Author |
Message |
the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king
Post Number: 87 Registered: 9-2005
| Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:23 pm: | |
Uhh... I know he's a big name, and an important Alembic name... but despite listening to LOT'S of Stanley and plenty of other talented bass players... the fact is -to my knowledge- I've never heard Mark King or Level 42. I can't think of any place that would be better suited to give advice on this matter than here; so my question is simple: what does everyone consider to be the TOP 3 (in order) Mark King and/or Level 42 CDs to listen to -to get to know him/be "turned onto him" for? I'd appreciate any imput, ESPECIALLY from those who are HIGHLY familier with his work, and who have most/all of his stuff (and who are therefore in the best position to recommend stuff). If I were to try/buy only one Mark King disc, what should I try/buy first? And what should I go for as followups -in case #1 is out and/or I want more? Thanks, gang. |
speicky
Intermediate Member Username: speicky
Post Number: 111 Registered: 3-2005
| Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2006 - 1:42 am: | |
Hi, Mark, I used to listen to Level42 a lot in the early and middle '80s and I saw them live on stage around 1983/84. I never was a "die-hard fanatic", though, I was more influenced by Sir Paul and JAE. Personnally, I like their first official album alot, "Level42" issued 1981 with "Love Games" and "Starchild". The next album, "Pursuit Of Accidents" from 1982 is a must-have for me, too. Third on my list would be "Physical Presence", their live doublealbum from 1985, a great overwiew of the early work of Level42. I bet when you have heard these discs, you are infected with the "brit funk virus", and you just have to have all the other tunes, LOL ! Enjoy ! all the best, Christian |
bigbadbill
Advanced Member Username: bigbadbill
Post Number: 227 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2006 - 4:44 am: | |
I'd definitely say Physical Presence, but there are some cool DVDs you can get direct from Mr King.....he'll even sign 'em! Just check out Level 42s official website. |
rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr
Post Number: 393 Registered: 1-2003
| Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:34 am: | |
His solo album "Influences" is pretty damn good. Another particular favourite of mine is "Standing in the Light". A lot of the Level 42 albums have been paired-up into double packs - "Pursuit of Accidents" and "Standing in the Light" for instance. That makes it a very inexpensive way to get some great music! |
the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king
Post Number: 91 Registered: 9-2005
| Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 1:43 pm: | |
Thanks for your input folks, and I'd appreciate more. Is "Influences" a solo album in the sense that he plays bass with no other musicians? If so, this would be the one I'd lean towards getting. |
88persuader
Intermediate Member Username: 88persuader
Post Number: 175 Registered: 5-2004
| Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:59 pm: | |
For me it's "Guarenteed" ... and then the 1st Level 42 album. And if you want to really be blown away get the live DVD Level42 at Wimbly and WATCH a master at work. |
muller1007
Member Username: muller1007
Post Number: 82 Registered: 5-2002
| Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 12:52 am: | |
Mark, Influences is not a bass-only CD. However, Mark King actually plays most of the instruments (bass, percussion, drums, guitar and keyboards) himself. Besides that there are some guest musicians. Great album. Duncan |
jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko
Post Number: 533 Registered: 10-2002
| Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 2:42 am: | |
Mark. Get a hold of Level 42 - the first album. One of my favorite tracks would be 'Dune Tune' which shows that MK can play some pretty mean fingerstyle. He's not just a slapper. Next would have to be 'a physical presence' which shows what a superb live band they were. The best thing to do would be to come over to the UK in october and catch the tour - I've got my tickets;-) Graeme |
karl
Member Username: karl
Post Number: 67 Registered: 7-2002
| Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 5:04 am: | |
You're gonna get a million different answers here, I reckon! For my two penneth, I'd definitely go for the live album, A Physical Presence, for the best example of all that Mark King can do. I've also got a soft spot for True Colours (cos I love Hot Water and Kansas City Milkman) and their very underrated last album, Forever Now, which was a real return to form after a couple of fairly dull albums at the end of the 80s/beginning of the 90s. |