Level 42: A Collection...

Ok, with the release of the Deluxe Edition of Level 42's fabulous World Machine album on January 15, I thought I'd post all the Level 42 tracks I've featured on this blog (those still active that is) in one place starting with the band's two new singles. The entire Level 42 Polygram back catalog is set for re-release with bonus material in 2007.

Always one of my favorite bands, Level 42 began with a jazz-funk sound (leading to production of their third album by Earth, Wind & Fire veterans Verdine White and Larry Dunn), evolving into a pop / new wave sound by the World Machine and Running In The Family albums. By 1988, the original line-up was gone and the subsequent albums featured a roster of rotating musicians and musical styles. In 2006, three of the original four members collaborated on the new album, Retroglide. The band's diverse catalog should appeal to fans of all musical styles from funk to pop to dance and rock. Something for everyone.

In America, they were best known for their smash hit Something About You in 1986. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at No. 4 on the Hot Dance Music / Club Play chart. The album which spawned the single, World Machine, reached No. 18 on the Billboard Album chart and No. 64 on the R&B chart. The U.S. release included two earlier tracks including Hot Water (included below) which reached No. 87 on Billboard's Hot 100. The band's first hit in America was Starchild which peaked at No. 60 on the Club Play Singles chart in 1982 (a 2001 remix which charted in Europe is included below). The band hit the Top 100 twice in 1987 with Lessons In Love (No. 12) and Running In The Family (No. 83). The platinum selling album, Running In The Family, which included both singles peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Album chart in 1987 (DMC's Lessons In Love "Buick Project Remix" saw widespread club play in 2006). Level 42 toured the States supporting Madonna and Steve Winwood. The follow-up album, Staring At The Sun, failed to provide any charting singles, and stalled at No. 128 on the Album chart. This was Level 42's last dent in the U.S. charts.

Dive Into The Sun "Tom Belton Vocal Remix"
The Way Back Home "Radio Edit"
Lessons In Love "2006 Buick Project Mix"
Starchild "Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange Star Mix"
The Sun Goes Down "Tin Tin Out Club Mix"
I Want Eyes "Ne Plus Ultra 2006 Remix"
Love In A Peaceful World "Scratch Mix" - added 1/6/07
The Hit Combination "Ben Liebrand MegaMix"
I Sleep On My Heart "Retrofunk Sleep On Mix"
Almost There "Retrofunk Almost Gone Mix"
Forever Now "Porky Rides Again Remix"
Free Your Soul "Unreleased Demo"
Fire "Unreleased Demo"
Hot Water "Full Album Version"
Freedom a-Go-Go "Instrumental"
Take A Look "Extended Mix"
Heaven In My Hands "Unreleased Promo Mix"
Guaranteed "New Avenger's Mix"
Guaranteed "Wheel Spin Warrior Mix"
Love Games During Sunrise (Level 42 vs Simply Red)
The Pursuit of Accidents
Dune Tune
Mr. Pink "Live"
Hell "Unreleased Demo"
Why Are You Leaving?
Lying Still