I've been a big fan of Level 42 from the very beginning when their first Poly release "Love Meeting Love" was the power play on Radio Luxembourg (the power play was a song that would be played after the news every hour for the whole nights broadcast) this was back in early Aug 1980, I bought that 12inch single and every Level 42 12inch single release up to 87. then got married and my vinyl buys days came to an abrupt end, still have all of those singles and posted them on my channel, and still married to the same woman....
Today, we're on such opposing ends of the spectrum... artists now have a lot more leverage over their own work, but lack that mainstream watering hole (radio play) to get their work heard. There seems to have to be a cult following first to build a reputation, rather than record companies getting it out there for the artist to the largest audience possible. There's always that pro & con of every system of doing things. Thank God we got to hear & know Level 42, though. They're probably my favorite band overall of all time. I could listen to them for hours, days, months, years & ALWAYS be enthralled & inspired!
Love this interview so much. I always wondered about the breakup. Was also quite annoyed when I picked up a greatest hits CD and it didn't even have the Gould Brothers in the photo. World Machine is a better album than the greatest hits to be honest. I also loved their 42 album with Love Games and many other great songs.
Phil wanted the band to stick to its raw funk roots. Going pop made him cringe a bit, and i understand him somewhat. He is one of the most underrated drummers of all time and his pocket groove was the tightest you could get. His creativity and enjoyment would have continued to grow if they didnt cowtow to pop producers. Such a shame as L42 are one of my fave bands ever.
I love the 'pop' songs, the Beatles done plenty of it. Mark King is like Paul McCartney, baseman yes, but the driving force for chart songs. That's what matters.
.....principles mean everything to a true musician....that's why there's so much second rate shite...drummers like this don't grow on trees....dynamic...tasteful..a real soul player....he was essential to that band....great interview....from Detroit.....
He and his brother Boon wrote most of the songs and I've always loved his jazzy percussion style.
I've been a big fan of Level 42 from the very beginning when their first Poly release "Love Meeting Love" was the power play on Radio Luxembourg (the power play was a song that would be played after the news every hour for the whole nights broadcast) this was back in early Aug 1980, I bought that 12inch single and every Level 42 12inch single release up to 87. then got married and my vinyl buys days came to an abrupt end, still have all of those singles and posted them on my channel, and still married to the same woman....
An amazing drummer, songwriter and human being
Yes
What makes him an amazing human being?
Top drummer Phil. Do a guest spot, like Bill Wyman.
Today, we're on such opposing ends of the spectrum... artists now have a lot more leverage over their own work, but lack that mainstream watering hole (radio play) to get their work heard. There seems to have to be a cult following first to build a reputation, rather than record companies getting it out there for the artist to the largest audience possible. There's always that pro & con of every system of doing things. Thank God we got to hear & know Level 42, though. They're probably my favorite band overall of all time. I could listen to them for hours, days, months, years & ALWAYS be enthralled & inspired!
Phil and Boon were incredible in Level 42.
Love this interview so much. I always wondered about the breakup. Was also quite annoyed when I picked up a greatest hits CD and it didn't even have the Gould Brothers in the photo. World Machine is a better album than the greatest hits to be honest. I also loved their 42 album with Love Games and many other great songs.
Phil was so cute in the 80s!😍
"Why drummers left successful bands" should be a regular feature
Phil wanted the band to stick to its raw funk roots. Going pop made him cringe a bit, and i understand him somewhat. He is one of the most underrated drummers of all time and his pocket groove was the tightest you could get. His creativity and enjoyment would have continued to grow if they didnt cowtow to pop producers. Such a shame as L42 are one of my fave bands ever.
I love the 'pop' songs, the Beatles done plenty of it. Mark King is like Paul McCartney, baseman yes, but the driving force for chart songs. That's what matters.
Leave it up to the damn artists to create art! 😆Which famous record exec said "This would be an amazing industry if not for the artists ..."?
Dead right Phil
He should’ve just dealt with it and kept making money
.....principles mean everything to a true musician....that's why there's so much second rate shite...drummers like this don't grow on trees....dynamic...tasteful..a real soul player....he was essential to that band....great interview....from Detroit.....