Standing in the Light (1983) ventures further toward rock/pop, but retains its fusion roots. “The Machine Stops” features an amazingly difficult bassline only a gifted slap bass player like King could manage. While charmingly dated, “Micro Kid” involves insecurity about then-current technology. Alternating between Pac-Man blips, bass, and jazz progressions, the song captures a particular time when popular culture attempted to incorporate this new digital world into music and art. By their next release, True Colours, Level 42 clearly heads toward a pop/rock direction with cuts like “The Chant Has Begun,” a Tears for Fears-like track urging revolution. Still, King gets a funk workout with “Hot Water,” again striking a nice balance between rock and R&B. By 1984, the band finally hit the British top ten with the single“The Sun Goes Down (Livin' It Up),” a still-catchy track with odd lyrics concerning social anxiety and fears about war. King's and Lindup's vocal exchange—one world-weary and cynical, the other naive and fearful—makes the song stand out. Level 42's early period ends with 1985's A Physical Presence, a live album highlighting their impressive concerts. Like many jam bands, they often extend songs such as “Love Games” into longer funk/jazz workouts. Don't miss King's bass solo introduction to the aforementioned song.

Although Level 42 has continued to record with different line-ups (their last album, 2006's Retroglide, is available by import-only in the U.S.), they never returned to their earlier sound, which is regrettable. The U.S. market missed their most creative period and best examples of King's unique playing style. Thanks to various reissues, all audiences can discover (or rediscover) their funky sound and cease to think of Level 42 as a one-hit wonder.

To experience early Level 42, check out the albums previously mentioned. If you'd rather invest in compilations, try Level Best , The Ultimate Collection (import only), and The Early Tapes: Level 42 (also available by import). All of these albums can be found on Amazon.com, and some songs are available through the U.K. iTunes store. Fortunately You Tube contains a variety of Level 42 videos and live performances; check this link for a thorough listing. Level 42's official site also contains a complete listing of videos available on You Tube.