Subject: Level 42 Digest, #400 ===================== * LEVEL 42 DIGEST * ===================== Digest 400 Wednesday, 05/24/95 161 subscribers Today's messages: The Chinese Way Another Hit at Demographics Standing in the Light Police Live Album Police Live Album our next contestant Releasing Forever Now Level guilt Releasing Forever Now My bio... M's album... Some stuff from a new subscriber More stuff from a subscriber Demo./questions/comments Painful demographic admission Is anyone there??? ------------------------------ From: lolita @ InterServ.Com Date: Tue, 23 May 95 06:15:00 PDT Subject: The Chinese Way Hey all: Quick response to Pat's post from yesterday. I have to disagree with you on Pharoah's Dream, homeboy. That song is _way_ better than Dance on Heavy Weather. Even if you don't like the song, it is certainly not the worst song they did. The Chinese Way wins that hands down. I am so glad someone else agrees with me on that (you get two snaps up for that, Pat!). I am sure I will get flamed for this, but it seems like they were smoking crack when they wrote the lyrics. Do the lyrics mean something that I am missing? Also, the song wouldn't bother me so much if they didn't play it everytime they had a live concert. I suppose it must have been really popular when it was released, but I still hate it. New thread: What is the Level 42 song/album you like the least? My album is Guaranteed. Lolita P.S. I neglected to say in my demographic post the other day that Kim and I are both 27 [actually she just turned 28 last Monday (the old broad :-)]. ------------------------------ From: gt6967d @ prism.gatech.edu (Jennifer Paige Carman) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 09:35:39 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Another Hit at Demographics Hi all, I am relatively new to this list, but I didn't want to be left out of the demographics! I am 24, a graduate student at Georgia Tech in Atlanta (not for long though, I graduate June 10!). I have been a fan of Level 42 since I guess World Machine. I ran out right after and bought everything I had missed. I have experienced the same level of disbelief when I tell friends I love this band. No one understands the draw like another Level 42 fan. I was really disheartened to hear that Forever Now may be their last album. Particularly when I can't seem to get a hold of it... I guess I will just have to succumb and order an import at a obscene price :) Well, I just want to say I am so happy to have found this list. The knowledge that there are others who enjoy the music as much as I do makes me feel comforted, since now I don't feel like such a weirdo among people :) BTW, my fav album is Staring at the Sun.. I guess that is a rarity around here... I really like Guaranteed too.. but I do agree with the general opinion that it is a rather "disconnected" flow of songs. Well, guess my class is starting.... see ya all later! ------------------------------ From: jtheal @ julian.uwo.ca (Jeremy Theal) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 09:49:56 -0400 Subject: Standing in the Light Pat, I have to say I agree with you about The Chinese Way... so don't worry, you've got some support for your opinion even if others think we're nuts. I've always wondered why that song became so popular, because to me, it's always been... welllll..... irritating. Now, _The Sunbed Song_ -- that's a tune and a half. Since I got the FN disc from Zaron last Saturday, I think I've played that song at least thirty times, no lie! 8) Jer ------------------------------ From: John Edward Martin Shuford Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 08:18:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Police Live Album Yeah, it's the L42 Digest--agreed. But here's some info on that Police Disc. I keep hearing that it's getting pushed back on the release date. It was supposed to be May, but then it got shoved back to June 6, and the latest I heard was June 13. The track listing is definitely the composite of several different shows, I'd say: DISC ONE: Next to You, So Lonely, Truth Hits Everybody, Walking on the Moon, Hole in my Life, Fallout, Bring on the Night, Message in a Bottle, The Bed's Too Big Without You, Peanuts, Can't Stand Losing you, Landlord, Born in the 50's, Be My Girl. DISC TWO: Voices Inside My Head, Synchronicity One and Two, Walking in Your Footsteps, Message in a Bottle, O My God, De Do Do Do..., Wrapped Around Your Finger, Tea in the Sahara, Spirits in the Material World, King of Pain, Don't Stand So Close To Me, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Can't Stand Losing You, So Lonely I don't know how accurate this listing is (namely, why they'd put Can't Stand Losing You and So Lonely on a double-disc set TWICE). But it's listed at 30 songs (Synchronicity is actually two separate songs in the listing). We now return you to your regularly scheduled L42 Digest, already in progress... ------------------------------ From: lazlo @ Rt66.com (Lazlo Nibble) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 09:22:23 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Police Live Album > I don't know how accurate this listing is (namely, why they'd put Can't > Stand Losing You and So Lonely on a double-disc set TWICE). Well, they did pretty radically different versions of the song in concert during different phases of their career... -- ::: Lazlo (lazlo @ rt66.com) ::: Check out http://www.rt66.com/lazlo for the Internet Music Wantlists, ::: many artist discographies, and other record collecting resources. ------------------------------ From: Brent Kroon Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 10:00:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: our next contestant Hello All, I'm the next contestant on the Level 42 demographics sweepstakes! OK, my name is Brent Kroon and I'm a 24 year old white male. I am currently attending the university of Washington here in Seattle, pursuing two degrees: Urban/Social/Poiltical Geography (yes it's all one degree) and Music (Voice). I do quite a bit of singing in the Puget Sound area for stuff like the Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony Chorus, commercials, etc. I remember hearing L42 back when Something about you came out, but the album that really got me going was Running in the Family. I've been hooked ever since. By the way, can anyone comment on what was perhaps one of the greatest musical travesties of all time? In 1986 or 7, Level 42 was here in Seattle and I think they were the opening act for Madonna! Imagine a room full of 14 yr old girls trying to appreciate L42 stuff, waiting for the material girl. Also, I've been searching for some B-side tunes: Three Words, As Years Go By, At This Great Distance, and Play Me. Does anyone have these and are any of them any good? And to Pat, who came down on the Chinese Way and Heart on the Line. I like both of these songs, but I'll admit to you that the Pharoah's Dream is a bit weak. That whole album was not their strongest. What I want to know is what happened in between the True Colours album and World Machine. World Machine is light years beyond their previous efforts. Anyway, bye for now, and if anyone's ever in Seattle, look me up. Brent Kroon ------------------------------ From: Kim Ivey Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 11:25:10 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Releasing Forever Now I have a question. Is it still unlikely that Forever Now will be released in the states? I'm asking this because the album was just released last year, and many other artist put out albums and continue to release singles for years after the albums are released (i.e. janet Jackson ... Sade). I keep listening to the song "Romance" and am continuously sickened by the fact it may never be played on the airwaves this side of the Atlantic. This slow jam would definitely hit the top ten on the soul charts. "Love in a Peaceful World", if re-worked and made a little shorter, would be a contender for top 40 status.( And I'm sure if they could manage to shorten "Love Games" from a 7 plus minute song down to 3 minutes, they could shorten the above tune [not as if I really want them to shorten it; but in terms of giving them exposure over here in the states, the american listening public has a rather short and undistingusihed attention span[). And "Learn to Say No", as Lolita so aptly put is for sure a great "house" music kind of tune; I know I can't stand still when it comes on. Anyway, if any one knows any details concerning a possible future release (remember ... it took a year before World Machine was released here in the States) ... please pass it on. Oh, and Pat ... I still think "Dance on Heavy Weather" is uggghhh ... barf city! And I happen to like the "Pharoh Song". But I will agree with you on the "Chinese WAy". And to think they actually had the nerve to put that song on the Level Best album. My only question: WHHYY??! Kim ------------------------------ From: Greg Schilling Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 13:53:53 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Level guilt Greetings! After reading all of the intro's, I've been feeling guilty that after 6months of enjoying this great digest (maybe more) I haven't taken the time to introduce myself and explain why I feel L42 is one of the finest groups money can buy. First things first. I'm a 26yr old divorced male who currently resides in the sleepy town of Dayton, Ohio. (Where you always get an odd look from any record shop after asking 'do you have any out of print copies of Level 42's work?') Generally, I'm the analitical pea-brain type but have a weakness for a fine piece of verse set to good music. I too was instantaly hooked after hearing Something About You in 1985. I was at the beginning of a spring courtship and it seemed the perfect song. Thereafter, everything was to progress well - L42 kept releasing new material - I got married - promoted at work a few times and all was right. 'Round about 1993 though, L42 released Guaranteed, my wife divorced me for being an analytical pea brain, and I couldn't help but think _Seven_Years_ was written specifically for me. It's a damn shame when 'our song' is the one from your favorite group. (fear not, I can now listen to Something About You without having horrid pseduo euphoric flashbacks of my youth) But I digress. Last winter, I picked up Forever Now from a local importer ($19.95 - what a bargin) and initially thought it sucked. (And yes, I really liked Starring at the Sun) After about 10 or 12 listens though it turned into one of my favorite albums. (_Talking_in_Your_Sleep_ was also written with me in mind...) Not as much musical diversity, but I'd hate to open up another Forever Now bites debate. Also, a little late then never, I'd like to contribute my top 3 Level songs - 1) Good Man in a Storm - 2) Kansas City Milkman - 3) Children Say I know I've read quite a few times that there are live recordings (non VHS type) of some of their concerts. If anyone can help me out in obtaining some of these, I would be most grateful. Apologies for the rambling, hope it makes up for the lurking... Trying hard since I've been born, to be a good man in a storm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LEXIS-NEXIS ^ "We have become hostage to Lexis-Nexis" Lexis-Nexis Technical Support ^ - George Stephanopoulos gls @ lexis-nexis.com ^ ---- *Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of my employer* --- ------------------------------ From: lazlo @ Rt66.com (Lazlo Nibble) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 12:32:02 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Releasing Forever Now > Is it still unlikely that Forever Now will be released in the states? In my opinion the chances of RCA releasing Forever Now here are just about zero. The only things that might get it out in the US are a licensed release by another label (a la the Voiceprint issue in Europe) or some kind of incredible solo success here by one or more members of the band (so RCA could cross-promote it). -- ::: Lazlo (lazlo @ rt66.com) ::: Check out http://www.rt66.com/lazlo for the Internet Music Wantlists, ::: many artist discographies, and other record collecting resources. ------------------------------ From: huwmill @ cix.compulink.co.uk (Huw Millington) Date: Tue, 23 May 95 20:13 BST-1 Subject: My bio... In-Reply-To: <9505231109.AA22913 @ enterprise.bih.harvard.edu> Let me introduce myself to you all... My name is Huw Millington from West Sussex, UK. I am 32, married with 2 kids. I have been a Level 42 fan since 1981, when I saw them on concert for the first time in Dunstable, Beds, playing to an audience of about 500. Those were the good old days, when you you had to stand at Level 42 concerts and could actually see the whites of their eyes :-) Since then I have seen them about 13 times, and have managed to catch them on most tours, mostly at Brighton or, more recently, in London. I was at the farewell concert last year. Consequently I have most of their tour programmes and a fair few T shirts. Sadly, the 'Staring at the Sun' 1988 shirt has just had to be taken out of service, having stretched out os shape somewhat :-). Luckily over this period I have been buying all their records. I have at least one 12" of all their singles (Except Sandstorm, which until I read the record list on the WWW page, I didn't even know existed) up to the 1994 releases. From then on they are on CD single. Albums are on vinyl and CD up to RITF, then on CD only. I certainly don't have all the variations of the 12" ers - IMHO most 12" versions after about 'Something about you' are pretty naff and seemed to be remixed for the sake of it, and I only bought them to keep up the collection. My favourite stuff is without a doubt the 1981-82 material - particularly 'Heathrow' and the instrumentals that appeared on the early 12" B sides such as 'Beezer One' 'Foundation and Empire' and so on. Having said that, RITF is the best all-round album, 'Children Say' being my favourite track on it, and probably represents the pinnacle of their output. Also in my collection is the Thuderthumbs and Totesenman 12" and M 'Pop Music' which seems to be referred to as 'London New York Paris Munich' in the record list (or was that the title of an album?). That record is AFAIK unique in that is has a double-spiral on the reverse side - a long version of the A side on the B side and another track on the 'see-side'. But I expect you already knew that... I don't know the protocol on selling/swapping things here, but I believe I have a few old (<1986) 12" ers in the loft that are duplicates - ones my Wife had before we met. If there is any interest I'll dig them out. Huw ------------------------------ From: lazlo @ Rt66.com (Lazlo Nibble) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 13:31:23 -0600 (MDT) Subject: M's album... > Also in my collection is the Thuderthumbs and Totesenman 12" and M 'Pop > Music' which seems to be referred to as 'London New York Paris Munich' > in the record list (or was that the title of an album?). New York * London * Paris * Munich is the first M album. Laz ------------------------------ From: "N.B. CANNINGS" Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 20:36:31 GMT Subject: Some stuff from a new subscriber Hello to you all! I have just joined a mailing list for my all-time favourite band and hopefully all fellow Level 42 fans can now hear me. I am somewhat happy...... Information was requested and here it is... My name is Neil and I'm from Blackburn, England although I'm using the 'net from a computer in the University of Leeds where I am studying electronic and electrical engineering. I'm only a newcomer to Level 42 (just over a year) and have had a lot of catching up to do, but I think i'm just about clued up on everything to do with them. I first got into them when I heard 'Forever Now' on the radio and thinking how wonderfully '80s it sounded, with punchy horns and a groovy rhythm. Everything else on the radio was just THUMP THUMP THUMP! (Though it's not to say I don't like the K-klass remixes, which I think extends the already inherent 'driving' quality of the songs....., but enough of that). Since then I have amassed all the albums and have an extensive collection of singles. All my money and time is spent in pursuit of the records that will complete my collection......I even know of a shop that has a copy of the Elite DAZZ 5 'Love Meeting Love' single...When I get the money, it'll be mine......! So as no-one can accuse me of 'jumping the bandwagon', I want to confess here and now that I started playing the Bass Guitar about five years ago........and I think we all know what I (try) to play on it all day long, much to the frustration of my girlfriend 'Emily' (Who received a copy of 'Running In The Family' - obviously - when I was first going out with her.......If only I had a brother called Joseph...) Anyway, I have been playing the piano since I was about six, though I stopped having lessons when I passed my Grade 4 examination (with a distinction of course), and I've improved since then....a bit. I had a few guitar lessons at school when I was about eight and now have my own Strat and Marshall Amp. I also persuaded my father to take up the drums (mainly so I could have a go) a few years ago and have sung in the school choir all of my schooling life, including several tours in recent years with one of them to a small town in Germany called Pegnitz. I've led quite a musical life so far and I dream that one day, maybe I will be in a famous (Level 42-ish) band....(any offers?) I saw Level 42 last year when they played at Leeds Town and Country Club on the 15th October and I was about five rows back, in the center, perfect viewing...Mark was large as life.....and twice as loud. Various events at the gig included Mike's microphone cutting out during 'One In A Million' and Mark's jokes that he'd heard that the local football(soccer) team 'Leeds United' (who were playing that night) were winning (much cheering) only for us to discover later that they'd lost. Mark's comment was "You don't think I've spent 15 years on the road without knowing how to get the audience on my side". I thought the gig was brilliant, but I was also saddened that night as we were informed that this would be their last tour....... Because of this, I would have liked to have heard some of the older material, 'Love Games', 'Starchild', 'Dune tune', although we did get 'World Machine' (not that old, I know, but it was nice to hear something that had'nt been released as a single). It was nice to see them playing smallish clubs as opposed to big stadiums, as after the support act, many men began to move equipment about, tune guitars etc. all infront of us...something that probably wouldn't have happened in a large gig (rotatable stages etc.). To finish off (I do drag things out, don't I) I went to the Isle Of Wight with my family for a day last summer while we were on holiday in a nearby coastal resort. It was probably the hottest day of summer and we could only manage a whirlwind trip since we had to catch the ferry back in the evening. Although I didn't bump into Mark (It was never really likely) I considered it a 'pilgrimige' and felt only slightly sad on the way home (it's a beautiful island anyway). Well, that is my one-year account of life being a Level 42 fan. You did ask for it. Don't feel compelled to keep this letter, it's just an introduction and gives me a chance to say HELLO to all the Level 42 fans connected in Internet Land........ Altogether now...... Pushing all the buttons Trying to come to something Flying with his feet on the ground...... ------------------------------ From: "N.B. CANNINGS" Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 21:06:39 GMT Subject: More stuff from a subscriber Hello to you all! I'm, as you might have guessed, a new subscriber and have just spent about an hour writing an in-depth report on my life as a Level 42 fan only to be confronted by a message 'Sharing violation error on drive P' when the time came to send it. I've no idea whether the message got off alright so if you've already read a vast volume of information from me, please ignore this. Anyway, this is my (shortened) story, I've been a Level 42 fan for about a year now, after I heard 'Forever Now' on the radio and I was instantly grabbed by it's '80s sound (punchy horns and a groovy rhythm). Since then I have collected all the albums (including solo projects) and have a large collection of singles, practically all my time and money goes into extending it. As far as introductions go, my name is Neil and I come from Blackburn, England, although I'm contacting you from the University Of Leeds where I am currently studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering. I have led a very musical life, playing the piano since I was six, the guitar since I was eight, and the Bass guitar since I was fifteen. I shouldn't need to tell you in the last year which has got the most attention!!! I sung in the school choir for most of my schooldays and went on several tours including one to a small town in Germany called Pegnitz. (anyone there remember us??). My very tired thumb and forefinger might tell you what I spend most of my time doing (much to the frustration of my girlfriend, Emily (yes....I have played her 'Running In The Family')). Is there anyone out there wanting to form a small jazz-funk combo in the style of, oooohh, let's say......Level 42??? I saw Level 42 last year when they played at Leeds Town And Country Club on the 15th October.......Brilliant, in my first (and probably last) Level 42 concert, I was about five rows back in the centre....what a view!!!! I also paid a fleeting visit to the Isle Of Wight last summer with my family. We were staying at a local coastal resort and I persuaded them to go on a day trip on the car ferry to it. We didn't have much time, and I never saw Mark, but the experience will stay with me forever....a pilgrimage for Level 42 fans. Anyway, they will shut this computer room soon (it is five past nine) so I'd better go. Once again, HELLO TO ALL FELLOW LEVEL 42 FANS OUT THERE. see you soon, Neil. ------------------------------ From: JGMR40B @ prodigy.com (MR BRANDON M KLOPP) Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 16:39:24 EDT Subject: Demo./questions/comments Well I know I haven't written in awhile, but I'm always here, always waiting for the next digest. I really enjoy this list because it has helped turn me on to alot of new material. I knew Forever now was out there, but I had no idea about Changes, or Influences. First off, a little about me: I'm an 18 year old white male from Southern California here in the US.. I'm just finishing my senior year in High School and I'll be off to college after the summer. I play drums, but never really been in a band. Mainly I have a hard time finding peer's who are into the same stuff I am. It's either Green day slop, or anthrax crapola. But anyways, the band's I listen to include: Toto!!!, Go west,The Police/Sting, Dan Reed Network, Kevin Gilbert/Toy Mantinee/Giraffe. I like alot of intrumental stuff from the L.A. musician croud. Not so much into bands rather, the musician's stuff. Mainly because I, like many others, are fed up with the overwhelming amount of shitty bands that are out there, and just can't stand it. So I was very upset when I heard one of the last bands I liked broke up. I'm only now beginning to realize how great these guys were. Songs like "Cou d tah" sp?, "Sleep on my heart" and all the material on albums before world machine I'm now beginning to appreciate. I mean I bought all their records when I was eight, and the only tunes that stuck out were the hits. I've matured a bit musically, and I feel that most fans of Level 42 have also. Recently bought changes, what a great album. It is so clean, and the musicians on it are exceptional. Every song is great, but we've heard this all before. Same with Influences, I couldn't believe that first song was mostly Mark. What a madman!!! Favorite album? That's easy, Guaranteed. That to me was the closest they ever came back to Running in The family. Forever Now is great, I listen to it all the time (It's true it takes at least 3 whole listens before you're hooked). But it seems out of place. I think it would have been the natural progression from Running in the Family, but none the less any Level 42 is welcome. Oh look at that, I think I've written way too much, well more later. -Brandon ------------------------------ From: "Friesen, Alex" Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 17:48:15 -0500 Subject: Painful demographic admission [In a faint voice, wavering slightly:] Jest you talk a little slower, please, while I use my walker to toddle over to where I left my hearing aid. I think it's beside my teeth on the mantle - over there by my Geritol and bran. You young whippersnappers are all over the 'net these days. You make me feel so old!! Hold on while I pluck a few more grey hairs. But seriously. I'm a 31 year old Canadian white male. Played drums professionally for about seven years ("have come and gone...") before succumbing to the the harsh reality of rent payments (i.e. I got a day job). I'm currently playing part time in a blues band ("South Woodrow" - we were advertised on the WWW last week through www.interlog.com:80/eye/ (the crowd yawns in excitement)) in which the bass player (a Mark King look-alike) and I are incapable of playing an entire tune without injecting some funk licks into it. Day gig: managing large computer project at a hospital. First heard Level 42's Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind around 1984 and was instantly hooked. I read recently that the average age of 'net heads was 23 and falling. Time to get my bifocals. ;-) Anybody else admitting their advanced age would make me feel better, I'm sure. It is truly a marvelous thing to have this ongoing dialogue (multi-logue?) with people around the planet. May our similarities bond us together, and may our differences keep the whole thing interesting. (Sounds geeky, I know, but it's a valid sentiment, aint it?!) ...Alex... "Are you hearing what I hear? Are you feeling what I feel?" ------------------------------ From: "N.B. CANNINGS" Date: Wed, 24 May 1995 11:15:08 GMT Subject: Is anyone there??? No, seriously, I'm having a few gliches with this network and would appreciate anyone hearing this to let me know that I'm coming through. Level 42 forever...................now!!