Level

1. Small Town Kid

2. When It Rains

3. So Close Now

4. That's the Way

5. Level

6. Oklahoma Girl

7. Everything Is You

8. Girl in Red

9. Bring It on Home

10. I Call the Tune

11. Highways and Broken Hearts

12. Bottom Line

Level,Eli Young Band,Emergent / 92e,Country,Pop

Average customer rating: A VERY GOOD COMPILATION Level 42's Level Best IS THE LEVEL BEST Essential for any 80's music lover :) On the level, the very best. Essential For UK Pop Fans

Level Best Level 42 Manufacturer: Fontana Polydor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: World Machine The Best of Howard Jones Aces and Kings: The Best of Go West The Best of Simple Minds The Best of OMD ASIN: B000001FRC Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

1. Running In The Family
2. The Sun Goes Down
3. Something About You
4. Tracie
5. Starchild
6. It's Over
7. Hot Water
8. Take Care Of Yourself
9. Heaven In My Hands
10. Children Say
11. Love Games
12. The Chinese Way
13. Leaving Me Now
14. Lessons In Love
15. Micro Kid
16. Take A Look
17. To Be With You Again
18. The Chant Has Begun

Customer Reviews:

A VERY GOOD COMPILATION.......2007-06-29

I would have given this five stars except for the fact that the timeless classic "Leaving Me Now" is the radio edit and really needed to be the album version as this song is one of the most beautiful to come out of the eighties new wave scene. Level 42 was not, however, new wave. This band was the funkiest jazz/rock band to ever come along. There are no other bands that sound like Level 42, with their catchy hook laden jazz fusion sound and stellar musicianship. Most greatest hits compilations leave you wondering why certain popular songs were left off. All of the really great songs are here and just so much fun to listen to start to finish. If you were a passing fan of the band you will really enjoy this compilation and probably find yourself wanting more although, there are alot of extra goodies on this compilation. I started off with this because at the time the other cd's were unavailable. Now you can find nearly every Level 42 album on cd along with great dvd's. For the eighties fan I highly recommend the Live at Wembley dvd, as it is pure joy start to finish. If this cd turns you into a big fan, you will like "Guaranteed" and the 2006 release, "Retroglide"---as good as anything they ever did.

Level 42's Level Best IS THE LEVEL BEST.......2007-05-12

Such a great array of musical talent! I fell in love with this band when (okay I know it reads Mark Kind up there, but I coulnd edit it! I know his name is Mark King.) I was a few years yonger, recently heard "SOMETHING ABOUT YOU" on the radio, remembered just how much I LOVED this tune, then I bought CD's then, those disappeared somewhere, but found this and found SO MANY NICE TUNES that I had missed while I listened only to the RUNNING IN THE FAMILY CD, A true gem, THIS MAKES THE GRADE, if you are or even if you arent a Level'er fan, THIS LEVEL 42 CD IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, the best! Wish I had gotten it earlier! This CD has all the classics as well as some interesting music FUNK ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK, it has it all! Ya gotta Check it out!

Essential for any 80's music lover :).......2006-05-04

The only song I heard prior to buying this album was Something about you. I loved this song so much as a child, I decided to buy their greatest hits. I wasn't disappointed! Every song is perfect with great lyrics. If you love 80's pop\New Wave, you will also love Level 42. I can't pick a favorite... they are all good!

On the level, the very best........2006-02-25

Had and am having a great time with this collection of Level 42 songs. I was a fan of the group from the first time I happened upon hearing there music and I knew their product would stand the test of time. These cuts are as enjoyable to listen to today as they were when first released. A definite "good buy" for anyone who loves 42's sound.

Essential For UK Pop Fans.......2005-12-13

Level 42 is one of the greatest UK pop bands during 80s but they could only make a few hits in the US such as SOMETHING ABOUT YOU, LESSON IN LOVE, HOT WATER, and RUNNING IN THE FAMILY. Their music style is often compared with Earth Wind and Fire excellently blending Jazz element with power pop. They are what TOTO to the American music is to UK pop rock. They also show an excellent guitar solo a bit rare for UK pop bands.

US hits SOMETHING ABOUT YOU, LESSONS IN LOVE of course are no doubt some of the best during their career but the compilation introduces a lot more of their great music. LEAVING ME NOW, my #1 favorite songs from them is an excellently made ballad. HOT WATER shows funky side of their music. CHINESE WAY shows their huge interest in Chinese ancient legends and the way people at that time treasured righteousness. I bet they love The Romance of Three Kingdoms legend. MICRO KIDS shows some sarcacism on modern kids dependent on techno gudgets. As a Japanese I am glad they chose Mt. Fuji as the jacket cover for this compilation. (I guess it is taken from Hakone).

Verdict: Well-done job to introduce their music to American music fans.
Rating: 93 out of 100. One of the finest compilations ever.
Recommended for: UK pop fans who love Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran Tears For Fears and Outfield, A-ha appreciators as well as 80s pop fans in general.

Average customer rating: Terrific Southern Rock'in Showing off their musicianship Outstanding Multi-Input Fusion One of the best groups you've never heard. Southern music at it's best..Bramblett and Leavell are tops.

The Best of Sea Level Sea Level Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Forever Blue Say No More Southscape Highway Call Dickey Betts & Great Southern/Atlanta's Burning Down ASIN: B000001FWL Release Date: 1990-04-20

Tracks:

1. Rain In Spain
2. Shake A Leg
3. Tidal Wave
4. Nothing Matters But The Fever
5. That's Your Secret
6. It Hurts To Want It So Bad
7. Storm Warning
8. Midnight Pass
9. King Grand
10. Living In A Dream
11. This could be the Worst
12. Tear Down The Wall
13. Canine Man
14. Twenty Miles From Nowhere

Customer Reviews:

Terrific Southern Rock'in.......2007-01-31

The Best of Sea Level is an excellant collection of the band's southern rock and jazz fusion sound. Founded by Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers Band and now with the Stones) in the late 70's following a break up of ABB, the band's sound is a departure from Southern Rock and Roll, leaning more towards fusion jazz and Levell's fanastic piano and keyborad work. If you loved ABB's "Jessica" and "High Falls" you'll love Sea Level's sound.

Showing off their musicianship.......2006-08-21

I saw Sea Level at Constitution Hall back around the mid 70's. At one point, Chuck Levell stood up from the key board and played the grand piano like a harp! Amazing musicians ahead of their time.

Outstanding Multi-Input Fusion.......2006-01-11

Fusion is exactly what you've got here, but what's getting' fused? It's not pure jazz fusion, a mix of traditional jazz with rock. It's not just a country-rock and jazz fusion, and it's most definitely not a pure form of any. (But keep in mind, that as a best-of album, there is a lot of musical territory and a considerable time period to consider.) What you've got here is a fascinating mix of late 70s/early 80s country rock, prog rock, the kind of electric guitar fusion of Spyro Gyra and Jeff Lorber (spot-on citations in the other reviews), as well as country- and rock- and jazz-influenced keyboard leadership. The result is a great sound.

For a good take on this album, give a quick listen to the available samples of "Rain in Spain," "That's Your Secret," and "Twenty Miles from Nowhere."

The album is a good mix of the jazzy, fusion instrumentals like "Tidal Wave" and "Rain in Spain." There are also the blues tunes, "King Grand" and "Nothing Matters But the Fever," opening very much like traditional blues ballads, but maturing very quickly into something different due to their pacing and orchestrations. Then you get something that's almost a pop song in the form of "That's Your Secret."

The Allman Brothers sound really comes out, right down to a guitar solo that could've been lifted from "Jessica" in the opening track, "Rain in Spain." You get that flavor again in "Storm Warning." It's distinctive and immediately evocative of the Allmans, but then the music shoots off in another direction, and it's clear you're not listening to an ABB release.

Me, I hear a lot of other things in here. There's an undercurrent of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, even some of the harmonies and orchestrations of Kansas from the Kansas, Masque and Song for America early days. Another review has mentioned the Dixie Dregs, and there is a lot of sound here ("Twenty Miles From Nowhere"). I'm also hearing some of the instrumental sounds of the more jazz-influenced work of contemporaries the Little River Band ("Living in a Dream"). I hear Steely Dan in the keyboard intro and orchestration throughout "Tidal Wave." I hear Delbert McClinton in the arrangement and delivery of "It Hurts to Want It So Bad." I hear vocal harmonies that sound a lot like some of the early Alan Parsons Project work; maybe it's just the production and studio approaches of the time.

I'm also catching the sound, especially in the keyboard orchestrations, of the Lyle Mays work of the late 70s/early 80s with the Pat Metheny Group, such as in "Storm Warning" (maybe even some Weather Report in there, too) and "Midnight Pass."

Bottom line: If you're looking for the sax- and horn-led, West Coast Spyro Gyra fusion, this one won't get you there. If you're looking for more electronic, faster-paced Jeff Lorber fusion such as in Water Sign and Wizard Island, parts will get you close but not all the way there. If you're a freak for the Allman Brothers, this one will both please and disappoint; a lot of the basic sound is there, but then it just takes off on its own, part country rock but also serious jazz diversion. But, if you enjoy musical fusion with a country rock foundation, plenty of electric solos, and both vocal harmonies and orchestrations representative of a wide spectrum of 70s and 80s art/prog-rock and jazz, then this is an excellent addition to your collection.

One of the best groups you've never heard........2003-10-05

The sad thing about music is that some of the best artists go unheard or are forgotten as the years pass. I consider "The Best of Sea Level" essential for any Southern rock or fusion collection. Sea Level is an Allman Brothers 70's offshoot. Keyboardist Chuck Leavell (hence the band name~ C. Leavell) developed the group during Allman Brother soundchecks, when the group disbanded for a time, Sea Level took off. A few of us 70's folk may remember the funky minor hits "Shake a leg" & "That's your Secret". Memorable keyboard driven songs prevail throughout the album. The sound is largely derivative of funk and jazz that still sounds fresh today. The vocals are great and the music uplifting. The instrumental songs "Rain in Spain" and "20 Miles from Nowhere" serve as bookends to a comprehensive review of the band. The collection is generally solid. I could argue that "canine man" could've been left off for other songs but that would be a minor complaint. Originally released on the now Defunct Capricorn label which was the dominating label for many Southern Rock groups. Sea Level had a definite influence on groups like The Dixie Dregs. This album is a rare treat at a great price. It's a gamble that you can't lose.

Southern music at it's best..Bramblett and Leavell are tops........2000-10-25

Sea Level is truly one of the best rock,jaz,blues combo bands to ever come out of the south eastern U.S. The combination of great vocals and outstanding instrumentals make this a prize recording for any musical taste. The colaboration of Randall Bramblett and Chuck Leavell with their musical superiority and inventive styles are simply terrific. The pure instumentals on this CD rival anything out of rock and roll today. The problem for Sea Level was that they were years ahead of thier time, today no band could hold a candle to thier music! This CD should be a classic and a must for anyone.

Average customer rating: Incredible Da Bomb! annointed to worship Israel = spirit-filled The way worship music should be...

Live from Another Level Israel & New Breed Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Live Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: New Season Alive in South Africa One Church No Limits: Live An Invitation to Worship ASIN: B00020W0YW Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. Come In From The Outside
2. Again I Say Rejoice
3. Again I Say Rejoice (Reprise)
4. We Win
5. All Around
6. Medley: You've Made Me Glad/ Who Is Like The Lord
7. I Hear The Sound
8. Spoken Words
9. So Easy To Love You/Friend Of God

Tracks:

1. Friend Of God
2. Spontaneous Worship
3. Friend
4. Friend Medley
5. Rise Within Us
6. Another Breakthrough
7. Lord Of The Breakthrough
8. Breathe Into Me
9. Awesome Medleyl
10. Here I Am To Worship
11. Holy
12. Going To Another Level

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-06-22

I just had to write a review and say that this CD did take me to another level in praising and worshipping the Lord. This is one of those CD's where you can tell that Israel has an intimacy with Christ and he has not held back how he honors the Lord with his gift of music. Also, I was privileged to be at a Worship & the Word Conference with my former church where Israel did not only minister in concert but he spent time teaching us how to worship the Lord. Israel I would like to thank you for that. I love how Israel & New Breed allowed the Holy Spirit to breathe on this project but most of all on their hearts. For those of you that buy this CD your level of worship and desire for greater intimacy with Christ will deepen.

Da Bomb!.......2006-05-11

This CD is off the charts!!! Every track is a hit. When I want to jam...I play Level 1. When I need to chill...I play Level 2.

Israel & New Breed are just too bad. I just saw them in Charleston, SC on May 5th and what a wonderful experience to get the real live version.

A definite must have for all.

annointed to worship.......2006-03-05

this cd is so annointed i just bought it and it seems like everything that i feel or going through at that time just goes away because of the words. This cd is really going to the next l
level if you not a true worshiper you will not understand. Thank god for isreal.

Israel = spirit-filled.......2006-03-04

This is music for the spirit. If u want to get "hype" this is the music for ya. Israel brings the combination of praise and worship like no other. Also, he has a way of mixing old and new but still giving it to you and then some. This is a MUST BUY album. Get ready to be blessed!!

The way worship music should be..........2005-11-26

Israel Houghton has upped the ante for modern praise and worship with "Live From Another Level." He has written and arranged some astounding pieces of music, and surrounded himself with an incredibly talented group of individuals to help him usher the people at this concert into a place of wonder and awe at the feet of God.

The arrangement of "Here I Am to Worship" is worth the price of admission alone, but thankfully the rest of the two discs are just as good.

Israel's biracial background and New Breed's multicultural makeup are creating an incredible hybrid of gospel and modern praise and worship music, and they have truly created a classic album with "Live From Another Level."

Average customer rating: 4'5 Stars - Blackstreet Reaches Another Level R&B At It's Finest A level above others 10 years later this album still bangs One Of The Best Albums of ALL TIME!

Another Level Blackstreet Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blackstreet Finally Keith Sweat Rated Next Diary of a Mad Band ASIN: B000001Y2B Release Date: 1996-09-10

Tracks:

1. Black & Street Intro
2. This Is How We Roll
3. No Diggity
4. Fix
5. Good Lovin'
6. Let's Stay In Love
7. We Gonna Take U Back (Lude)/Don't Leave Me
8. Never Gonna Let You Go
9. I Wanna Be Your Man
10. Taja's Lude (Interlude)
11. My Paradise (Interlude)
12. Deja's Poem
13. (Money Can't) Buy Me Love
14. Blackstreet (On The Radio)
15. I Can't Get You (Out Of My Mind)
16. I'll Give It To You
17. Happy Song (Tonite)
18. Motherlude
19. The Lord Is Real (Time Will Reveal)

Amazon.com

Back in 1990, Teddy Riley was just as influential a producer as Babyface is now--maybe even more so, because Riley had invented a whole new sound, a combination of soul harmonies, rap breaks, and hip-hop beats called new jack swing. Riley is still a gifted producer; he can link up drum-machine beats, synthesizer chords, and voices so they make the maximum impact with the minimum presence, giving his work a sleek leanness. Riley was never much of a songwriter, though, and the R&B melodies and bedroom scenarios on Another Level, the second album by his group Blackstreet, all sound recycled. It's no coincidence that the two strongest tracks are a lush ballad rearrangement of the old Beatles rocker "Can't Buy Me Love" and a Winans-like version of the DeBarge hymn "Time Will Reveal." --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

4'5 Stars - Blackstreet Reaches Another Level.......2007-06-23

"Another Level" Blackstreet's second album is truly a 90's classic. After releasing their eponymous debut album a few years earlier Teddy Riley and co. came back with a sophmore album in 1996 that was better in every way. Hollister and Little were replaced by Eric Williams and Mark Middleton but the sound was also more suited for it's time with less New Jack Swing but a fresher sound with great production and plenty of variation. It was like going from phase 1 that made Riley famous with the New Jack Swing sound with his previous group "Guy" and Blackstreet's first album to phase 2 that blends all kinds of R&B into a great concept that both worked for classic R&B fans and for commercial radio. The absolute standout here is obviously the mega hit "No Diggity" reaching #1 with a guest rap from Dr Dre. It blends Hip Hop beats with R&B perfectly without sounding like it's from the early 90's and it's sound and production is so memorable it's still fresh to this day. They continue with another good song in "Don't Leave Me Now" a midtempo that samples Debarge, the same sample that 2Pac used for "Ain't Mad at Cha", this song was a hit in Europe but not in USA. A personal version of Beatles "(Money Can't) Buy Me Love" is almost unrecognizable and therefore fascinating. "Fix" sound quite simular to "No Diggity" but is a defenite highligh and so is the sweet ballads "Good Lovin" and "I Can't Get You (Out Of My Mind). There are also several interesting interlude's if you're interested in the band further, "Deja's Poem" and "Taja's Lude where Teddy's daughters get the chance to shine and "Motherlude" where the mothers of each of the members talk of their sons and their upbringing. Closer is called "The Lord Is Real" and is a great way of ending a wonderful album. With 70 minutes it perhaps a little too long, but there are enough good songs here to make the listener content and for once we have an album with interludes that make sense. This is obviously their best album and the album you should start with if you're interested in their music. 4'5 stars.

R&B At It's Finest.......2007-01-05

I don't what it is with Teddy Riley & groups as every group he's with he surpasses the first disc with their sophmore disc. This was the case with Guy's The Future and the same idea rings true in Another Level. With addition of Eric Williams and Mark Middelton the group reaches new heights of R&B. Of course the disc featured the hit singles No Diggity,Don't Leave Me and Fix, but some of the finest songs on the CD were album tracks. The ballads I Wanna Be Your Man, Let's Stay In Love and I Can't Get You Out Of Mind all serve as a true testament to what R&B should be.

A level above others .......2006-12-15

From one track to another Blackstreet brings the goods and once again. I find myself disagreeing with the short amazon review on "Another Level". From "No Diggity" w/Dr. Dre & Queen Pen one of the obvious smash hits from this great CD. To "Fix" which has a pretty cool video attached to the song. "(Money Can't) Buy Me Love" is redone rather well by the guys in Blackstreet much to my surprise. "Let's Stay In Love" another solid ballad which what i clearly enjoy from Blackstreet and its done well.

The cd has a uniformity to it first coming with the uptempo songs like "No Diggity", "Fix" and "Good Lovin". Then switching gears nicely to slower jams like the hit "Don't Leave Me", "Never Gonna Let You Go" and "I Wanna Be Your Man" along with the previously mentioned "Money". While the latter half of "Another Level" is made up more of slow jams. The songs are on point and don't drag down the CD overall in my opinion. With "I Can't Get You (Out of my Mind) and The Lord is Real (Time Will Reveal) among them.

A couple uptempo songs come between these "I'll Give It To You" and Happy Song (Tonite) another one of my many favorite tracks on a CD that's done well and brings Blackstreet into a new arena.

Yes even 10 years later this CD is still right up there with the really good ones.

10 years later this album still bangs.......2006-10-07

This is one of the best albums of all time, nobody makes albums like this anymore, Teddy Riley shows how much of a music genious he is on this one, I basically know all the tracks on here like the back of my hand I played it so much over the last 10 years, I originally got this on cassette when it came out but I got it on CD recently

I actually got it around the same time as I got New Edition's "Home Again", which another fan mentioned here, it's another classic album that's a must for r&b/hip-hop fans btw, I really wish that I could get that feeling again of rushing out to get great albums, the '90s was such a great time for music but I can't really stand much of what's out there now, they're just few and in between to find now, anyway back to the review my favorite tracks on here are "Good Lovin'", "The Lord Is Real", "Don't Leave Me", "Fix", and of course the most popular track "No Diggity" with Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, this album got the perfect blend of hip-hop grooves and soulful melodies, if you're a fan of r&b and hip-hop music and never heard this album I suggest that you pick up this timeless classic, and btw if Teddy Riley reads this we need another Blackstreet album dawg ASAP, there ain't too many real artists out there these days

One Of The Best Albums of ALL TIME!.......2006-09-05

I am quite a picky person when it comes to good R&B music. No other album has ever sounded so good, especially when R&B was at it's prime in '96. Every song is outstanding on this CD, it was a keeper then and still is now...maybe even moreso -- just compare it to all that crap playing on the radio these days! Another Teddy Riley joint, holdin' it down fo all tha playas and all tha hustlas.....but mostly holdin' it down the for lover in you. Definitely one of my favourite CD's. Please do yourself a favour and cop this one.

Average customer rating: This is the Busta Rhymes I remember Love this everybody RISE A Mystical Arrangement(4.5) E....L.....to the MFing E

E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front Busta Rhymes Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: When Disaster Strikes Anarchy Genesis The Coming It Ain't Safe No More ASIN: B00000F1EF Release Date: 1998-12-15

Tracks:

1. Intro-There's Only One Year Left!!!
2. Everybody Rise
3. Where We Are About To Take It
4. Extinction Level Event (The Song Of Salvation)
5. Tear Da Roof Off
6. Against All Odds
7. Just Give It To Me Raw
8. Do It To Death
9. Keepin' It Tight
10. Gimme Some More
11. Iz They Wildin Wit Us & Gettin' Rowdy Wit Us?
12. Party Is Goin' On Over Here
13. Do The Bus A Bus
14. Take It Off
15. What's It Gonna Be?!
16. Hot Shit Makin' Ya Bounce
17. What The Fuck You Want!!
18. This Means War!!
19. Outro-The Burial Song/Interlude #3

Amazon.com

He's one of the most distinctive MCs around--he's taller, has funkier dreads, has great taste in samples (the Knight Rider theme), has a sense of history ("Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" comes right from the Sugarhill Gang), and ooh, that growl. Ever since his days in Leaders of the New School--let's trace it back to his contribution to A Tribe Called Quest's classic posse cut "Scenario"--Busta's brought something special to the party. It's all there on Extinction Level Event: there's the Armageddon concept, the guest stars (Janet Jackson, Mystikal, Ozzy Osbourne), and a great soundscape to frame Busta's raps. Still, it feels like something's missing: there's no huge standout hit; the production, in the hands of someone like Timbaland, could be even better; and Busta's raps often feel like he's relying more on that voice rather than writing anything new. But it's hard to fault someone who, even with all his success, includes a skit where the B-boy gets reprimanded with the line, "Look, you played-out player, I don't need you--I got a vibrator." --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews:

This is the Busta Rhymes I remember.......2007-01-09

I know a lot of people are going to catch flack with me for saying this but this is Busta Rhymes best effort since The Coming. Busta Rhymes was a lot better as the schizophrenic MC we know and love and not this cookie cutter rapper we here now(talking about guns and drugs. WTF for?) Busta's crazy flow would keep you hanging on every word as the awesome production literally would make you "Break Your neck". Standout tracks:EVERYBODY RISE, WHERE WE ARE ABOUT TO TAKE IT, TEAR DA ROOF OFF, AGAINST ALL ODDS, GIMME SOME MORE, IZ THEY WILDIN WIT US & GETTIN ROWDY WIT US(one of the best matchups in 1998: Busta Rhymes and Mystikal), PARTY IS GOIN ON OVER HERE, DO THE BUS A BUS, WHATS IT GONNA BE, HOT S*** MAKIN YOU BOUNCE, WHAT THE F*** YOU WANT etc. Filler: Just give to me raw and Do it to death fall short. Bottom Line: Extinction Level Event is Busta Rhymes's most consistent effort since The Coming. Busta flows smoothly or roughly on each track making it more enjoyable with each listen plus the production is crazy. Cd collection material here.

Love this.......2006-11-10

as a young'n lookin' for hip hop, i only listened to Fugees and 2Pac cus those were the only 1s i knew at the time, then Busta Came with "Gimme Some More" i bought this album, and the others. i love this album so much. i still listen to busta, love all hes stuff.

everybody RISE.......2006-10-01

Busta is a very consistant mc and most of his albums are never disappointing. E.L.E is a great follow up to "..disaster.." and i recommend this cd. busta is great and he'll leave askin give me some mo
rating A-

A Mystical Arrangement(4.5) .......2006-01-20

Busta Rhymes will always stay detached from any other MC in the business, defined by a fierce growl, unhinged, dark and creative music videos, and space-like beats. And although "Extinction Level (The Final World Front) remains uneven at times, with a few throwaway tracks, the standout tracks are simply outstanding, ecclectic and exhilariting. "Everybody Rise" is a bouncin', funky beat with Busta calling out to all the states, telling them lyrically to rise with him. "Where We Are About Take it" has a spacey, synth descending beat with fairly average lyrics, not yet expressing Busta's musical genius. The self-titled song has a catchy chorus, and to follow it up is the single "Tear Da Roof Off", an energetic, collaborative track with a raw, vibing beat that is great. "Against All Odds" is in the same vain, with the whole Flipmode Squad coming together, rapping over another funky beat. Lyrically, the next few tracks all display Busta Rhymes as a great MC, with mystical beats. However the songs themselves are simply not very memorable. "Gimme Some More" is the biggest hit single off the album, with an orchestral beat and Rhymes flowing quickly and sharply.

"Iz They Wildin' Wit Us & Gettin' Rowdy Wit Us?" is quite simply a boisterous rap expression, with Mystikal guest starring. Both rappers are flowing at astounding speeds, and the track stands out strongly on the album. "Do The Bus A Bus" is one of Busta's ludicrous singles, but it is catchy. Groovy Hip Hop seems to be the theme of the album at this point, as Janet Jackson joins Busta in a collaboration, and "Hot Sh*t Makin' Ya Bounce" has a very laid-back, stylish beat with sensational lyrics. The last few tracks are less memorable, except the sampling of "Iron Man" in "This Means War" with Ozzy Osbourne making an appearance.

It seems people are making many subjective statements as to Busta's prime in his career, and I personally think he chose to take a new direction with each and every album. At this time, he is set to release his latest album "The Big Bang" in July of 06, featuring a great track called "I'll Hurt You" but also releasing a single called "Touch It", which is less impressive. At this time, he has officially signed to Dr. Dre and Aftermath, so he will have access to the best beats out there. Overall, I would recommend this album to any Busta fan, and if you are looking for somewhere to start, I would begin with "Genesis".

E....L.....to the MFing E.......2005-11-26

Hiphop at its best If you like hiphop Busta is really showing out on this one rapping to the beat which are good beats!

Average customer rating: World Machine Level 42 Level 42 One GREAT Little Song! Pop Sensibilities, Jazz-Funk Musicianship Cranking out a solid mix of styles

World Machine Level 42 Manufacturer: Fontana Polydor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Running in the Family Level Best The Very Best of Level 42 Staring at the Sun Level 42/The Early Tapes ASIN: B000001FJW Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Something About You
2. World Machine
3. Physical Presence
4. Leaving Me Now
5. Hot Water
6. It's Not The Same For Us
7. Good Man In A Storm
8. The Chant Has Begun
9. Lying Still

Album Details

Contains Three Bonus Tracks Not on USA Version.i Sleep on My Heart, Coup D'Etat and Dream Crazy.

Customer Reviews:

World Machine Level 42.......2007-05-31

Back in the eighties I was really into Level 42, (yes, I know that's Mark King, I just typo'ed it and couldnt figure out how to fix that...) I played their music for hours when I was younger, I don't know why but I just stopped playing them, but also most of the other music I enjoyed back then, Recently while with a friend a song came on the radio "Something About You", I instantly fell in love with the band, this was one of my favorite CD's back then, and when I couldnt find it in my collection, nor any of the other Level 42 discs I knew I had, I went all out and bought them all over again, again one track especially on the WORLD MACHINE my all time favorite, "Something About You'.....really "something about" this song, and every other song on this CD, You won't be disappointed, really.

Level 42.......2004-12-12

First song I have heard was Love Games in 1980 and I was totally suprised. This was unlike anything else. Superb musicianship. Mostly Mark King on Bass and one of Gould brothers on drums. Just amazing precision.World Machine I found very special, Level 42 was at their peak.
Too bad it did not last forewer. Today only Mark King is the ramaining member and it is not the same.

One GREAT Little Song!.......2004-10-29

I would be pretty safe I'm sure in saying that 'Something About You" is the culmination of everything Level 42 had been trying to accomplish in it's then five years of existance,and four of the stars shown relate strictly to the song!It's a classic perhapes because of how familiar it is to me (having heard it in saturation play during the autunm of my fifth year;1985 to be excact) and also because of the general clean mix and clever arrangement.It was a time when heavily R&B,funk and jazz-oriented groups such as The Talking Heads,Sade,Scritti Politi and The Style Council had a good chance of getting a decent hit without selling out,and they did.
There's only one little problem with this.That one brilliant single notwithstanding 'World Machine' sounds like one of Level 42's least satisfying albums,and contains very little of the sting and zest of the groups first four albums.I suppose the changes started coming on 'True Colours',but even so they're strictly musical ones-the band still sounds miraculous from a standpoint of pure chemistry.But the trouble here (namely in the title song) is that Level 42 and Mark King himself have started to back away from the jazz fusion and R&B/funk stylings of their earlier work in favor of a blander pop sound that embraced more strains of latin and hispanic melodies and percussion.Not that there is anything wrong with that but in the mid 80's artists like Paul Simon,Peter Gabrial and Sting had that worldbeat stuff locked away and they all did spectacular work with that sound.
But it just doesn't mesh well with Level 42's particular brand of music whitch tends to be more sultry,glossy and quite funky.
So 'World Machine' is a great album for it's time-it's up with the current trend of that era and has certain reminders of this bands firey past.But Mark King's bassey funk instrumentals are now a thing of the past-every song has vocals and pop hooks.So did Level 42 sell out?Not here,just had their music take a very different form.I recommend this album to fans of Level 42's more commercialy potent period but for fans of the band's more fusion and funk material the UK have put out a two CD set covering both the bands self-titled debut,1980's 'The Early Tapes' PLUS bonus material.That and the twofer containing the albums 'Pursuit Of Accidents" and "Standing In The Light" are the type of albums fans of the classic Level 42 British jazz/funk styles will enjoy more.For fans of more pop/R&B with slight funk/fusion influences this album and most of what came after it are a good choice.It all depends on what you want.

Pop Sensibilities, Jazz-Funk Musicianship.......2004-05-23

This is where it all started for most Yanks like me. Imagine that it's 1986, and you have your first taste of this quartet from England. They write really thumpin' dance-pop songs and really pretty pop ballads, but underneath it all is a stylistic nod to classic 70's jazz-funk a la Stanley Clarke and the musicianship to pull it off. In other words these were world-class musicians making great pop. World Machine has all of the above in spades.

Nowhere is this pop vs. musicianship phenomena more evident that on the worldwide hit single "Something About You". It's a great pop song with a great hook and lush vocals, but it is driven by the stalwart rhythm section of bassist-extraordinaire Mark King and groovalicious drummer Phil Gould, for my money one of the funkiest drummers ever. Guitarist Boon Gould delivers a beautiful guitar solo to boot.

King is without a doubt the most visible of Level 42's star musicians. He is arguably the greatest bass guitarist in the world, and World Machine shows a slightly more subdued side of Mark King. The thumb acrobatics of prior Level 42 albums give way to more tasteful yet still funky bass guitar work on "Lying Still" and "It's Not the Same for Us". Try doing what he can do on the bass guitar AND sing at the same time!

Other highlights include the pretty yet melancholy "Leaving Me Now", featuring Mike Lindup's beautiful piano work, and the title track "World Machine", a club-friendly dance number.

World Machine shows a band at its peak of popularity yet also in transition. In a couple of years after this release, producer Wally Badarou would be gone as would the Gould brothers. The classic jazz-funk sound of Level 42 would eventually give way to a more rock-based sound. So this is an important time capsule of sorts in that it shows the best of Level 42's jazz-funk past but also hints at the best of things to come.

A special note about the latest US release of World Machine is that it includes a couple of songs that were originally released on the True Colours album from 1984: "The Chant Has Begun" and "Hot Water". These are among the all-time Level 42 classic songs, but they are included at the expense of excluding other classic Level 42 tunes "I Sleep On My Heart", "Coup D'Etat", and the ever-funky "Dream Crazy", which were included on the original US version and are on the current UK version.

Cranking out a solid mix of styles.......2003-03-30

There's no such thing as a perfect pop album, but Level 42's 1985 release is certainly one of the best bits of ear candy of the last 20 years. Though the production style is quintessential 80s, the qualities that make "World Machine" so solid would be more than welcome today.

If you get past the pop veneer, you find the other elements that made L42 one of Britain's top dance bands in the 80s and 90s -- the lilting, Latin flavour of the title track, the shimmering harmonies of "Something About You," the moody and soulful balladry of "Leaving Me Now" and "Lying Still," and the propulsive funk of "Dream Crazy" and "Coup d'Etat." All with the intensity that L42 retained from its funk-jazz days.

Bassist/vocalist Mark King's distinctive bass playing, a little less up-front than in the previous album, blends in well with the keyboards of Mike Lindup (also backup vox) and Wally Badarou, and the rhythm guitar of Boon Gould. King's baritone and Lindup's falsetto merge beautifully.

But the star instrumentalist here is drummer Phil Gould, whose elegant balance of snare and toms and hi-hat cymbals is almost as much a symbol of classic L42 as King's bass.

The cut order in this version is slightly different from the US version of the album, which also subs out "I Sleep On My Heart," "Dream Crazy" and "Coup d'Etat" for "Hot Water" and "The Chant Has Begun," from the previous year's "True Colours." The original order works a little bit better, being more reflective of L42's roots as a dance/funk band.

You can't go wrong with either version, though. Peerless musicianship, powerful arrangements and great production by Wally Badarou make "World Machine" a wonderful set to hear -- again and again -- after all these years.

Average customer rating: The best of all time disappointed Exellent Buy !! Essential Intelligent DNB Showcase of some of the highest quality D&B around

Logical Progression, Level 1 LTJ Bukem Presents Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Drum & Bass | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Journey Inwards New Forms Modus Operandi Colours Earth 7: Scorched Earth Edition ASIN: B00004T6V6 Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

1. Demons Theme
2. Links
3. Music
4. One and Only
5. Bringing Me Down
6. Danny's Song
7. Vocal Tune
8. Coolin' Out
9. Western
10. Horizons

Tracks:

1. Airtight Remix
2. New Element
3. Drum in a Grip
4. Soloution
5. In Too Deep
6. So Long
7. Pharaoh
8. After Hours
9. Groove Therapy
10. Mind Games

Customer Reviews:

The best of all time.......2007-05-27

I pulled this CD set out for the first time in years the other day and was transported back to a time when the sky was seemingly the limit for this new sound called drum n bass. This album will put you in a trance...it gives the feeling of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. I feel like anytime you hear this it will always sound like the music of the future. It's simply the best intelligent DnB album of all time.

disappointed.......2007-05-13

journey inwards is a an amazing album with the perfect melody to do exactly that but this album unfortunately does not make it, thought I would love it because all these reviews were so positive but bukem takes nice tracks and beats and lays them all over this monotonous and mostly too fast background... kind of irritating actually because you want to hear the music and are constantly bombarded with rapid machine gun fire.

Exellent Buy !!.......2007-03-22

Exellent buy for people interested in deeper journey into foundations of drum n' bass. Highly Recommended !

Essential Intelligent DNB.......2006-11-03

A classic release. Before DNB turned too aggressive and still retained some ambient/jazzy/housey vibes, this was the cream of the crop. A crystalized moment in a fast-progressing genre, but one that I'm more than happy to revisit over and over.

Showcase of some of the highest quality D&B around.......2005-08-15

I think it's funny how a lot of d&b artist try to make their drums as fast and intricate as possible. It makes me think of what Steve Vai is to guitar. Although he has unlimited skill, I just don't dig his style too much. Theres not much you can diss about this recording, it's just very nice quality work. It sounds good without getting too cluttered and there are some insane samples thrown in, and the structure is very solid. It keeps me interested the whole time, and I usually have trouble getting away from the speakers while listening to it. It must be good then right?

I read somewhere a critic gave this 5 star and said the second disc was a dissapointment though... I enjoyed the second disk just as much as the first. This whole recording is at the same kind of level Goldie achieved with "Timeless".

"Logical Progression" just keeps getting better and better. I won't bother saying whether or not it will get tired, because every album does after a while. This one is only getting better for me though. If I see Bukem I will remember to give a firm handshake and act respectful =))))

Average customer rating: FUN music!! Great for practice or halfas! Up beat Arabic Dance, Modern Classics

Music for the Hips DJ Nader Manufacturer: Level Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hizzy Remix: Arabic Club Mix, Vol. 2 Arabic Jukebox Elevation Play It Loud 2000 ASIN: B00016XOD8 Release Date: 2004-02-17

Tracks:

1. Im Hamada - Apo
2. Niqsim El Qamar - Waleed Tawfic
3. Linda Linda - Edward Society
4. El Helwa Di - Dania
5. Fatoumeh - Samo Zain
6. Batwanis Beek (Warda's House Mix) - R.E.G. Project
7. The Breakdown - DJ Nader
8. Habeeb Hayati (Nader & Nidal M. Remix) - Mustafa Amar
9. Wala Ala Baloh - Amr Diab
10. Bent El Sabiah (Long Smooth Mix) - Riko
11. Mughram Ya Leil (Nader & Lamak Remix) - Ragheb Alameh
12. Khale Ya Khale - Shobi
13. Bein El Aser Wal'maghreb - DJ Nader
14. Sajel Ya Kady Sajel - DJ Nader
15. Badri - Waleed Tawfic
16. Transmentarabia - Karen B
17. Qa Mani Bayat - Walter Aziz
18. Wein A Ramallah (Hip Hop Remix) - Othaz

Customer Reviews:

FUN music!!.......2006-09-17

When I'm not practicing zills or doumbek to this CD, I'm shakin' it to the music!
Fun party and practice disc- highly recommend it to anyone who likes upbeat ME music....a must for all dancer's and musician's music library!

Great for practice or halfas!.......2005-09-30

This is definitely not "traditional belly dance" but it draws on trad. music in a very cool way, which would make it accessible for folks who are exploring Middle Eastern music and dance for the first time. The beats are varied and have different flavors and even someone who is not a belly dancer would enjoy listening/grooving to it. Also would be good for soundtrack for a beginner class or dance party.

Up beat Arabic Dance, Modern Classics.......2004-04-08

This album takes me on a ride from the popular Arabic 70's into today's housy dance seen. I like the energy and the continuity of the music, although the intro is my favorite part of the CD, Linda Linda song just picks me up and makes me feel happy, glad to see someone remixing all these good songs.

Average customer rating: Some good songs, but.... Poorly Mixed or Mastered Let It Grow On You A great one for Level 42 fans! musical excellence

Retroglide Level 42 Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at Wembley Influences Live at Wembley Level 42 Live 2001 at Reading UK Classic Level 42 ASIN: B000H80LCM Release Date: 2006-09-25

Tracks:

1. Dive into the Sun
2. Rooted
3. Way Back Home
4. Just for You
5. Sleep Talking
6. Retroglide
7. All Around
8. Clouds
9. Hell Town Story
10. Ship
11. All I Need [*]

Album Description

First new studio album in 10 years by this Brit-Funk-Pop band led by vocalist/bassist Mark King. Features songs co-written with original member Boon Gould (who also plays on one track on the album) plus the return of original keyboardist Mike Lindup. 11 tracks including 'Drive Into The Sun', 'Way Back Home' and 'Rooted. Universal. 2006.

Album Details

Level 42 Became One of the Seminal British Bands after Kicking off in the 80s as a Bass Driven Jazz Funk Band. After Influencing a Whole Movement and Many Artists, their Sound Became the Mainstream and Made them One of the Best Loved Bands of the Last 20 Years. The Last Level 42 Album was Released in 1995 and Now They Are Back! Mark King Has Recorded and Produced a Stunning Album of Classic Level 42 Tunes that Has all the Hallmarks of the Band at their Most Potent. Original Member, Mike Lindup features on Several Tracks - the First Time Him and Mark have Joined Forces in Over a Decade. The Album was Written by Mark and Boon Gould, Another of the Original Line-up, to Create a Musically and Lyrically Intoxicating Album.

Customer Reviews:

Some good songs, but...........2007-07-12

The mix on this studio CD is thin and muddy, hardly state-of-the-art for 2006. Whoever mixed and mastered this CD needs to get the cotton out of their ears and join the 21st century. There's a live double-CD set from the Retroglide tour available via Mark King's web site. Get that one instead; you'll get terrific performances of five of the strongest tunes on Retroglide with greatly improved sound, plus a bunch of Level 42 classics.

Poorly Mixed or Mastered.......2007-07-07

I'm a big fan of Level 42 and was very excited to see they had a new album out. I know they not as popular as they were, but couldn't figure out why it wasn't released here in the states. I know why now. The songs are standard Level 42 fare, but most of it is so poorly mixed/mastered I can see why it didn't get picked up over here. I loaded it into my ipod with anticipation, but as soon as "Dive into the Sun" started I thought maybe I had a setting wrong in iTunes when I imported it that compressed the hell out of it. (I've since listened directly from the CD and it sounds the same). Mark King's bass sounds muddy and without punch (as a bass player this was disappointing). There are no credits (that I could find) for mixing or mastering in the liner notes. Perhaps they mastered it themselves and threw the whole thing through a compressor (that's what it sounds like at least). Very disappointing.

Let It Grow On You.......2007-06-06

If you are a hardcore Level 42 fan you will appreciate the musical turn this band has taken. If you are expecting the pop/jazz/fusion/funk sound of the eighties exclusively, you are liable to be disappointed. Having said that, I love this record. If you liked "Guaranteed", which was a stellar achievement, this is a close second. Although this album starts off with a more rock oriented song, "Dive into the Sun", it has the trademark twists and turns that made Level 42 so unique. If you liked the songs of old, "It's over" and "Leaving me now", you will like the slower songs on this effort. While the slower songs do not sound like their predecessors, they are very well crafted and melodic with a more contemporary sound. The song that comes close to sounding like vintage Level 42 is "Sleep Talking", which is almost worth the price for the entire cd! The song is simply infectious with a great groove and that slap bass technique so unique to Mark King. The song "Retroglide", has a nice slow groove and displays great muscianship with a mature sound that still harkens back to songs like "Leaving me Now". But without a doubt the slower but grooving sound of "All Around" makes you want to get in your car and drive around with the stereo cranked up. The vocals on this song are also very strong. In fact this entire collection is strong vocally. It may be some of the best vocals Mark King has ever laid down. The back-up vocals blend exceptionally well with Mark's vocals. The more you listen to these songs the more they grow on you. The layers are subtle and require a close listen. One of the best slow songs is "Clouds", which evokes a certain melancholy and Mark and the other vocalists fairly well exceed themselves. Music lovers that really never even familiarized themselves with vintage Level 42 would do well to buy this record. But if you are of a mind to like the plethora of garage bands that can be found at the end of late night television shows like Letterman and Leno, you will not be able to appreciate the muscianship level of this band. (also, there is a great dvd available of the 2006-2007 Retroglide tour)

A great one for Level 42 fans!.......2007-04-16

I've been listening to this CD non-stop now for weeks! As a long-time Level 42 fan, discovering this album of new material has been fantastic. Mark King sings and sounds like he always has, full of energy and with that character only he possesses. If you're considering whether to buy this album, don't hesitate. It rivals any previous album. I didn't give it 5 stars since not every song is amazing, but there many that I hit the repeat button on, and several have grown on me. Top songs in my opinion are Rooted, All Around & Hell Town Story. So glad to have these guys back!

musical excellence.......2007-03-05

Mark King and Level 42 have continued to create really outstanding music with this album. I have followed the band since college in london in the early 1980s. I saw them many times live in the early days and feel a litle bit special for doing so because anyone who saw them at this time was really seeing and hearing something amazing. Here was a group of guys doing it their way and producing a new vibrant sound and performance that had to be seen to be believed. Mark King charged around the stage playing his bass at such speed that his hands were just a blurr! The atmosphere was always so electric that you never wanted their concerts to finish. The years have passed and I've bought everything they ever did. Retroglide is yet another chapter in the "story so far". The album grows on you big time and four songs for me really stand out.
Dive into the sun
Rooted
sleep talking
Retroglide
All the other songs are first class, but the four listed are unique and very special. Buy this album and you won't be disappointed. You will play it over and over and still not get enough of it. The brilliance of this band continues after all these years.

Average customer rating: Eclectic variety is transformed into high-grade alt-country

Level Eli Young Band Manufacturer: Thirty Tigers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rollercoaster Lost Hotel Nothing Left to Hide Like It Used to Be The Red Dirt Album ASIN: B0007VF1QA Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

1. Small Town Kid
2. When It Rains
3. So Close Now
4. That's the Way
5. Level
6. Oklahoma Girl
7. Everything Is You
8. Girl in Red
9. Bring It on Home
10. I Call the Tune
11. Highways and Broken Hearts
12. Bottom Line

Customer Reviews:

Eclectic variety is transformed into high-grade alt-country .......2005-06-08

Playing Time - 44:14 -- The sonic alchemy of the Eli Young Band transforms an eclectic variety of folk, country, metal, grunge, and rock influences into their own high-grade gold. Based in Texas, the band is poised to build their legion of fans throughout the region, then nationally and internationally. The opener, "Small Town Kid," is a ballad about having a simple story, being driven by rock and honky-tonk music and needing nothing more than a good-looking lady, a truck and some occasional whiskey or tequilla. All twelve songs on "Level" are originals written by the band that is fronted by the guitarists and vocalists Mike Eli and James Young. The rest of the group is Chris Thompson (drums) and Jon Jones (bass). Like Young, Jones also contributes background vocals. Guest artists include Milo Deering (pedal steel), Erik Herbst (guitars), Vince Barnhart (vocals), and Tommy Young (Hammond B-3 organ).

Hailing from Denton, Texas, the quartet has the potential to make some significant impact on the alt-country rock market. Their material addresses some common themes -- love, heartache, pain, loss and desperation. Circumspect, yet still deliberate, each song seems to take a life of its own. Many are full of sadness or despair, and I wouldn't mind hearing a few more happy, uplifting songs from them. "When It Rains" suggests that if you "start out depressed then everything comes as a pleasant surprise."

The title cut, "Level," doesn't appear until track five, and has a catchy melodic guitar riff and snappy bass line as Eli sings "waiting on life to level, waiting on something stable, maybe soon I'll be able, to rest my head again." The improvisational jamming that takes place at the end of the song kicks butt. An acoustic flavor is a nice opening reprise on "Everything is You," with its nostalgic recollection of lasting memories of another. Thompson's drumming provides a technically impressive rhythmic intensity to "Girl in Red." The album ends on a particularly strong note with some of their most engaging and reflective songs, "Highways and Broken Hearts" and "Bottom Line."

The Eli Young Band writes, arranges and presents music that will especially appeal widely to a younger demographic that is looking for thoughtful messages in their non-mainstream listening. Recent music I've heard from the Texas and Oklahoma region often has a rebellious, almost defiant, flavor. With some top notch production, label and touring support, The Eli Young Band will definitely turn some heads. Let's hope that their songs are distinctive and provocative enough to land them a few lasting hits. The support garnered from their devoted and enthusiastic fans will be the ultimate test and decide whether they make it to the big time. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

Music Album:

1. Little Acts of Treason
2. Love in the Hot Afternoon/Paper Rosie
3. Mark Collie
4. Me and My Dream
5. Meet John Stone
6. No Bomb Is Smart
7. Once in a Blue Moon
8. Paint the Town
9. Peace Train [CD-single] [EP]
10. Pickin' on Wilco: Casino Side

Music Album