Before Level 42 I was listening to Punk, The New German Wave (groups like
Nena, Ideal) and others, but Level 42 definetely opened the door to Funk
and even Soul for me. I don't know exactly why, but I think one major
reason was Mark King's bass playing, which simply fascinated me (even today
- when I listen to their older releases and remember Mark's taped thumb).
Another reason might be Mike Lindups keyboards, which were always amazingly
refreshing and different. Ever seen them live? Because then you know what I
mean.
And I have to disagree with the opinion, that only the "Early Tapes" are
great. My favourite Level 42 album is "World Machine", but all other albums
'til "Running in the Family" are IMO great. Their "Early Tapes" is
basically classical British Funk music, and if you've ever listenend to
Light of the World or other British bands out of this era (Central Line
etc.), you can hear it. But the, let's say, next 5 albums after the Earlies
are the most important ones, because they show the evolution and creativity
of Mark King and Mike Lindup to a more and more unique sound and style of
their Funk & Soul music (e.g. listen to Mark Kings Bass throughout the
whole "World machine" album).
Unfortunately, "Running in the family" was the last album I bought, because
after the break-up I thought, a big part of Level 42 was gone and Boon's
smooth guitar play couldn't be replaced by the other guy who joined Level
42. The other albums I heard were simply too much rock for me. BTW, I
thought Boon Gould had a nervous breakdown and that was the reason why they
broke up. Anyway, I will give their latest a try and then maybe change my
mind.
Big respect to all of you, even if you only mentioned the "Early Tapes"....
'Til the sun goes down, Gilbert (gmg@hgc9.sph.uth.tmc.edu)