Level 42 - World Machine

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

There's was never any denying the musicianship of the band, and Mark King's bass playing was often sited as being extraordinary. The band would balance their pop, jazz and funk elements and create something pretty cool. Even a rock guy had to tip his hate 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've 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, and as a listening experience is 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 to drummer Phil would take his own life in 2019 after struggling with mental illness.

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