I have very fond memories of listening to the CD of this album when it was released. My university studies were on hold during the summer of 1994 and I spent a good deal of time reading books with the sound of this album floating on the breeze.
When I learned there was to finally be a vinyl release in 2021 I was eager to put my money down. This version is a black and silver marbled 180g pressing released by Music On Vinyl. There have been some revisions to the track listing for this album over the years, but this LP remains consistent with the original CD release.
Much like the previous album, proceedings begin with a big, brash and literally brassy single in the form of the title track. I have always enjoyed this song, and it is great to hear Phil's distinctive drum sound once again. The second song "Model Friend" offers a good contrast to the opening with its rasping harmonica, but there is still room for the subtleties of Miles Bould's percussion to emerge.
Personally I have always liked "Tired of Waiting" as it floats along with a really catchy tune and features some brilliant percussion work. Much to my joy there isn't a trace of Yamaha DX7 E.PIANO 1 on these tracks and I suspect this is, in part, due to the influence of producer Steve Anderson who brought a distinctive and contemporary feel. There's no better example of this more up to date sound than "All Over You" which uses a sequencer and quite a few synth sounds to augment the natural funkiness of the band.
One of the best songs on this record, hell one of the best songs the band have ever recorded, is "Love in a peaceful World". There's something truly magical about this composition and its execution is perfect - if you listen to nothing else on this album, at lest give this a try. Side one rounds out with "Romance" in which Mike rolls out his Rhodes piano and Phil gives a brilliant laconic performance on the drums. Mike's vocal in the chorus is really catchy and the string arrangement adds that final touch.
Things get a bit funkier on the flip side as Mark's traditional slap bass emerges once again on "Billy's Gone" and is accompanied by a great vocal performance. "One In A Million" is a sentimental ballad with a shuffle rhythm that is another highlight of the record. Things return to a more traditional Level 42 funk sound with "Sunbed Song" but I feel like the band are having more fun playing it than I am having listening to it. And yes, that does sound like DX7 organ but I'm trying to ignore it. Things slow down for "Talking in your Sleep" which plods along a bit disappointingly. The record closes with the country tinged "Don't Bother Me" which sounds a bit like the chorus is bolted on from another song, but I can forgive its slightly incongruous nature. 4/5
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