Level 42 Forum

Level 42

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Level 42 is and allways will be my favorite 80's gorup. I grew up listening to level 42. in fact I have all their CD's

>>By Ron Milner (Friday, 15 Nov 2002 00:44)

anyone know why they are named level 42? is it something to do with the novel 1984?

>>By xander (Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002 20:03)

They are named Level 42 after the question and answer in the book "Hithchikers guide to the Universe" in which the answer to the question , "Waht is the meaning of life ?" was "42.

>>By Gemini level42 (Friday, 31 Jan 2003 19:36)

halo.level 42 is the best band in the world.

>>By zenovic (Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003 21:26)

It is driving me nutts! Does anyone know the name of one of their early songs and more importantly where are the lyrics?! All I can remember is one line in the song. "A white line, through an exit sign is what you are" "A slim chance in tight pants is what you are" Somebody please help!

>>By Layla (Thursday, 1 May 2003 14:43)

To Layla - the song you are referring to with the line "a white line through an exit sign" is a song by Paul Carrack (former lead singer with Ace, Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics) called "Don't Shed A Tear" from his album "One Good Reason".

>>By Shaun (Sunday, 18 May 2003 03:52)

Discovered Level 42 in '83 when I heard Outta Sight Outta Mind on the radio in Toronto. Ran to buy the record and I was instantly hooked. I immediately purchased (through imports) the whole back catologue and spread the word to all of my friends that not only were these guys great musicians, they were also funky as hell.

When Physical Presence was released I was convinced that Level 42 was the future. What happened?!?!?!?!?

I'll tell you what happened. They penned a world wide hit, got a real good taste of success and threw away all of the musical sensibilities that got them to where they were out of the window. I can't listen to the whole thing of Running... worse yet Staring at the Sun. Gresham Blues is most definitely the best thing on there and was meant to be a throwaway. That just tells me where the band's head was. The Gould brothers were right to leave the two pop star wannabe's (Lindup and King) to captain the Titanic.

>>By jazzpatrick (Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003 19:19)

THEY SHOULD HAVE WAITED A COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER THE GREAT "FOREVER NOW" ALBUM ( IT WAS JUST LIKE IF MAGIC WAS BACK) AND THEN SHOULD HAVE MADE A COMEBACK.I GREW UP WHIT THESE GUYS, I FEL IN LOVE WHIT THEM, BUT YOU SEE NOTHING IS "FOREVER".ANYWAY THANKS FOR ALL ,THANKS.

>>By MUNIOZ (Thursday, 19 Jun 2003 23:47)

!VIVA KING, LINDUP,PHIL AND BOON¡

>>By munioz (Saturday, 21 Jun 2003 02:02)

What can I say, they are a part of my life. I listened to Mark and Mike alsmost everyday along with Toto, Janet Jackson, UB 40, Lionel Ritchie and many others, but Mark and Mike just did it for me when I felt sad and lonely or when I needed a "shoulder" , thei songs comforted me in a way.

Their music was so different and very musical and I'm looking forward to a new album featuring the old members, I think that would be great!!! They are one band who were great as a live band, never saw so much energy and joy.

Then you grow up, sort of..and I forgot about Level 42 for awhile, but since last year when I went to see them again in Tilburg, I felt 15 again, I was amazed that Mark could move me with his voice like that again..I surely missed Mikes voice, no one can replace that. I hope Mark will continue to make good music throughout the years, I know he can do more than play their greatest hits.... I'm waiting for new music....

love always
indogirl

>>By indogirl (Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003 17:43)

I think the ultimate demise of Level 42 was in their choice of management. Paul Crockford and associates fed them to the labels with absolutely no regard for the integrity of a very good band. The Gould brothers left ( I think ) because of the direction of the band. They started off as a true-to-form acid-jazz band. They wrote great pop songs ( Phil Gould wrote fantastic lyrics) and had moderate success up until 'World Machine' released in 1985. That album had their biggest hit 'Something About You' on it. So. As soon as the label hears that song, they think that that's the way they should sound. Out comes 'Running in the Family' in 1987. Less of the Jazz stuff and way too much of the pop stuff.
At this point, after touring for two consecutive years and two 'over the top' pop albums, the Gould bros have had enough. Boon is sick anyhow (he had some stomach ulcers) and Phil has had enough with Marks big head. So here is one of Polydors biggest and most successful acts with no guitarist and drummer. Enter the late Alan Murphy and the great Gary Husband.
However at this point, Polydor is revamping their line up and that means Level 42 get a new image makeover. Crockford and Assc. have no idea what the band is about so they agree to this ridiculous plan to make this acid-jazz outfit look like (and I quote) 'easy rider.'
The image makeover was the downfall...Because the subsequant albums (Staring at the Sun, Guaranteed and Forever NOw) were pretty horrific in comparison to the 42 of old.
It's almost like Lindup and King lost sight of what they were all about just to appease their management...Anyhow. Just one mans opinion. I'm still a fan but always wonder what would've happened if the boys had a little more input into their image/integrity.

>>By KlarkKent (Sunday, 5 Sep 2004 11:04)

Hello. Sorry, I'm not gonna talk about Level '42. I'd just like to know if anyone knows the name of the band who recorded a song (in the 80's) that has a line which says "Yes, it's true, yeees, it's true, I'm so glad to .... [I don't know what] ...with you..." etc.. That's all I know...
Thanks in advance, if anyone can help me...

say

>>By say (Sunday, 19 Sep 2004 16:58)

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