Because we are dedicated to honest customer opinions A Physical Presence (Level 42) (Audio CD), we have also included Amazon's customer reviews for this item (of which 5 are displayed below). Amazon customers have given A Physical Presence (Level 42) an average rating of 5.0/5.
Top Amazon Review
Fantastic gig. Not only is this one of the best level 42 albums there is, but it is one of the best live albums by anyone ever.
Compiled from three gigs recorded in 1985, the way its put together sounds like one, so you get the feeling you are at the gig.
The whole thing gives a totally accurate impression of a level 42 gig, and you get swept up by the atmosphere which is incredible since this is only audio.
The band here are on top top form, and as this is the original line up, you get the lightness of touch of Boon's guitar, and the inventive drumming from Phil that perfectly complements the meaty bass playing from Mark King and the wonderfully melodic keyboards with that nice fender Rhodes warm tone from Mike.
After this album Level 42 would become more commercial, but this set serves as a coda to their previous work and the album tracks and singles here are played with precision and care, highlighting just what a group of impeccable musicians they were.
I can't help wishing that Level 42 hadn't actually acheived the subsequent success that they did as then perhaps we may have had more music from them in the same vein as their earlier stuff, but there, it was the 1980's after all,
Highlight tracks are Foundation and Empire, (previously a rare B side to Starchild,) Kansas City Milkman, Mr Pink, (which blows the album version from The Early Tapes into the weeds) and the wonderful Follow Me. This track was remixed and released as a 33rpm EP, (i have a copy) and why it wasn't a huge hit i will never know. Its awesome, and one of the best tracks they ever did.
I always loved the Level 42 instrumentals and thought it a shame they were abandoned from studio albums after 1983 as it adds a different dimension and a break from the vocals, but here you get a few, and what crackers they are.
Buy it.
Customer Review 1
Mindblowing !. 5 stars only because there`s no 6 or 7. This is Level 42 the way they should be heard, raw ,live and utterly uncommercial. Unfortunately not the way things remained however. Close your eyes and imagine you were there in`85. I have been to many live shows from about `88 on but never experienced them quite like this. Words cannot desribe how good this album really is, after 15 years listening it still gets played over and over. Stunning ,brilliant,mindblowing ! Go on, treat yourself to the best live album of all time.
Customer Review 2
Big thumbs-up. Sorry for the pun.
Level 42 have done some cracking stuff over the years. They've also done some beautifully-produced and brilliantly-played dross. This album offers none of that. It show-cases a band at their peak, delivering extraordinarily tight, funky tunes. No dross, no filler, no fluffy dice.
If you have to have just one album by this band, go the extra mile and get this, rather than "Running In The Family" or somesuch.
Customer Review 3
Just as good as being there {and i was}. Fantastic, i was at the Coronet in Woolwich in April 1985 when they recorded this, what a night.From the banging Allmost There to Love Games and Hot Water i remember it all like yesterday i brought the original on LP when it came out and decided to get the remastered version and what a treat beleive me you will not be let down it makes you feel you are there.Get it now the best thing the Isle Of Wight boys ever did.
Customer Review 4
The best Level album by far!. I'm a life long fan of Level 42, I think this is the best record they ever put out. Because the group are showcasing what they did best -live shows.The instrumental performances are fantastic as is the set list. Theoriginal and best group line up and live sound. A must perchase for die hard fans or youngsters wanting to get taste of what the Level are/were really about.
