World Machine

Product Description
Contains Three Bonus Tracks Not on USA Version.i Sleep on My Heart, Coup D'Etat and Dream Crazy. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

World Machine,Level 42,Polydor / Pgd,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

World Machine

Average customer rating:

World Machine Level 42
Level 42
One GREAT Little Song!
Pop Sensibilities, Jazz-Funk Musicianship
Cranking out a solid mix of styles

World Machine
Level 42
Manufacturer: Fontana Polydor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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A Physical Presence

ASIN: B000001FJW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Something About You
World Machine
Physical Presence
Leaving Me Now
Hot Water
It's Not The Same For Us
Good Man In A Storm
The Chant Has Begun
Lying Still

Album Details

Contains Three Bonus Tracks Not on USA Version.i Sleep on My Heart, Coup D'Etat and Dream Crazy.

Customer Reviews:

World Machine Level 42.......2007-05-31

Back in the eighties I was really into Level 42, (yes, I know that's Mark King, I just typo'ed it and couldnt figure out how to fix that...) I played their music for hours when I was younger, I don't know why but I just stopped playing them, but also most of the other music I enjoyed back then, Recently while with a friend a song came on the radio "Something About You", I instantly fell in love with the band, this was one of my favorite CD's back then, and when I couldnt find it in my collection, nor any of the other Level 42 discs I knew I had, I went all out and bought them all over again, again one track especially on the WORLD MACHINE my all time favorite, "Something About You'.....really "something about" this song, and every other song on this CD, You won't be disappointed, really.

Level 42.......2004-12-12

First song I have heard was Love Games in 1980 and I was totally suprised. This was unlike anything else. Superb musicianship. Mostly Mark King on Bass and one of Gould brothers on drums. Just amazing precision.World Machine I found very special, Level 42 was at their peak.
Too bad it did not last forewer. Today only Mark King is the ramaining member and it is not the same.

One GREAT Little Song!.......2004-10-29

I would be pretty safe I'm sure in saying that 'Something About You" is the culmination of everything Level 42 had been trying to accomplish in it's then five years of existance,and four of the stars shown relate strictly to the song!It's a classic perhapes because of how familiar it is to me (having heard it in saturation play during the autunm of my fifth year;1985 to be excact) and also because of the general clean mix and clever arrangement.It was a time when heavily R&B,funk and jazz-oriented groups such as The Talking Heads,Sade,Scritti Politi and The Style Council had a good chance of getting a decent hit without selling out,and they did.
There's only one little problem with this.That one brilliant single notwithstanding 'World Machine' sounds like one of Level 42's least satisfying albums,and contains very little of the sting and zest of the groups first four albums.I suppose the changes started coming on 'True Colours',but even so they're strictly musical ones-the band still sounds miraculous from a standpoint of pure chemistry.But the trouble here (namely in the title song) is that Level 42 and Mark King himself have started to back away from the jazz fusion and R&B/funk stylings of their earlier work in favor of a blander pop sound that embraced more strains of latin and hispanic melodies and percussion.Not that there is anything wrong with that but in the mid 80's artists like Paul Simon,Peter Gabrial and Sting had that worldbeat stuff locked away and they all did spectacular work with that sound.
But it just doesn't mesh well with Level 42's particular brand of music whitch tends to be more sultry,glossy and quite funky.
So 'World Machine' is a great album for it's time-it's up with the current trend of that era and has certain reminders of this bands firey past.But Mark King's bassey funk instrumentals are now a thing of the past-every song has vocals and pop hooks.So did Level 42 sell out?Not here,just had their music take a very different form.I recommend this album to fans of Level 42's more commercialy potent period but for fans of the band's more fusion and funk material the UK have put out a two CD set covering both the bands self-titled debut,1980's 'The Early Tapes' PLUS bonus material.That and the twofer containing the albums 'Pursuit Of Accidents" and "Standing In The Light" are the type of albums fans of the classic Level 42 British jazz/funk styles will enjoy more.For fans of more pop/R&B with slight funk/fusion influences this album and most of what came after it are a good choice.It all depends on what you want.

Pop Sensibilities, Jazz-Funk Musicianship.......2004-05-23

This is where it all started for most Yanks like me. Imagine that it's 1986, and you have your first taste of this quartet from England. They write really thumpin' dance-pop songs and really pretty pop ballads, but underneath it all is a stylistic nod to classic 70's jazz-funk a la Stanley Clarke and the musicianship to pull it off. In other words these were world-class musicians making great pop. World Machine has all of the above in spades.

Nowhere is this pop vs. musicianship phenomena more evident that on the worldwide hit single "Something About You". It's a great pop song with a great hook and lush vocals, but it is driven by the stalwart rhythm section of bassist-extraordinaire Mark King and groovalicious drummer Phil Gould, for my money one of the funkiest drummers ever. Guitarist Boon Gould delivers a beautiful guitar solo to boot.

King is without a doubt the most visible of Level 42's star musicians. He is arguably the greatest bass guitarist in the world, and World Machine shows a slightly more subdued side of Mark King. The thumb acrobatics of prior Level 42 albums give way to more tasteful yet still funky bass guitar work on "Lying Still" and "It's Not the Same for Us". Try doing what he can do on the bass guitar AND sing at the same time!

Other highlights include the pretty yet melancholy "Leaving Me Now", featuring Mike Lindup's beautiful piano work, and the title track "World Machine", a club-friendly dance number.

World Machine shows a band at its peak of popularity yet also in transition. In a couple of years after this release, producer Wally Badarou would be gone as would the Gould brothers. The classic jazz-funk sound of Level 42 would eventually give way to a more rock-based sound. So this is an important time capsule of sorts in that it shows the best of Level 42's jazz-funk past but also hints at the best of things to come.

A special note about the latest US release of World Machine is that it includes a couple of songs that were originally released on the True Colours album from 1984: "The Chant Has Begun" and "Hot Water". These are among the all-time Level 42 classic songs, but they are included at the expense of excluding other classic Level 42 tunes "I Sleep On My Heart", "Coup D'Etat", and the ever-funky "Dream Crazy", which were included on the original US version and are on the current UK version.

Cranking out a solid mix of styles.......2003-03-30

There's no such thing as a perfect pop album, but Level 42's 1985 release is certainly one of the best bits of ear candy of the last 20 years. Though the production style is quintessential 80s, the qualities that make "World Machine" so solid would be more than welcome today.

If you get past the pop veneer, you find the other elements that made L42 one of Britain's top dance bands in the 80s and 90s -- the lilting, Latin flavour of the title track, the shimmering harmonies of "Something About You," the moody and soulful balladry of "Leaving Me Now" and "Lying Still," and the propulsive funk of "Dream Crazy" and "Coup d'Etat." All with the intensity that L42 retained from its funk-jazz days.

Bassist/vocalist Mark King's distinctive bass playing, a little less up-front than in the previous album, blends in well with the keyboards of Mike Lindup (also backup vox) and Wally Badarou, and the rhythm guitar of Boon Gould. King's baritone and Lindup's falsetto merge beautifully.

But the star instrumentalist here is drummer Phil Gould, whose elegant balance of snare and toms and hi-hat cymbals is almost as much a symbol of classic L42 as King's bass.

The cut order in this version is slightly different from the US version of the album, which also subs out "I Sleep On My Heart," "Dream Crazy" and "Coup d'Etat" for "Hot Water" and "The Chant Has Begun," from the previous year's "True Colours." The original order works a little bit better, being more reflective of L42's roots as a dance/funk band.

You can't go wrong with either version, though. Peerless musicianship, powerful arrangements and great production by Wally Badarou make "World Machine" a wonderful set to hear -- again and again -- after all these years.

The Science Fiction Album
Average customer rating:

The penultimate collection ...

Muisic of the Spheres

The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection

SciFi Album gift

Away From to be a Collectible Peace

The Science Fiction Album
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Fantasy Album

ASIN: B000066HE5
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

2001: A Space Odyssey
Aliens
Sound Effect - The Nostromo
Alien
A.I.
Armageddon
Sound Effect - Apollo 13 Lift-off
Apollo 13
Back To The Future
Battle Beyond The Stars
Battlestar Galactica
The Black Hole
Contact
Capricorn One
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Dune

Tracks:

Galaxy Quest
Sound Effect - Dogfight in Space
Enemy Mine
Ghostbusters
Gremlins
Heavy Metal
Independence Day
E.T.
Judge Dredd
The Last Starfighter
Lifeforce
Sound Effect - Crash Landing
Lost In Space
Mars Attacks
The Matrix
Predator
The Right Stuff

Tracks:

Moonraker
Robocop
Silent Running
Sound Effect - Alien Organism
Species
Stargate
Starship Troopers
Starman
Star Trek - TV Theme
Star Trek: The Motion Picture End Title
Klingon Attack
Sound Effect - Warp Drive
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Tracks:

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Sound Effect - Transporter Crew
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Main Theme
Star Trek First Contact
Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Sound Effect - Battle Stations
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace - The Flag Parade
Anakin's Theme
The Adventures of Jar Jar
Duel of the Fates
The Time Machine
Things to Come
The Thing From Another World
War of the Worlds
When Worlds Collide
Total Recall
You Only Live Twice
Superman

Customer Reviews:

The penultimate collection ..........2006-12-07

Generally I agree with Strategos in his ecstatic Spotlight Review above. It is a joy to here some of the most memorable themes and cues from some of the most memorable science fiction and fantasy movies (re)recorded in great sound and in lavish (re)orchestrations, played by renowned classical orchestras, namely the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, no less.

I have always had a weak spot for (good, or maybe even intelligent) science fiction/fantasy and film music, especially its way of evoking mystery, grandure and wide open spaces. Call it a weakness if you want. But it was maybe really kick started off, for as far as I can remember, with Star Trek. But especially Star Trek II, III and IV - essentially a trilogy - because of their very romantic but very warm, human core, set on the broadest canvasses of unlimited and mysterious outer space. But then there was the music for adding that essential extra dimension of emotion and atmosphere. I am happy that much of the music on this album is from the Star Trek series and films, often equaling or sometimes even outclassing the original recordings.

This kind of music (for the movies) should be seen as an art on its own rights with its own merits and qualities. As such, the musical sequences on these CD's are a beautifully played cross section of some of the most evoking orchestral music for science fiction/fantasy film ever created. And I very much like the nicely blended, wide and deep orchestral soundpicture with enough reverberation to evoke a sense of wide open spaces.
I am quite thrilled by tracks like the evocative music from Dune, truly transporting one to the vastly sands of Arrakis (the music is wonderful, but to my great regret I think the movie itself is a flawed masterpiece at best, alas.). And then there is the very different, goofy music for Ghostbusters (memories of childhood), the spoofy but electrifying music from Mars Attacks (lovingly parodist music, this, with not a little touch of irony) and the happily adventurous, forward driving Theme from Galaxy Quest ('Never give up, never surrender!'), now also used for the internet-based fan-series Star Trek: The Hidden Frontier. On the other side of the spectrum we have the atmospheric music for Enemy Mine (an underestimated 'little' movie), the Theme from The Right Stuff (actually science FACT, not fiction, this film, just like Apollo 13, of course), the eerily attractive music for Species, the original End Title for Alien (not used in the theatrical version of the movie, where it was replaced by music from howard Hanson's Second Symphony), the exquisitely exotic music for Stargate, the sweet and warmly sympathetic, beautifully re-orchestrated, theme for Starman, the title cue for Star Trek: TOS (much more melodiously played than the original! If only a series nowadays could continue to be as thought provoking and as original as Star Trek was during its launch, fourty years ago ...) and a truly overpowering End Titles Suite from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I especially like the thrillingly grandiloquent rendition here of the music for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. And how nice it is to hear the (thematic) similarities between James Horner's music for The Wrath of Khan, his great break-through as a film music composer, and his (two years) earlier music for Battle Beyond the Stars (which did indeed help him earn the job for writing the music for Star Trek II) ...

But on the 'down side', if one is looking for - for example - the gorgeously expansively played End Titles from Cocoon, it is not included here: one has to acquire the album that 'kicked it all off', so to say, namely 'Space and Beyond', also on Silva Screen. I was very pleased also with the inclusion on that album of some of the music from the series Star Trek: The Next Generation, namely where one of the characters, Tasha Yar, in one of the episodes (Skin of Evil) is saying goodbye to her crewmmates: sweetly sentimental and simple music which I have always wanted to own on CD. I guess that a few cues from the other two sequals ('Alien Invasion: Space and Beyond II' and 'Space3: Beyond the Final Frontier') didn't make it onto this 4 CD collection-album as well, but I guess that it would be the 'better part of the bargain' to opt to buy this 'The Science Fiction Album' instead of buying all three albums separately. Well, of course it is for yourself to ultimately decide what you really want ;-)

If I were to nitpick (which is not easy with such a marvellous project as this one), then I would say that while all music is performed with magnificent grandure and with style, some of it is not performed as crisply and as technically 'on the spot' as some of the original recordings: ensemble is a little slack and the playing somewhat stilted sometimes, losing some of the edge and the originality of the writing. ET and Star Wars spring to mind, but then the soundtracks for Star Wars are traditionally recorded with the magnificent London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro John Williams himself, and these superior recordings (especially the ones for Episode I, II and III) can't really be bettered, IMHO. Likewise for the music from Star Trek: The Motion Picture, I believe that in the end one really has to resort to the ultimate reference, namely the original recording (which is true in many other instances of 'original recordings'), and then the 20th anniversay colector's edition of this soundtrack on Columbia/Legacy (truly unmissable, this veritable classic of sci-fi/film music soundtracks!).

But all in all this 4CD-collection amounts to probably being the penultimate high quality sci-fi music album collection (I certainly know of no other project that comes as close quality as well as quantity wise), with some of the most memorable musical moments from classic to modern sci-fi/fantasy film captured in lavish orchestrations.
Collection-wise: five *stars*. Playing: generally four *stars*, sometimes more. The recording quality: five *stars*. The music (qualified on its own merits as film music) and its (re)orchestrations: generally five *stars*. In the end this is all highly recommended, and certainly not to be missed by science fiction and fantasy film music fans. Klaatu barada nikto.

Muisic of the Spheres.......2006-11-06

You wonderful four disk collection of SF music. It startsa up the the grand master of SF music, 2001: A space Odyssey all the way to Superman. This is all American SF music and several themes I would have liked to have included are not there. All in all though, a collection you will enjoy.

The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection.......2005-10-23

If one person gives great gifts, it's the illustrious Codemaster Talon. I've received a fair number of gifts in my lifetime, but so far, my older sister's take the cake. Take this one for instance. I'm real big on orchestral music, to the point where I listen to them more than any other kind of music. I've got orchestral versions of video game themes, orchestral soundtracks to truck-loads of anime shows (Big O, Escaflowne, and Giant Robo are incredible), and could probably spend the rest of my life just trying to study the nuances of all the classical music I've got. Being such a huge fan of orchestral music, I also have come to believe that orchestra music produced for movies and television is the new classical music (or as someone once said, Mozart would be making music for movies if he were alive today). Being a huge sci-fi fan, that kind of music has always been particularly near and dear to my heart. But were I to buy each and every soundtrack for every sci-fi I liked it would cost quite a bundle, and would include a lot of sub-par music along with the grandiose and fantastic main and memorable themes. That's where this beauty comes in.

The moment I ripped off the shrink-wrap and popped it into my cd player was a moment of great trepidation. Believe me when I tell that I've seen my fair share of sub-par orchestral recording in my lifetime. Very often they are in those big super-packs of music, and suffer from poor direction, improper mastering, and sometime even pathetic orchestration (or worse yet have something sounding like a cheap synthesizer and a kazoo in place of a full orchestra). I needn't have worried though. This sucker is fantastic.

Many people who are not audiophiles will probably miss the point of this cd collection. It is not the original versions of the pieces. It is re-orchestrations, mostly by the phenomenal Prague Symphony Orchestra. Many of these themes didn't sound all that hot in there original versions because they were low budget films or were not recorded in high-fidelity. Here they are given the full treatment, mastered with the most loving care imaginable. Often the version found in these cds is SUPERIOR to the original.

Remember the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey? Of course you do. But how many times have you heard a cheap imitation of the original version from the movie, starting too low in volume and ending too high (and missing the essential pipe-organ that gives it that extra oomph)? Well, this first track in the entire collection is not only everything it should be instrumental and timing-wise, but it also has been oh-so-carefully adjusted during the mastering process so that at no time is the music either too low or too high in volume (surely a benchmark for every other recording ever to be made of the piece).

Or what about the theme from the (at-the-time) uber-creepy The Black Hole? The orchestration of this piece of music goes from tiumphant to terrifying and back again, with a splendor and cleanness that I CERTAINLY don't remember being in the original recording.

Then there's the new version of the theme from Independence Day, complete with a violin solo, a far more electrifying ending climax, and a chorus so thunderous that you feel like applauding at the end. Simply indescribable. Kind of like the MIND-BLOWING rendition of the theme from The Last Star Fighter. This has been one of my favorite themes for a long time now, but I've never heard it played like this. I think the original version of the theme is something like 1 minute long, but this new version doesn't just fade out (HAHAHAHA!!!!) THIS version is THREE minutes long, goes through the main theme THREE times, with the final strains being so triumphant and joyous I could not help but feel an electrifying charge the first dozen or so times (come to think of it, I still feel that way). This is superior to the original in EVERY way. AWESOME.

And let's not forget the incredible new rendition of Stargate with it's heavy use of clarinets (for Egyptian effect!) and a triumphant new ending (completely lacking the chanting from the original version. This version is so different that for the first minute it is very hard to tell that it is in fact Stargate. But then the main theme kicks in, and then you get this incredible flute solo for my favorite part of theme (the whole thing is played slower, but arguably more powerfully than the original). My goodness. At first I found the thing so different I didn't like it. But then I listened to it again. And again. And again.

I could go on and on, talking about the fantastic new rendition of Moon Raker, the ear-popping Battlestar Galactica, the classic Star Trek (First Contact has a minute or two of the theme from Star Trek:The Motion Picture before going into the main theme), or the sweet renditions of music from the Star Wars movies (or the music from E.T.).

I have to mention though that this collection was not picked based merely on what people want, or on what is popular. No, the people who made it obviously thought a GOOD music collection was better than a popular one. That's why you get a heartbreakingly beautiful theme from A.I. instead of the main theme. It's why you get music from movies that you probably never gave a second thought to the music (because the movie was lousy). It's why you get Armageddon, Judge Dredd, and Robocop (who would have guessed their music was so COOL when there was all that crazy action and bad-acting going on on-screen).

I said it before and I'll say it again. This cd-set was mastered with tender-loving-care, and it shows BIG-TIME. High-fidelity the likes of which I have not seen since the days when cds were brand-new in the world. Dolby Surround. Perfectly balanced. BEAUTIUFL orchestrations. About the only thing that makes me scratch my head is the weird sound-effect tracks (Oooookay.....). Other than that, it's PERFECT. Obviously they could not include every sci-fi theme ever (no one can), but this collection is REALLY GOOD. A lot of great themes that got away (forgotten gems :), new versions of old favorites, and under-appreciated classics aplenty, but ALWAYS the full and complete versions with nothing cut-out (the theme from Dune is quite extended).

If you love movie music (and sci-fi movie music in particular) you MUST buy this awesome collection). It is not the original recordings. Almost always the new ones are better (if they aren't better they're just equal). This is what you have been waiting for. I for one am going to be buying quite a few cds from this company in the future. Give your ears the treat they deserve. Buy it NOW.

SciFi Album gift.......2005-07-20

I bought the Science Fiction Album as a gift for my son who is twenty-one years old. He is a musician, and also a huge fan of many SciFi shows and movies. I thought this would be the perfect thing for him and I was right. He loves it!

Away From to be a Collectible Peace.......2004-12-16

If you like Sci-Fi movies and want a compilation of their important scores, this is the CD-set to buy. But let me warn you about that very few songs in the cds are from the original soundtracks. Most of them is re-recorded by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. But the sound quality of cds are very good, because they have HDCD and Dolby Surround labels. This set is away from to be a collectible peace, but it is a good general compilation of favorite Sci-Fi movie scores.

Average customer rating:

A "tough love" review for a very talented band at it's jazz fusion peak.
Holdsworth At The Beginning Of His Peak
The Floating World
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH ON FIRE!

Floating World Live
Soft Machine
Manufacturer: Moonjune Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Soft Machine: Out-bloody-rageous

ASIN: B000E3LHX2
Release Date: 2006-06-01

Tracks:

The Floating World
Bundles
Land Of The Big Snake
Ealing Comedy
The Man Who Waved At Trains
Peff
North Point
Hazard Profile (Part One)
J.S.M.
Riff III
Song Of Aeolus
Endgame
Penny Hitch (Coda)

Customer Reviews:

A "tough love" review for a very talented band at it's jazz fusion peak........2007-06-12

This is my favorite period of Soft Machine (which frequently puts me in the minority among my colleagues), I'm a huge prog/jazz fusion fan, and Allan Holdsworth is one of my favorite guitarists (how many times have I typed THAT in past reviews!). Unfortunately, this cd does not live up to much of the hype associated with it. Do not buy this cd if you just expect to hear "non-stop jams" or a live concert of AH backed by members of Soft Machine. Yes, AH charges out of the gate with some searing guitar runs through the first few songs of the album, especially "Bundles" and "Land of the Bag Snake". But then you sort of lose sight of him for long stretches in the middle of the album where other players' solos and a mix of softer jazz take over. That's where this album faltered for me.

Not that AH is the only star here - he's not. But let's face it, Ratledge's annoying 6-minute keyboard solo "North Point" is a real distraction, sounding like a cross between a pinball game and Pong. And while I love drums and think that Marshall is a fine drummer, I've rarely heard a drum solo longer than 3 minutes that I could enjoy. His drum solo is 10 minutes long. Too long. The best of the non-AH solos is Babbington's distorted bass guitar solo, though (again) 6 minutes gets to be kind of a drag. The album ends strong with the funkier jams "Riff III" and "Endgame" that sandwich around the more Camel-like "Song of Aeolus".

This album is of interest to those who need to hear a blossoming AH jamming through the unique prog/jazz of mid-70's Soft Machine, and there is at least 45 minutes of music here that I really enjoyed. The production is good, and the band plays well off of each other. But I actually like the "British Tour '75" cd better, featuring guitarist John Etheridge instead of AH (I know - sacrilege!). There you'll find some simply stunning guitar workouts all the way through, including the ENTIRE Hazard Profile. (Note: You won't escape the 10-minute drum solo there either!)

For me, the moments of excitement and awe on "Floating World Live" were too often interrupted with overlong self-indulgences and a lack of inspiration. I really wanted to like this more...

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 7.2/10; Performance = 8.5/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 8.0 ("3-1/2 stars")

Holdsworth At The Beginning Of His Peak.......2006-08-04

If, like me you consider the Tempest-Soft Machine-Tony Williams-UK period to be the "Golden Years" of Allan Holdsworth, then there is no earthly reason for you not to buy this CD. It is a logical progression on the material first heard on "Bundles" and a brilliant live showcase for his then blossoming guitar technique.

I'm not your typical "Prog/fusion" fanatic that feels that any rock presented with a jazz/classical bent to it and stretched to 10-20 minutes (as in Flower Kings - BORING) is nectar from the gods. I'm 56 and have been with this type of music since the beginning and quite frankly, style and structure don't hold much water with me unless there is an abundance of substance and soul as well (as in Riverside, Anekdoten and several others). That's what has left me so cold when it comes to most of Holdsworths post UK work - lots of technique presented with a group of highly talented sidemen devoid of any soul or sense of collaborative effort or destination. Sure, he can play fast and do more with notes than any other living guitarist, but where is the passion and soul? This CD is a different story. The Soft Machine is firing on all five cylinders here and aside from a slightly muddled recording/mix I am at a loss to find anything negative to say about it. Even the John Marshall drum solo holds up pretty well. There a few weak moments but those are more than offset by the brilliance of the collective talents of the band in this live setting. And speaking of John Marshall, why, much like Jon Hiseman, is he unknown except to a select few outside the confines of Europe? His playing never ceases to amaze me.

No individual track dissertations here...anyone reading this probably already knows the material and the players. If you're looking for prime Holdsworth grab this wonderful CD while it's still available.

The Floating World.......2006-06-11

Finally a album live with Allan and also way better then British Tour 75. This album has great sound, better performances and has got a reasonable price on it,a clear pick over the other preformance. Live at Radio Bremen Janurary 1975 the band puts on nothing but nonstop jams with Holdsworth in a great mood just check out Bundles and The Land Of the Bagsnake of a blistering preformance. The show also gives out more solo showcases to Babbington on the six min. Earling Comedy armed with nothing but a Fender Baritone and a effects pedal. North Point gives Ratelege and his new found synths a place to bubble and screech around. Jenkins goes for his only sax solo on the album on Peff and even Holdsworth shows his skills on violin for The Man Who Waves At Trains. And finally the dynamic gymnastic stylings of Marshall on J.S.M. Song For Aeolus is very diffrent from the Softs vesion only because it brings out the fuzz soloing out of Ratelege's organ. The unreleashed material are your basic epic Softs jams like the funky Endgame. Rift 3 on the other hand is a limp version of Ban-Ban Caliban which isn't as impressing. Penny Hitch 2 took me some time to realize that it is Penny Hitch just in a sad and slow ending to a marvelous live cd. Highly recommended to anyone from gutar fanitic to a lover of fusion.

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH ON FIRE!.......2006-03-28

With the release of Floating World Live, as of 2006 there were four CDs on the market -- two studio and two live discs -- representing the peak of Soft Machine's "guitar fusion" years. Bundles and Softs (studio) and Floating World Live and British Tour '75 (live) are all recommended to anyone for whom jazz-rock fusion doesn't cause a breakout in hives, with the live discs capturing inspired performances and having an edge over the studio efforts. The expertly recorded Floating World is clear evidence that Allan Holdsworth was just what Soft Machine needed in the mid-'70s. By the time this live German show had been (partially) captured by Radio Bremen in January 1975, Holdsworth had been with the band for slightly over a year, and the Softs had already recorded Bundles with him. This is a killer live set, and Holdsworth's lightning-fast scalar runs, wide-interval leaps, and expressive note-bending over the band's vamps and composer Karl Jenkins' chordal changes -- not to mention his prominent positioning in the mix -- make Floating World a must-hear for any fans of the blurry-fingered axeman. He plays a touch of beautiful violin as well. No wonder jaws were dropping all around -- and apparently including the jaws of his bandmates, for Floating World sounds rather less like the work of a fully collaborative band and more like a live date by a guitarist-led fusion outfit than the British Tour '75 recording from later that same year after John Etheridge had joined the group following Holdsworth's departure. The flow of the overall Floating World set is at least partially to blame for any slight comparative shortcomings, particularly during the first half but redeemed by some inspired playing from all quarters at the conclusion. The group seems to have barely gotten underway when Roy Babbington's bass solo, "Ealing Comedy," makes an appearance; it's a great showcase including some Canterbury-esque fuzz in the mold of the pioneering Hugh Hopper, but its placement so soon in the proceedings somewhat derails the initial momentum of "Bundles" and "Land of the Bag Snake." And midway through, it doesn't help that "Hazard Profile," the Jenkins multi-part composition that would soon introduce Holdsworth to flabbergasted listeners upon the release of Bundles, fades out after less than five minutes -- that's where the radio station placed its commercial break. (Curious listeners are encouraged to check out the BBC Radio 1971-1974 compilation, which presents a broadcast version of the complete "Hazard Profile, Pts. 1-4" from June of 1974.) Both the Floating World and British Tour CDs feature solo Mike Ratledge synthesizer and John Marshall drum'n'gong interludes -- here respectively named "North Point" (a version of which is also on BBC Radio 1971-1974 from the June 1974 broadcast) and "J.S.M." -- but on this disc they further tilt the balance away from the full-band music and contribute to the feeling that Soft Machine had become a vehicle for solo statements with Holdsworth leading the way. Still, this is a vital document proving that the Softs were capable of some truly magnificent music during the mid-'70s -- and they were still evolving, testing the waters in live performance on a funked-up jam like "Riff III" that would later develop into "Ban-Ban Caliban" after Holdsworth bailed and Etheridge climbed aboard. Floating World Live reveals Soft Machine caught up in the excitement of a new direction thanks to an extraordinary guitarist, but not quite realizing their full potential as a collective. Nevertheless, appreciate Holdsworth for the shot in the arm he provided -- and also for suggesting Etheridge as his replacement. The new direction heard here would continue and Soft Machine would experience a final peak -- as demonstrated on British Tour '75 and to a lesser extent Softs -- before dissolution and mediocrity truly began setting in.
~ Dave Lynch, All Music Guide

(Not) Your Standard Spike Jones Collection

Average customer rating:

Great set of wartime rarities
Cure for the Blues
Standard Transcription Collection

(Not) Your Standard Spike Jones Collection
Spike Jones
Manufacturer: Collector's Choice
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Strictly for Music Lovers
Spike Jones - Greatest Hits
Fonk
Spiked!: The Music of Spike Jones
The Spike Jones Story

ASIN: B00007JR3K
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Album Description

Holiday blues comin' on? Well, put a spike in `em! Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet—79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Great set of wartime rarities.......2003-05-14

Spike Jones was the king of the novelty song performers, with hits like "Der Fuehrer's Face" and the parody version of "Sheik of Araby" becoming huge hits during World War II. This is a swell 3-CD set, gathering a full eighty-one of Jones' best tracks from his 1940s heyday, drawn from an extensive archive of radio broadcasts made for the Standard Transcription service. The tightness of his City Slickers band is amply demonstrated in these manic, kookily orchestrated performances. Toots, squonks, blatts and bleats whiz by at lightning speed, as one daffy song after another will delight devoted fans. Amazingly, Jones had the unusual, almost unique ability to perform a repertoire almost entirely made up of comedic material, and yet still be quite listenable and engaging. His jazz chops were hardly in question, and from time to time Jones would dash off a non-novelty ballad or two, just to give the rubes something to think about. Of course, just as often he would perform a song that *sounded* like a straight ballad, but would turn out to be another goof. (One great example of this is the sultry "Serenade To A Jerk," sung in slinky, burlesque tones by Myrtle Horwin.) This collection may seem a little overwhelming, but like his studio recordings, these radio performances have a certain brilliance and joie de vivre about them that will leave you enchanted. Definitely worth checking out!

Cure for the Blues.......2003-04-25

Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet-79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.

Standard Transcription Collection.......2003-04-12

This collection has remastered material from the large stack of Standard Transcription discs from the early 1940's. There are many songs not recorded on RCA, many on the theme of wartime ("48 Reasons Why"), and the quality is excellent. The packaging is threadbare but this is an essential CD package for true music lovers.

Average customer rating:

The best alboum
Enjoyable
A Great Soundtrack
love it
A great television score!

Andromeda
Matthew McCauley , and Alex Lifeson
Manufacturer: Gnp Crescendo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Andromeda - Season 5 Collection
Stargate: Atlantis [TV Soundtrack]
Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda: Paradise Drift: Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda Book #6 (Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda)
Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda: Destruction of Illusions (Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda)
Andromeda - Season 2 Collection

ASIN: B000062RBH
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

Season 1 Main Title (March Of The High Guard) - Alex Lifeson
High Guard Theme (Season 2 Main Title)
Andromeda Ascendant
Dylan Hunt
Cyber World
Earthly Emotions
Man And Machine
Beka Valentine
The Rev Bem Wayist Theme
Slipstream/Tyr Anasazi
Nietzschean Attack
Deepest Space
Dangerous Maneuvers
The Magog
Epitaph
Strange Beauty
Trance Gemini
Exotic Worlds
Sara
Mad Pursuit
Villains
Battle Stations
Rommie's Love
Rhade's Lament
Season 2 Main Title (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

The best alboum .......2007-07-26

Gene Eoddenberry's Andromeda is sirie and OST is the best and took that why is my favorite soundtrack from faverite scifi sirie

Enjoyable.......2005-08-23

If you like TV/movie soundtracks, and Andromeda, you should like this. Good Andromeda music, also contains the two different opening themes. (Remember, it is a TV soundtrack so it contains synthesized music.) I enjoy listening to it, and can have it playing in the background at work too without it being bothersome.

A Great Soundtrack.......2005-02-01

The soundtrack to Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda is one of the best sci-fi soundtracks to come out in quite a while. I found the music exciting, interesting and intriguing, and on several tracks simply exhilarating; composer Matthew McCauley really does take you on a musical roller-coaster, from the stately High Guard Theme to Dylan's theme to Trance's and Beka's themes to the Nietzschean Attack theme. McCauley musically explores each character, underscoring and enhancing their unique personality. The album has kind of a New Age-ish sound to it on several tracks which gives it a mysterious ethereal quality. A great score for a great series. Composer Matthew McCauley certainly knows his stuff. This is just great music whether or not you're a fan of the show!

love it.......2003-08-08

Great presentation of soundtrack. Interesting instrumentals for even those who are not familiar with the show. I listen to it practically all the time!

A great television score!.......2002-03-27

First off, this is a television soundtrack, not a movie soundtrack-- many of the "instruments" are synthesized. Okay, that aside, this is a great album! It's been a long time since I've heard so many different character themes on a tv soundtrack. From the Heroic "Dylan Hunt", to the brooding "Rev Bem and Magog" music, to the outright ominious "Neitzscheans" themes, this album is a winner. It's nice that the producers also included Alex Lifeson's "March of the High Guard" theme from season 1, which is regrettably no longer used on the show. The music on this album takes you on a emotional roller coaster-- from mysterious, to brooding, to heroic and back again. High recommended for fans of both scores and the television series alike!

Average customer rating:

Not to be missed!!!
Great year one compilation
An Excellent CD
Fantastic Future Score
Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!

Space: 1999 Year 1

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Space: 1999 Eternity Unbound
Space: 1999 Survival
Battlestar Galactica
SPACE: 1999 The Forsaken
Thunderbirds

ASIN: B0006UEVQS
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Space: 1999, Main Titles
Breakaway
War Games
Matter Of Life And Death
Space: 1999, End Titles (Alternate Version)
The Infernal Machine
Force Of Life
Ring Around The Moon
Black Sun
Mission Of The Darians
The Troubled Spirit
Space: 1999, Main Theme (Extended Alternative Version)
The Testament Of Arkadia
Another Time, Another Place
Space: 1999, End Titles

Customer Reviews:

Not to be missed!!!.......2007-04-30

This CD is simply excellent! Anybody who ever cared for TV soundtracks should give it a chance. The only better thing is Barry Gray's music for "UFO" TV series, which has been promised from Silva Screen (and has been published by "Fanderson" and since sould out). So, whatever somebody think of the series, this music will not fail to delight. Impressive and nostalgic, mysterious and enthralling, this music really deserves to be heard by everybody.

Great year one compilation.......2007-01-09

This remastered version of Space:1999 year one or series one sounds excellent. It is very clear and you can better appreciate Barry Gray wonderful job.

If you are Space:1999 fan, it is a must have.

An Excellent CD.......2006-07-27

Talk about bringing back memories. The music is crisp-clear & updated. For the 1999 fans-this is a must have.

Fantastic Future Score.......2005-04-01

Space:1999 - the series - may be one of the most controversial SF shows ever. People either love it, or they hate it... there seems to be little middle ground. As a kid I was thrilled with the series, although even then I could see the weaknesses in science, story, and characterization. But from a purely visual and aural standpoint, the first series rarely disappointed.

Especially when it came to the music. As many fans know, Barry Gray scored only 4 episodes - the rest being rounded out by reusing his cues for those episodes, plus liberal doses of library music. This disc gives a good overview of the magnificent music written specifically for the series, as well as a sampling of some of those library cues. As a previous reviewer said, the ultimate soundtrack to the series was released several years ago by the Fanderson organization ( which one had to join as a member to be able to order ) and is sadly out of print. Copies can be found on the internet, often selling for prohibitive prices. Unless you are a diehard collector, willing to shell out a good sized portion of your paycheck, this single disc is the way to go.

Sound quality is superb, and in some cases surpasses the previously mentioned two disc set, as several of the tracks have been remastered to remove wow, flutter, and distortion that could be heard on the Fanderson set. The main title was remixed to make it truer to the on-screen version, and the tracks from the episode "Black Sun" are in stereo on CD here for the first time ever. The previous release featured the episode's complete score, but only as a monophonic version, as many of the multitrack masters for that particular episode have been lost. For that alone, this disc is worth owning, even if you have the Fanderson set.

However, it is Gray's music that is the true reason to own this soundtrack - regardless of your feelings about the series. Full bodied, sweeping, emotional and grand... not at all your typical seventies television soundtrack. Years before John Williams revived the popularity of orchestral scores for science fiction projects, Barry Gray was filling small screen speakers with epic music that would have sounded perfectly at home in a motion picture theatre.

Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!.......2005-03-09

I give this soundtrack 5 stars only because the soundtrack is awesome, but if you want a more complete compilation, you need to find the Fanderson version.
The year 1 music definately set the tone for the TV show back in 1975. It gave it beautiful character and feeling for the show. It was ashame that for the second year that they had changed so much (even the music) and lost that character and feeling (but that is a whole other debate).
In 1976, RCA records released the year 1 soundtrack with a beautiful gate fold cover and for about 20+ years, that is all we had, until Fanderson. The year 1 soundtrack is no longer available through them, but it is the most complete. This CD, however, does well to capture the feeling of year 1 and does throw an additional track for you sun bathers out there. It is a nice 30 year anniversary gift to myself. Happy 30th Birthday: SPACE 1999!!!

Average customer rating:

World Machine
Level 42
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Eye in the Sky

ASIN: B000JLQMCU
Release Date: 2007-02-12

Tracks:

World Machine
Physical Presence
Something About You
Leaving Me Now
I Sleep on My Heart
It's Not the Same for Us
Dream Crazy
Good Man in a Storm
Coup d'Etat
Living Still

Tracks:

World Machine [Live][#][*]
Leaving Me Now [Live][#][*]
Something About You [Live][#][*]
Coup d'Etat [Backwards Mix][*]
Something About You [Shep Pettibone Mix][*]
I Sleep on My Heart [Live][*]
Dream Crazy [Live][*]
Lying Still [Live][*]
Physical Presence [Live][*]
Leaving Me Now [Live][*]
World Machine [Phunk Investigation Club Mix][*]

Album Description

2007 digitally remastered and expanded two CD Deluxe Edition of the band's 1985 commercial breakthrough features a bonus disc. Disc One contains the original album's 10 tracks which includes the band's worldwide hit 'Something About You'. Disc Two features an additional 11 tracks including three BBC recordings, five live performances and three remixes. 21 tracks total. Polydor.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate 80's album.
Free Yourself With Level 42
Level show their colors and conquer the world
They were the best
The best of the best - if you even LIKE brit funk or level42

True Colours/World Machine
Level 42
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Running in the Family/Staring at the Sun
Level 42/The Early Tapes
Influences
Level 42
Retroglide

ASIN: B00004WGYM
Release Date: 2000-08-28

Tracks:

The Chant Has Begun
Kansas City Milkman
Seven Days
Hot Water
A Floating Life
True Believers
My Hero
Kouyate
Hours By The Window
The Chant Has Begun (Powermix)
A Floating Life (Demo)
Seven Days (Demo)
Hours By The Window (Demo)
Free Yourself (Unused Demo)
Hot Water (Mastermix)

Tracks:

World Machine
Physical Presence
Something About You
Leaving Me Now
I Sleep On My Heart
It's Not The Same For Us
Dream Crazy
Good Man In A Storm
Coup D'Etat
Lying Still
I Sleep On My Heart
World Machine
Something About You

Album Description

Two albums on one CD for the UK pop/r&b act, 'True Colours'(1983) and 'World Machine' (1985). Includes nine bonus tracks, 'The Chant Has Begun', demo for 'A Floating Life', '7 Days' (demo), 'Hours By The Window' (demo), 'Free Yourself' (unused demo), 'Hot Water' (Master Mix), 'I Sleep On My Heart'(12' Mix), 'World Machine' (US Remix II) and 'Something About You' (12' Salsa Mix). Digitally remastered. 2000 release.Double slimline jewel case.

Album Details

Two Newly Remastered Albums Now Available on One CD with a Bonus Track.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate 80's album........2006-05-01

This CD is what you think of when you think of great, fun 80's music. Level 42 epitomized the sound of that era, with their catchy, pop hooks. "Something About You" is a personal fave & I'm sure a lot of people like this one too. It just makes you feel good to listen to it & think back to what was going on in your life at that time & what was happening musically. I'd recommend this CD to any lover of 80's pop sounds. To the ones that remember this group originally, it will be fun to reminisce & to new fans, you'll get a taste of what terrific music came out of that time period.

Free Yourself With Level 42.......2005-05-15

This twofer of Level 42's fifth and sixth albums presents the band deep in a transitionary period,not that they were shy about exposing their transitionary periods as the years went on.Both 1984's 'True Colours' and 1985's blockbuster album 'World Machine' represent significant musical changes for the band.By this time Level 42 had adbandoned their long held tradition of electric bass heavy jazz-funk instrumentals in favor of more cleverly crafted songs.Using newfound elements of Afro-Latin percussion and modalities embellish tunes such as "The Chant As Begun" and the dynamic "Kouyate",while the latter sports a very intruiging melody."Kansas City Milkman","A Floating Life" and "Seven Days" have a gentle R&B delicacy that finds them moving headlong toward a new sound.In the meantime the pulsing "Hot Water" and "True Believers" still have the old funkiness to them.
Now 'World Machine is altogether different.The title cut alone opens with the percussive title cut but like much of the rest of the album is far slicker then any of Level 42's previous music.The haphazard American version of this CD contains songs from both these albums but this original mix makes alot more sense.The tracks left off the US version such as the wonderfully rhythmic "I Sleep On My Heart","Dream Crazy" and "Coup D'Etat" are this albums main linkage of the bands classic sound with their funky rhythms and bass lines."Something About You",their big radio hit for which they will be remembered in the US most is the obvious culmination of the bands previous developement.And from here on Level 42 would aim not for the funk clubs but the pop charts.
As for the bonuses the skeletal funk of "Free Yourself" on Disk 1 is the most impressive there.On the next disk the extended sisa mix of "Something About You" is far funkier and more instrumental then the hit.One thing this set did is forever change my opinion of 'World Machine',the US version of which led me to believe the band had turned into total sell outs.The version heard here is mixed and arranged more in context with their vision and sounds far more like a genuine album.Heard in this manner both of these albums sound alot more coherant and purpuseful then they did apart and as an important point of departure for this foursome who were already going down this path before but never made it this far.And by the second CD presented here they did.

Level show their colors and conquer the world.......2004-01-22

By C.S.

The double disc combo of "True Colours" and "World Machine" mark a period of independence and re-assessment for the four piece Brit group.
Seeking to create their own masterpiece without the aid of high profile producers Larry Dunn and Verdine White of Earth, Wind, And Fire fame on "Standing In The Light", the material on 'True Colours is a hybrid of dark tones and hard synth funk . The idea of using tactics similar to that on "Standing" while still simultaneously playing in a loose and improvisational fashion proves to be a difficult juggling act

The two hit singles off the album "Hot Water" and "The Chant Has Begun" which were later released on the North American version of "World Machine" some two years later,blunt some of the excitement in the early listening stages.

However,when the band strike they strike brilliantly with tracks such as "Kansas City Milkman" with it's wicked bass and synth effect,"My Hero" where King carries the tune with his virtuoso slap bass .Even at their best the band's opprtunities to play more freely are minimal with Boon Gould's screaming guitar solo at the intro of "True Believers" being a being a prime example along with the a collective jam session at the bridge of "A Floating Life".
Interstingly enough,on the demo version of the song which is one of six bonus tracks included on the re- mastered version of this album, King's bass line is extemely heavy and as are Gould's drums and suggests in a strong manner that the studio polish took a little off a bit of the rough and raw edges displayed here
> The slower material on "True" give the album some much needed validity.
"Hours By The Window" features King masterfully using the combination of warm bass and high- pitched tones that sound guitar- like over a dark and somber backing track, while Lindup marries the modern synth with standard piano work on "Seven Years" . High pitched tribal tones mixed with a loud sax solo fuel the mid- tempo paced "Kouyate", which assists in covering up some tatical mistakes made on "True Colours".
Though the loose and fronetic funk is somewhat absent here versus prior releases,the overall picture reveals "True Colours" to be a pretty solid if not perfect record, thus the three and a half stars.
When it came time to go back to the drawing board to record "World Machine" there was no question the group wanted to seize the commercial market- a move that rendered short term benefits, but helped to facilitate long-term creative conflicts and the departure of the Gould brothers after the "Running In The Family" campaign ended in 1988.
Nevertheless "World Machine" broke into more markets (particularly North America) than any of their previous albums chiefly off the success of the singles "Something About You" and Leaving Me Now".
In assessing the remaining material on the record,the band employ some Moog bass to add some bulk to King 's standard playing on the title track and open the sound-waves with an ambience on "A Physical Presence" featuring Boon Gould's flamingo like guitar tones and a clarity due to the open -air technique that allows Phil Gould's drums to breathe versus the tight technique used on "True Colors" that deadened the harmonics and depleted the heaviness.
This back to basics approach sprinkled with Level flair works masterfully on the funky "Good Man In A Storm" where Lindup swwops in with a soaring synth and King drops in with the four string kryptonite, and offers a lounge chair live quality on the slow to mid- tempo "Lying Still". The buildup allows Gould to shine with an array of cymbal crashes, drum rolls and snare drum pops that melt deliciously on Lindup's keys.
"I Sleep On My Heart" particularly the remixed version, stands quite tall amongst the trees as Boon turns the amps up a couple of channels with a ear shattering guitar solo against the arsenal of punchy effects, heavy bass lines and heavy hitting drums.
In the concious pursuit of financial freedom that was the making of "World Machine (though it wasnt literally that concious)there will be pain and suffering. Tracks like "Coup D' Etat",It's Not The Same For Us",and the Dream Crazy" are weakened versions of the aformentioned strong tracks and help draw the final conclusion in rating "World Machine" a four star record, but only by the narrowest of margins.
As a result the "True Colours / World Machine" collection has enough quality material to recieve four stars.

C.S.
1-27-04

They were the best.......2000-12-24

I discovered Level 42 in 1986 with the single Lessons In Love. I was stunned with the music from the early Jazzfunk to the catchy popsongs in the second half of the eighties. The album True Colours was White Funk of a different class. World Machine has been the turning point for them in commercial way. They deserved it. In 1991 I saw a Level 42 concert in Amsterdam, what a quality of live music. They were the best.

The best of the best - if you even LIKE brit funk or level42.......2000-12-15

Then this is a MUST HAVE

2 of their best albumns for a low price and remastered to boot!

True colors sports the bands best lyrical albumn and world machine thier most popular (barring RITF)

Tracks:

Something About You
World Machine
Physical Presence
Leaving Me Now
Hot Water
It's Not the Same for Us
Dream Crazy
Good Man in A Storm
Coup D'etat
Lying Still

Album Details

Contains Three Bonus Tracks Not on USA Version.i Sleep on My Heart, Coup D'Etat and Dream Crazy.

Customer Reviews:

World Machine Level 42.......2007-05-31

Level 42.......2004-12-12

One GREAT Little Song!.......2004-10-29

Pop Sensibilities, Jazz-Funk Musicianship.......2004-05-23

Other highlights include the pretty yet melancholy "Leaving Me Now", featuring Mike Lindup's beautiful piano work, and the title track "World Machine", a club-friendly dance number.

Cranking out a solid mix of styles.......2003-03-30

But the star instrumentalist here is drummer Phil Gould, whose elegant balance of snare and toms and hi-hat cymbals is almost as much a symbol of classic L42 as King's bass.