Level 42 - World Machine

World Machine, for most casual fans and Luddites, is as deep into the Level 42 catalogue as you need to go. The band's sixth album (yeah, they had been around a while honing their craft) was released in 1985, and most of us would have had a hard time getting rid of the earworm "Something About You" once it started gaining traction on the radio and television - back when videos were a thing.

There was never any denying the musicianship of the band, and Mark King's bass playing was often cited as extraordinary. The band balanced their pop, jazz, and funk elements and created something pretty cool. Even a rock guy had to tip his hat and admit it was good stuff.

Now, of course, this was 1985, and while I did begrudgingly like the song - sort of in the same way I liked "The Captain of Her Heart" by Double - I wasn't about to go out and buy the album. I was, after all, a ROCK GUY.

Of course, over the years my appreciation for "Something About You" only grew. When I found the album in a clearance bin for a couple of bucks, I really didn't hesitate.

The cover was always funny to me. I'm not sure it was a subtle "you're about to get screwed" message, but if it was, then it was misleading, because the album is really solid - all the way through. I'm not sure if the cover to Counterparts by Rush was a nod to World Machine, but it's pretty uncanny how similar they are.

Then again, maybe not. One of them has a gear, one doesn't - they're very different.

The album didn't bury the lead, as it comes first cut, first side. Right out of the gate, they put their best foot forward. I had my fingers crossed that it wasn't going to be a hit-and-shit record.

I've gone through the first side three times now, but it's really just four songs, and the other three are quite nice. As a listening experience, it's quite enjoyable. I suppose I'll have to get up and turn it over.

Yeah, more of the same.

I still find it really great that this period of the '80s was so vibrant in terms of the blending of genres that could find a home in popular music.

Sadly, Boon Gould, the band's guitar player and brother of drummer Phil, took his own life in 2019 after struggling with mental illness.

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