Slade (September 18, 1970) – "Know Who You Are" b/w "Dapple Rose" Single: United Kingdom

Sep 18, 1970

2 min read

“Know Who You Are” is a 1970 single by Slade, released as the second and final single from their album Play It Loud. Written collectively by Jim Lea, Noddy Holder, Don Powell and Dave Hill, and produced by Chas Chandler, the track represented a crucial moment in the band’s early development. Although the single did not chart, it captured Slade in transition — moving away from their skinhead image and toward the more melodic, powerful rock sound that would soon define their commercial breakthrough.

RECORDING

The song developed from Slade’s 1969 instrumental Genesis, originally released on Beginnings. During the Play It Loud sessions, the band revisited the track, with Don Powell writing new lyrics. Powell later recalled that some of the lyrics were inspired by Dave Hill, and that the opening line arrived unexpectedly during writing.

STYLE & THEMES

The A‑side delivers a forceful, riff‑driven rock track with a staccato vocal delivery and a tight, aggressive band performance. The B‑side, Dapple Rose, written by Lea and Powell, offers a contrasting melodic piece inspired by Powell’s memories of horses kept by travelling families near his childhood home.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• Know Who You Are — A hard‑hitting, staccato rocker originally derived from the instrumental Genesis.

• Dapple Rose — A reflective B‑side inspired by Powell’s childhood observations.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released on 7" vinyl by Polydor in the UK only. Catalogue number 2058 054. Following its lack of commercial success, the single was quickly deleted, later becoming a collector’s item. The track gained greater recognition when a live version appeared on Slade Alive! in 1972, and the studio version was later included on the 1973 compilation Sladest.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

UK Singles Chart — did not chart

PERSONNEL

Slade — performance

Noddy Holder — lead vocals, guitar

Dave Hill — lead guitar, backing vocals Jim Lea — bass, backing vocals

Don Powell — drums

Chas Chandler — producer

PRODUCTION

Produced by Chas Chandler

Label: Polydor

Catalogue numbers: • 2058 054

Artist: Slade

Title: Know Who You Are

Label: Polydor

Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: 2058 054

Date: September 18, 1970

Format: 7" Single

Tracklist (7"):

A — Know Who You Are — 2:53

B — Dapple Rose — 3:31

Notes: UK‑only release. Quickly deleted. Later revived on Slade Alive! and Sladest.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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