80's Music Junkies: Level 42

Level 42 is a British pop and funk band. The group had a number of worldwide and UK hits during the 1980s. The band gained fame for its high calibre musicianship, especially that of Mark King, whose percussive slap bass technique provided the driving groove of many of the band's hits.

Level 42 was formed in 1980 as a jazz-funk fusion band. The Gould brothers, drummer Phil and guitarist Boon, together with then drummer Mark King all came from the Isle of Wight and had played together in various bands during their teenage years. In late 1979 Phil introduced King to keyboard player Mike Lindup, who Phil had met while studying at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Lindup was studying piano but had taken a course in percussion and he and Phil found that they shared musical heroes - Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Keith Jarrett and Jan Hammer. Boon then returned from the United States in early 1980, after he had given up later on an ill-fated attempt to be "overnight successes" with King. The band needed a bassist, so King volunteered to learn. Lindup was working in London, but would play regularly with the band in loose rehearsal sessions.

Level 42 was an album by Level 42, released in 1981. The album was re-released in 2000 along with "Early Tapes" album on a 2CD set. In 2007, Level 42 is re-released as a 2cd Deluxe Edition. Level 42 is a very good Rock N' Roll album.

True Colours is the fifth studio album for the UK band "Level 42.

The Pursuit of Accidents is the third album for the UK band Level 42. Released in 1982 and 1985.

"Standing in the Light" is the fourth album for UK band Level 42.

World machine is a 1985 album by Level 42. The album was re-released in 2000 along with "True Colours" album on a 2CD set.

Running in the Family was Level 42's 1987 album and featured the UK hit singles: "Lessons in Love", which reached No. 3 in April 1986, "Running in the Family" (No. 6 in February 1987), "To Be With You Again" (No. 10 in April '87) and "It's Over", which also made No. 10, in September 1987. "Children Say" reached UK#22 at the end of 1987.

This was the last to feature brothers Phil (drums) and Boon 'Rowland' Gould (guitar), who had cited dissatisfaction with direction, and exhaustion as departure reasons.

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