Collected

This release was definitely worth a second purchase. It now sounds like it was recorded very recently. Good presence/no distortion. They also included a few very good live recordings of these songs as a bonus.

Still their best

Its a fantastic album if you like Jazz Funk

An EXCELLENT CD, I love level 42.

I love the cover only. I don't like any song in the album but I would buy it again because of that mystical lady in the front cover.

this is jazz funk in the best way possible. sadly, to those who would love it the most (steely dan and dare I say 80s fans), they will probably never dine in the bliss that is their debut album. I somehow stumbled on it while reading about their discography while thinking about the song "something about you", which is always one of those classics. this album though, is on another level, just divine, really. funny that when I played some of it for my sister I realized, her being a lifelong stevie wonder fan, I was just bringing her a british/anglo-sized version of his sound. but hey. he's brilliant, so that's not a band comparison to be made. I wonder if others said that at the time or since, and it could of even lost respect due to that. to me though, I love it and the atmosphere they create is a sound I always love, but never know where to look, not really listening to much or any stevie wonder myself.so if you dig steely dan aja, smooth funky tunes with a mysterious air of seduction, 80s rnb/new wave (though I think this may be 70s, but the sound is there to the obsessed like myself), or if you just dig funky sounds, this will be a breath of welcome, syncopated air.

Great

Whether your a newcomer or only own their greatest hits album 'Level 42' is an album you will want to have.Having already recorded before Level 42 proved to be the Brit Funk movenemnts answer to the American trend of "sophisti-funk" acts such as Heatwave,The Whispers,The Brothers Johnson and Con Funk Shun.The one difference is that like their US contempories Steely Dan and The Dooibie Brothers,rather then relying on more blues based horn funk for inspiration Level 42 take more cues from jazz.'Level 42' emphasized heavy leflon slickness and polyphonic synthesizer arrangements.Every song is extremely strong and features very lean,economical production values."Turn It On",the first song on the album and the closing "Starchild" really typifies the sound;a lot of space,keyboard and bass solos and an overwelming dreaminess.Even taken at ballad pace "Why Are You Leaving" and the instrumental "Heathrow" emphasize these qualities even better,with the latter actually gaining a hardcore groove around the middle."Almost There",the hit "Love Games" and another insturmental "42" all focus on mean,chunky grooves.That leaves "Dune Tune",the third instrumental here that really showcases the bands jazzy,musicianly side.Another important aspect of Level 42 that this debuts showcases in abundance is that that Mark King,the bands inventive,percussive slap bassist and keyboard player Mike Lindup are both superb songwritings-capable of penning music that is funky,jazz and passionate while always demonstrating carefully crafted tunesmithship.Between the bands own keyboardist Mike Lindup and "longterm guest" Wally Badarou 'Level 42' is so dominated by synthetic keyboard polyphony that many have accused the bands type of jazz-funk as being somehwhat cold and sterile.And even if you find that to be so you just aren't going to be able to fault the passion,longing and humanity found in Mark King's emotional voice and lyrics:"It's time for honesty,I can see there's someone else" he sings at one point.If there is one thing that is often said about the early 80's R&B in general is that it lacked heart and innovation;again even for them all you really have to do is step into the songs and grooves of 'Level 42' for a STRONG refreshment!

I normally don't do reviews on any sites. This time I thought it was necessary to do so. My review is on the Vinyl version of the item.As normal with Music On Vinyl the gatefold sleeve is to a very high standard, the vinyl is 180 grams and you can feel that when you lift it. Both records come in the antistatic paper/plastic sleeves what is a good feature.I was reading the Review of the other person that claimed that some songs where in MONO. I checked, on the vinyl version this is not the case.If these tracks are remastered for this record I can't comment on this as I did't bother to check it agains the original vinyl records that I have.This collection is an very good way to get in one buy the hits of Level 42. For the die hard Level fan this doesn't bring anything new to the table but is nice to have.

Collector's item this. Sturdy double albu gatefold packaging and nice sleeve notes. Awesome tunes too. My only gripe ? Doesn't contain their penultimate single from the Forever Now album ''.. 'All Over You' .

Great album with the very best of their music, which isn't hard to find.Brand new vynil but still great sounding.

Debut album from one of the pioneer bands of the 80's Brit Funk era. Still sounds fresh today. Good Writing and fine musicianship. A must buy

The 'bridge' (or some call it 'middle 8') in Starchild is great: 'We have time, in my dreams. Time and space, floating free. ' Etc. Tell Me Why Are You Leaving, Love Games, Turn It On - all superb songs. I sang 'Almost There' at karaoke the other night, couldn't make the high notes, but sang the chorus an octave lower.