SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LEVEL 42 – THE LATER YEARS – 2001-2020

LEVEL 42
THE LATER YEARS – 2001-2020
CHERRY RED RECORDS

Level 42 had a huge career in the 1980s, combining modern jazz, funk, pop, prog and pure rock to create their own sound. Their own distinct genre. However, by the 2000s, they were not having the hits they once did, but that did not mean that there was not some incredible music made by Mark King and company. This box set takes a look at the material Level 42 put out between 2001 and 2020. Although it is really one album and an EP, there was plenty of other material for this box set to be included.

Sadly, one can be forgiven if you missed the music they created. It may seem very new, even to fans. Some of the music had limited release and did not receive the attention it deserved. The music industry had changed during the 1990s, and Level 42 was caught in the crossfire and with the addition of other problems a lot of this music was not being noticed by the general public. Not to mention the band took a hiatus from 1995 until 2001

Retrograde, released in 2006, gets the ball rolling and takes up CD 1. It is an excellent album, and one in which Level 42 incorporated a bit more electronica but still kept their sound. King’s voice and distinct bass playing is heard throughout. But the song “Rooted” is a brilliant slice of pop funk. “Ship,” another standout track, does sound like classic Level 42, with some new whistles and bells. It is melodic, more pop than funk, and it is an incredibly moving piece of music.

CD 2 switches gears and presents the band in acoustic form. Originally released in 2010 as part of a box set, The Acoustic album sees this incarnation of Level 42 performing some of their biggest hits in acoustic unplugged form. Once again, King’s vocals, and the songs work in this format, particularly “Running In The Family,” which features perfect harmonies. CD 3 is the very short EP, Sirens. Here King steers the band back to its more funk pop roots. It is an interesting collection of songs, with songs like “Too Much Time” and “Mind On You” owing a little to Prince and to disco. The EP was originally released in 2013 and has been a bit of rarity since its release. Two remixes from the EP pop up on CD 7 of the collection.

CDs 4 to 7 contain remixes and single edits. While interesting, some of the numerous remixes of “Lessons In Love” can try one’s patience. They are well done, but there are a number of them. Collectors will be glad to have the mixes collected together, although there are a couple of omissions which may raise some strong opinions. But the addition of television versions and a live track of “Sirens” more than make up for any remix omissions. Actually, I would have preferred more of the archival live material.

As usual, Cherry Red (in co-operation with the band) have put together a fantastic box set of Level 42’s studio output up until 2020. There could be a separate box set containing all of their live material and live albums, as Mark King has covered Level 42 with numerous live albums documenting their many tours. This set does remind us all that this is a band that has continued to explore and produce some fine music, even though it does not get the attention it deserves. This is the fourth box set of Level 42’s music, and as with the other box sets, it is essential for fans. But it is also an excellent way in which people who may not be aware of latter-day material from the band can learn and appreciate the continued work of them. Perhaps a single disc of highlights would serve the band well in that it would serve as a sampler. The box set is hefty, and this is a band that deserves to be heard.

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