Name: Level 42
Brand: Level 42

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

Bertus Musikvertrieb

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Black

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2023-09-29

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

UMCLP058

UPC / Barcode

805520240581

Artist

Level 42

Label EU

Proper

Genre EU

Classic

Level 42 started as a jazz-funk fusion band, alongside other British funk groups. With their distinctive bass technique and synthesizer touches, they evolved into sophisti-pop and dance-rock. Their polished, upbeat, and danceable pop/rock sound placed them in the same league as Sade and the Style Council.
At the beginning of their career, Level 42 was known for their jazz-funk fusion style. They were contemporaries of other British funk bands like Atmosfear, Light of the World, Incognito, and Beggar & Co.
As time went on, Level 42's music crossed over to different genres. Mark King's thumb-slap bass technique became instantly recognizable while Wally Badarou added his synthesizer flourishes to create a unique sound.

Newest Listed Items

Originally released on Polydor Records in August 1981, it remains a very special and discrete record and has gone on to achieve a cult status separate from the rest of their august catalogue. Formed at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama by way of Paris and the Isle Of Wight, Level 42 marked the union of four talented friends – Mark King, Mike Lindup, and brothers Phil and Roland 'Boon' Gould – complete with Wally Badarou, their very own studio-based synthesiser whizz-kid. From building a fervent following through the nascent Britfunk scene, they signed to Polydor and went on to make a series of fascinating albums.The sheer invention, melody and imagination of this four-piece was astounding, aided by their secret weapon, French-Belizean Badarou, whom the band had met playing sessions for M, Robin Scott's art-disco ensemble. Although Level 42 had recorded – and made waves – for indie label Elite, they signed to Polydor and released this album, with three of their original calling cards, Starchild, Turn It On and the mighty, UK Top 40 breaching Love Games.By the mid 80s Level 42 had become arena-filling superstars, with their commercial pop-funk with everyman lyrics that delighted fans not just in Europe, but also in America, too. Hear the roots of that on this frequently surprising, always entertaining debut album. Think of this album as the missing link between Talking Heads and Herbie Hancock. Out of print on LP for a number of years, this re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1981 Polydor UK release with insert and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.

Music EU