Customer Reviews

Physical Presence

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before "Something About You" and other Level 42 "Hits" that received pop radio airplay, there was the A Physical Presence. Largely underated and greatly under-appreciated, this double albums shows Level 42 at their finest. This incredible, energy-filled live performance will impress anyone who appreciates true musicianship and talent. Those who like Dave Matthews Band and similar bands that are better live should partake in this performance. Mark King's funk-driven slap bass merged with the intricate rhythms of the brothers Gould are truly awe-inspiring. You will not be able to keep your feet, hands and head from moving as you are pulled into the show. Rarely do live performances keep such consistent energy, passion and quality as this album. A true five-star, must-own, performance that is constantly in my CD player. If you buy ANY Level 42, buy this.

If you are reading this, you already know how great this band was, and I will not repeat what you have read from others. What I can tell you is that this is a long awaited treat. It was released originally on vinyl and then came a cd version that did not contain all the tracks from the vinyl. This one does !

This is one of the most spectacular albums recorded live I have ever heard (Frampton comes alive is another, Erykah Badu live is another). I have had the privilege of seeing these blokes perform live three times and this is still better than any of the performances I attended... Like Mark King says at the beginning of "The chant has begun", You're gonna sit...

The album was recorded in 1985, but the music doesn't have a single wrinkle. Besides, songs like "Kansas city milkman", "Hotwater", or "Almost there" are even better than the studio version, which says a lot. You'll also find rareties ("88", "Mr. Pink", or the long bass solo on "Love games") that make this album unique and indispensable in your collection. A great example of superb jazz-funk made by Brits. You'll love it if you like the music of Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.

What a fabulous live album by a criminally under-recognised band. Most of those reading reviews here are probably already contemplating purchasing the disc. Don't hesitate. It's worth every penny. This is an awesome testament to what a great and talented band Level 42 were. What a shame I never saw them perform live. These guys absolutely tear it up!

If there were 6 stars available for a rating, I'd give it to Level 42 and "A Physical Presence". Although I am a bit biased being a huge and long time fan of the band, there is still no denying that this live performance is as "tight" as a band can be in a live performance.

Make no mistake, this is where Level 42 shines. Their recordings made you a fan, but their live performances make you a devotee. If you ever wanted to hear near perfection through every facet of a performance, this is the CD for you.

My advice - Listen to this with some decent headphones and you'll hear a modern symphony that will amaze you every time.

I owned this as a cassette tape (yes remember them) back in 85 when it came out and played it so much I wore it out. I was a Level 42 fan from the beginning. This marks (no pun intended) the pinnacle of Level 42's career for me. Yes they went on to achieve greater commercial success, but nothing ever came close to this - the original line up at their young, energetic, live, funky best. I saw them play twice live after this concert - but they were into playing their radio friendly pop songs by then - and I did not see anything even close to the caliber of the extended jams you get to hear on this. I'm pleased they have added back the 3 tracks that were missing from the original CD release (the instrumental jams were the original highlights!). So pleased to have rediscovered this gem 25 years later. This is what got me into the bass guitar - and this is how I want to remember them.

I was really thrilled to find this album on CD. I have it on LP and had no hesitation buying it again in a new format. It is an excellent album and I particularly enjoy Mark King's bass playing.

I think this is the best Level 42 CD the band recorded live and just happens to be their first. Released in 1985, the tracks are from their earlier albums, but all excellent material and well done.

This live recording of some of their best songs ranks in at #2 on my "favorite live albums list". There isn't one bad song on this album. This album is why I wanted to play the bass so bad at a young age. On the intro of "Love Games", Mark King does an all out bass solo with the help of Mike Lindup on keyboards and just shreds. After hearing the whole album including that solo, my jaw hit the floor I was speechless! One thing I do enjoy about Level 42 is that they improvise when they play live as opposed to what they do originally in the studio. Even if you don't know who they are and you're a bass player, do yourself a favor and grab this CD. It's a must have!!

If you like any kind of jazz at all, you will simply love this! Level 42 mixed jazz with rock and funk and came up with a sound no other band can lay claim to. Live albums were not always desirable due to poor sound quality. That cannot be said of this two cd collection of early recordings and songs that were starting to make Level 42 into a pop sensation as well. This music pumps you up and makes you feel good. The muscianship this band displayed has been greatly underrated. You would be hard pressed to find a better group of muscians and songcrafters. It is also worth mentioning that these guys were quite young and sound like they had been playing together for twenty years. This is one of those great roadtrip cd's. There is not a bad song in the bunch and you can just get in your car, turn up the stereo, and drive. Mark King, who sings the lead vocals and plays bass is recognized as one of the best bass players of all time for his percussive, slap style of playing. I highly recommend this cd.