Author Topic: Confession/what 3 Mark King Discs to try (Read 150 times)

the_8_string_king · « **on:** February 24, 2006, 03:23:22 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 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2006, 01:42:06 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 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2006, 04:44:29 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 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2006, 03:34:44 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 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2006, 01:43:45 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 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2006, 11:59:54 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 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2006, 12:52:23 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 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2006, 02:42:07 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 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2006, 05:04:37 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.