I find it very strange that this CD was sold for $142.50 on Ebay the other day. I didn't pay that much for mine at all. The only difference to the UK Polydor CD is the picture on the CD and that the sleeve is folded in another way. $142 is too much to pay for this one.

 

Cheers Bjorn.

Don, given you made the following statement in respect of 2AN and EMG, it, taken literally, is not entirely accurate. 

 

"The last album was saved by great basslines from Tom Barney, but now he's gone too, replaced by Walter Becker who decided after all these years to go back to being the bass player."

 

I did not know who played bass on all the tracks, so I looked it up and reported back for our discussion.  While I agree that tracks 1, 8 & 9 have the most intriguing "wizard" like bass, the Becker tracks are awesome too. It's the "taste" vs "wizardry" thing surfacing again. To me, tracks 1, 8 & 9, do not at all "save" the album; they certainly contribute to it's brilliance. 

 

So, the point is, Tom was not "replaced" by Walter.  The point is, Tom did not "save" the last album.  The point is Walter did not "go back to being the bass player".  That, Don, is my point.

 

"Sure, it's a good album, but it doesn't rank with the others I've just mentioned, and the main reason is the lack of top-drawer talent in the bass and drum departments."

 

I find it difficult to compare SD albums to each other due to the differing styles of music and the eras they encompass. It's not quite as simple as comparing AC/DC before and after Bon Scott, or Van Halen before and after David Lee Roth. I have difficulty in establishing a basis for comparison of Pretzel Logic and Everything Must Go, except to say they are both excellent. 

 

Maybe for you, EMG is to Steely Dan what Guaranteed is to Level 42.

 

"...nothing beats the Chicago-like horn section in Caves of Altamira or the feel of Haitian Divorce. Or how about the great gospel-like background vocals of The Fez and The Royal Scam?"

 

I too love the horn arrangements on this album, which to me, set it apart from all the other rock of the ages. I really enjoy every song on album.  The guitars, keys, horns drums and bass are amazing, not to mention the lyrics. I'd have to agree, this is a masterpiece. I love the bass, piano and tambourine groove of Sign In Stranger.  "Turn up the Eagles the neighbors are listening."  The guitar on Don't Take Me Alive is so tasty.  Green Earrings is another fav with its powerful drums.  I also have to agree about that piano bit in Black Cow.

 

"...but if someone on here wants to sound off about similar posts like the rubbish he sometimes posts then they should have the freedom to do so."  And of course they do. I think though, that many thought the criticisms brought on Andrew where inaccurate, unnecessarily personal, hypocritical, empty,  etc.

 

Many of the responses where exactly what I was thinking, but I didn't want to offend or upset anyone. I am glad that people spoke up.

 

So is anyone ever going to post a biopsy of a current Level 42 gig for those of us who cannot make it to one? I'd like to know what others thought of the musicianship, the sound, the atmosphere (was it like an 80's Level 42 gig). How are Mark's vocals? Does Gary duplicate Phil or play his own interpretation? Is it mostly a younger crowd, or are there a lot of "mature" fans from the 80's?

 

Sorry, I think I've "wasted" enough of my life for one day, communicating with you lot.

 

Colin