LEVEL 42 Vinilo y CD

Review: Originally released in 1987, this album featured Level 42 at their commercial and creative peak, blending pop, funk and jazz with impeccable musicianship and slick production. Now reissued on striking red vinyl, this album, their seventh at the time, remains an important piece to the band's signature sound and their ability to craft infectious, sophisticated pop. At the heart of the album are its massive singles. 'Lessons in Love' is a timeless pop-funk anthem, driven by Mark King's signature slap bass and soaring melodies. The title track, 'Running In The Family', combines a polished groove with reflective, autobiographical lyrics, while 'Children Say' has become a cult favorite for its smooth, atmospheric quality. On the softer side, 'It's Over' is a beautifully crafted ballad. The album's production is sleek and radio-ready, yet it never sacrifices the band's instrumental virtuosity. From the intricate basslines to the jazz-infused keyboard work, Running In The Family strikes a perfect balance between complexity and accessibility. This reissue not only highlights Level 42's most successful era but also serves as a reminder of their unique ability to fuse technical skill with mainstream appeal and nearly 40 years on it sounds as fresh as ever.

Review: A new compilation which looks to celebrate the unheralded period of hugely successful Isle of Wight pop/funk band Level 42, named that after their cult funk days in the early 80s and their chart-topping victories in the middle and end of the decade. Music on Vinyl helps celebrate their 90s years with this compilation that spans the albums Guaranteed (1991) and Forever Now (1994). Originally released in 2007, this limited edition 2xLP set, pressed on vibrant 180-gram yellow vinyl, highlights the band's unique blend of funk, pop and jazz influences, with a mix of infectious grooves and introspective lyrics. The first side opens with the title track, 'Past Lives', a slick funk-driven number that sets the tone for the compilation, followed by the energetic 'Guaranteed' and the introspective 'Overtime'. Tracks like 'My Father's Shoes' explore deeper emotional landscapes, while 'Forever Now' explores the band's ability to craft smooth, soulful anthems. Side three is a ideal, featuring the infectious 'Model Friend' and the jazzy 'Romance'. Meanwhile, 'One in a Million' is a perfect example of the band's ability to blend pop hooks with sophisticated arrangements. Side four closes the compilation on a high note with 'If You Were Mine', a catchy, uplifting finale. The four-page booklet provides context for this fruitful period in Level 42's career, and the limited yellow vinyl adds an extra layer of collectible charm.

Review: This brand new 2xCD set celebrates Level 42's 1985 top three album World Machine, which was produced with Wally Badarou. The album reached #3 in early 1986 and features the hit singles 'Something About You' which peaked at #6, and 'Leaving Me Now' which went on to reach #15. In the U.S., a Shep Pettibone remix of 'Something About You' became their highest-charting single by hitting #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. CD1 includes the original album, while CD2 offers some fresh 7" edits, 12" extended versions, remixes and B-sides. The set also features a booklet with lyrics, photos and a foreword by Simon Carson and Paul Waller.