Customer Reviews

One Man

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mark King, former frontman and bass player for Britfunk masters, Level 42, steps in a new direction with his second solo album. Some may feel the album was a little too "AC," but I disagree. The single "Bitter Moon" is fantastic and should have seen more airplay. The album is a great collage of styles and sounds, but you never forget this is Mark King. Unlike his first solo album, which contained nearly all of the members of Level 42, this truly is a glimpse into King's diversity. While considered one of the World's greatest bass players (nicknamed Thunderthumbs) his bass is more subdued and the vocals take center stage. King has always had a great voice and the songs give you an opportunity to enjoy it. A perfect addition to this album is Trash, which King released himself. A must for the Level 42 fan, and a great sleeper album for the masses.

I have been a Level 42 fan since I was 15. Nine years later, and having gone through several different musical phases (goth, metal, alternative, drum & bass - you name it), for some reason there has never been anything better than Level 42's music. Even when I was really trying to be cool (!), I still found myself going back to Level 42 long after I tired of everything else. I am still playing their music and over the last couple of months have practically worn `One Man' out.

For me, the high points of Level 42's discography are not just their greatest hits, but songs like `Two Solitudes', `Out of sight, out of mind', and `Floating life.' `One Man' has the best of all these songs - the harmonies, melodies, keyboards, guitars, everything - and much more. Among the best songs are `Bitter Moon', `Resupply', and `Swimming with the sky.' `Love Wars' far outshines anything I have ever heard. However, there is one absolutely terrible track: `Pamela'. Mark King, where did that come from?!

Well, just skip that one and play the rest to death. I can't wait to hear Mark King's next album and wish he would do a tour... I have never had the opportunity to see him live and would just love to.

PS Does anybody know where Mike Lindup is?

...or more accurately, the ghost of Mike Lindup. This is a new-style Level 42 without Mike in the background. However his voice still seems to drift in at times where Mark has obviously made an effort to retain the Level 42 style. I'm not saying it's bad - hell, I still wish Level 42 were pumping out the hits - but it would be nice to concentrate on Mark alone. Not once in the album does he show off his bassist skills; Nothing like the start of "Love Games", etc. In fact, the bass seems to be subordinate to the keyboards, and most of the time sounds like a sequenced bass track played by a keyboard. In saying that, he sure knows how to write and produce catchy songs. This album is otherwise brilliant, and any of you who like me were skeptical of a solo being good need not worry about it. Mark is as brilliant as ever in this album. And of course, if you're a keyboard freak like me, the arrangements will grab your attention as always.

I have followed Level 42 since the earliest days when i travelled all over the South East of England splashing out my grant money on their live gigs.The first time i saw them was in Hammersmith. Mark came charging on to the stage playing really fast totally amazing base, this really had to be seen to be believed. I remember looking at the person standing next to me, completely transfixed with his mouth wide open. Everybody who saw them wanted to see them again and again and buy everything they ever did. Everybody wanted better music systems and larger more powerful speakers so as to burn Mark's base more into the brain. Twenty years later i feel just as good about their music and Mark continues to show with this album just how far his God given talent has come. The tracks 'One Man','love Wars'and 'Bitter Moon'are as good as anything i've heard. Mark doesn't need to slap base at a million miles per hour to stay great, he is much more versatile than that, he is a prolific song writer and will continue to write terrific music.BUY IT.

If you are used to typical Level 42 music, then you know their Bassist, Mark King, is a bit......hyperactive. One Man, Mark's first solo effort following the split up of Level 42 is a collection of flowing, melodic songs in which Mark show's more of his composing capability and less of his million mile an hour bass playing. The Bass Lines are truly beautiful and the album in entirety is a must have for any Level 42 fan. If you are not a Level 42 fan, give it a shot, you might like what you hear.

It is true that Mark King's customery slap Bass playing is almost non existant on this CD, but when you have enjoyed the superb songs, stunning vocal melodies and harmonies, outstanding musicianship and beautiful 'ordinary' Bass playing you remember that there always was more to Mr King than just that legendary thumb of his! Respect is very much due.

GIG REVIEW 16 November 1999 - Mark King Live

Just got back from Ronnie Scotts in Birmingham, having seen a most awsome gig. Mark and the band are on great form - the enjoyment on the audiences faces and their entheustic response to the songs said it all. The band are tight without any 'over-rehearsed' feel, and some of the harmoney vocals are outstanding. Marks playing and singing are as wonderful as they ever were, and the mixture of Level42 and solo material was pretty much perfect. Many of the Level42 live arrangements have been tweeked just a bit and they add a little extra excitement to the versions I remember so well from the Level42 gigs I saw over the years. Highlights: 1 - The final 'medly' which included mind blowing renditions of Hot Water (Gary Husbands drumming was breath taking) and Chinese Way. 2 - Kansas City Milkman: It was always one of the best Level42 songs for me, and judging by the audience reaction to its introduction I am not alone - I suppose you just had to be there! I hope that Mark and the band do some more gigs next year. To see this stuff in smaller venues is really good for the soul! Go see it!

Mark King's "One Man" is a great album that you will surely enjoy listening. Considered one of the world's best bassist, Mark King drops his famous "slapping" technique for a more "adult" sound. Former LFT guitarist Boon contributes to his album. Of the following tracks "Bitter Moon" and "One Man" are well written songs. A great addition to anyone's collection.

I am a big Level 42 fan, but I really hated Mark's first Solo disk (Influences). So, I was afraid to get my hopes up for this one. I'm happily surprised. Mark has switched to a Fender bass and has droppped a lot of the pyrotechnics, he just plays a solid groove on this disk. His songs are good and the performances all work, this is a very good disk. Real smooth sounds coming out of my stereo, I like it! I want more!

Mark King is in great form on this recording. Mark's distinctive voice is more polished than ever. Sweet harmonies and some brilliant tunes. Good to see him back, and a US tour would certainly top it off!

Se existe algo em que possa dizer sobre uma criação da humanidade que valha a pena , colocaria na lista Mark King.
Sua voz não é simplesmente boa , é maravilhosa.
Por favor Mark! Venha ao Brasil, meu segundo sonho seria estar em um show seu e o primeiro já se realizou com One Man.
Eu simplesmente recomendo!!