Search - Level 42 :: Retroglide

Life's just time passing through your plans.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 09/30/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After a 12 year absence, Level 42 return with "Retroglide". Right now it's an import only in the United States, but the import has 11 tracks and is 56 minutes in length. Mark King is the principal band member this time out, with augmentation by his son, Nathan King, Lyndon Connah, Sean Freeman and Gary Husband on drums from 1991's "Guaranteed" and 1988's "Staring At The Sun". Original members Mike Lindup and Boon Gould also make appearances, mainly Lindup on keys and backing vocals on four tracks and Boon sharing song writing duties with King on all 11 tracks, plus a guitar solo on the song "Ship".



That said, if you are a Level 42 fan thinking about what this album sounds like, then I can tell you that it's a mixture of stuff dating back to their debut 1981 album, "Level 42" and blending in some "Running In The Family"/"Staring At The Sun" elements with a new, improved, contemporary sound for today's listeners.



In fact, "Retroglide" goes a long way to make up for the lackluster 1994 album "Forever Now" and even "Guaranteed". This is a stronger, wiser, refreshed Level 42, custom made for their fans who've stuck around these 26 years. The musicianship is top notch, of course, but what about the songs?



Well, that's where I give "Retroglide" three stars. Although the band is back on track, and definitely making a move in the right musical direction, there are only a handful of classics here. By far, the best track is "The Way Back Home" at nearly seven minutes, it has some of the best lyrics and the most memorable melody of the 11 tracks. After that, there are several other good songs like "Dive Into The Sun", "Rooted", "Just For You" and "Sleep Talking" (which I'd pick as another single). The back half of the album isn't nearly as sharp. "Retroglide" and "All Around" aren't too bad, but "Clouds", "Hell Town Story", "Ship" and the bonus track "All I Need" are just average in my not so humble opinion.



So, if like me, you own all of Level 42's work, "Retroglide" will make a nice addition to your collection. If you are new to Level 42 I'd start with "Gold" and decide from there if you are a hardcore fan. After that, check out "Level 42", "World Machine" and "Running In The Family"."

Audio Excellence

Ken Coffman | Mount Vernon, WA USA | 11/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm amazed at how vital and well-crafted this project is. The recording is excellent and the performances, wow! This album flows beautifully. There are many creative things going on; some are subtle so the careful listener is well-rewarded. The songs ebb and flow and the dynamics are incredible. Dive into the Sun rocks! "I'm sensing my saving grace is rooted deep in you". Stunning. The Way Back Home starts sparsely and builds to perfection. There are two (too brief) guitar solos (Boon lights it up on Ship) and even, can I believe my ears? A sweet melodic bass solo on Hell Town Story. Plus, some scorching sax playing, something for everyone.

Gary Husband's drumming deserves special mention. The drums are recorded immaculately and Gary plays precisely and creatively, a master. There are many excellent bits, simply outstanding. Thanks to the guys for paying attention and capturing Gary's fine work so superbly.

The bonus track, All I Need, has some wild keyboard and acoustic guitar lines. They are mixed down, so you have to pay attention to catch the extremely cool riffing.

This project, though different, is right up there with the UK version of World Machine. Bravo, guys, bravo!"

Level 42 Returns to Form

Andrew Adams | Manvel, TX United States | 09/25/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Level 42's last album was released in 1995 (Forever Now), and they'd strayed so far from their trademark Eurofunk sound by that time that I didn't even notice. This is saying a lot since I was always a huge Level 42 fan, almost from the beginning. I loved their early sound, which rode the fine line between pop and really smoking fusion jazz. Mark King's bass was the signature foundation for this band, along with some really wonderful keyboard work by Mike Lindup. Their music was consistently good through most of the 80's, and reached a fine balance between pop and jazz in 1985's "World Machine" album. 1987's follow-up "Running in the Family" was almost as good, but they were clearly losing their way by 1988's "Staring at the Sun". Most of the stuff they put out after this was a mere shadow of their former work. Their last album was 1995's "Forever Now", which didn't even find release in the U.S and hardly got any airplay in the UK.



So, imagine my surprise when I took a flyer on Level 42's first new album in over 10 years. . . . What a pleasant surprise! No, it's not "World Machine", but it is definitely the original band back in form again. The first cut, "Dive Into the Sun" lets you know that the band is back in the form that made them popular to begin with. We haven't heard Mark King's burning bass guitar at this level since "Running in the Family." Almost all the songs are keepers, with the possible exceptions of "The Way Back Home", "Just For You", and "Ship" (all of which are just a little too cheesy ballad for my taste). "Sleep Talking" positively cooks and "All Around" is a little more mellow with a fantastic bassline. The GOOD ballads include "Rooted", "Clouds", and the absolutely gorgeous sounding title cut "Retroglide". "Hell Town Story" is very reminiscent of their earlier stuff with their signature funk sound that makes you just want to levitate to the dance floor and "All I Need" presents a more grown up jazz sounding tune that serves as a very nice closer. Mark King's vocals just truly soar here.



Every band that has really hit it big has one or two albums that are so amazingly good you have to buy them. Level 42's was "World Machine" (although I personally loved their earlier stuff as well). This one is NOT one of those albums. But it IS worth owning if you love the Level 42 sound and crave to hear something fresh from them. Easliy their best since "Running in the Family." Check it out. . ."