’m really embarrassed to say this, but I think my voice sounds better than yours. Not because I’m a stronger singer because it’s funny, but because the key is ridiculously low for you.” And he replied: “Well, well,” because it is very easy to negotiate with Nod.
Jim also explained the meaning of the song “Radio Wall of Sound”:
This track is about having a radio station in your head, about the music of the mind and about such a DJ playing in your head. You don’t even need a radio – you can just imagine it.
Release and achievements
In October 1991, the song was released on the Polydor label as a single to promote the Wall of Hits compilation album. In the UK, it climbed to number 21 on the official chart.
Music video
Slade made a music video for Radio Wall of Sound.
Interesting Facts
- The song features the voice of radio DJ Mike Reed. He also took part in the filming of the video clip.
- Initially, a different scenario was supposed for the video: the band plays on the roof of the building where the radio station is located; the DJ tries to drown out their music by turning the volume up to the limit; the building explodes.
- The song was specially remade for the musical callsigns of the London radio station Capital Radio.
Radio Wall of Sound Lyrics
This is rockin’ radio, the wall of sound
This is your stereo so close to me
Citizen Kane rise again
Stay tuned to this frequency
This is rockin’ radio, the wall of sound
The music that rocks, the music that shocks
The music that comes to you from everywhere
As listeners with music on the mind
I love that music, I love that sound
I love that record, I love that noise
You’re tuned to radio WOS, the wall of sound
I’m in trouble, I’m in deep
I don’t know why you can’t sleep
I feel something in my brain
It’s this sound that’s keeping me sane
I love that music, I love that sound
I love this new channel
I love that record, I love that noise
This frequency my favorite toy
Radio wall of sound, coming up from my tower
Radio wall of sound, twenty four hours of power
My head’s spinning around
An’ if in stereo sound
It tells me just who I am
Who’s that? Telegram Sam
I love that record, I love that noise
Now my girl rocks with the boys
I love that music, I love that sound
So just play the radio loud
Radio wall of sound, coming up from my tower
Radio wall of sound, WOS power
Radio wall of sound, coming up from my tower
Radio wall of sound, twenty four hours of power
This is rocking radio wall of sound
The music that rocks, the music that shocks
The music that comes to you from everywhere
‘Cause this is the music of the mind
I love that record, I love that sound
I love it, I love it, I love it
This is the big one
This is the wall of sound
I love that music, I love that sound
You’re listening to radio loud
Wall to wall sound
The music comes to you from around your head
look out!
I love that record, I love that noise
You think the music’s here
It’s not, it’s inside your head
You are the wall of sound
Radio wall of sound, coming up from my tower
Radio wall of sound, twenty four hours of power
Radio wall of sound, coming up from my tower
Radio wall of sound, WOS power
Radio wall of sound
Stay tuned to this frequency
Song quote
Our last hit was Radio Wall of Sound, which I wrote and sang. The rest thought she was total crap.
Lee, Mojo, 2000
