Influences
The Essential Clocks Go Forward I Feel Free Pictures On The Wall There Is A Dog |
MARK KING - Vocals, Basses, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion & Drums,
J.D. and Status II Basses, Trace Elliot Amplification & Superwound Strings |
GARY BARNACLE STEVE SIDWELL MIKE LINDUP ADRIAN LEE DRUMMIE (from ASWAD) |
- Electric Sax, Saxophone & Flute - Trumpet - Fender Rhodes, Yamaha DX& & Backing Vocals - Wave P.P.G. Synthesizer - Drums on 'Clocks Go Forward' |
BRUCE DUKOV FRANCIS MITCHEL MIKE VERNON, JEREMY GREEN, LINDA RICHARDSON |
- Violin - Cello - Choir on "The Essential" |
With thanks to... all the great musicians who gave their time. Boon Gould for lyrics on "Clocks Go Forward" and "Pictures On The Wall". All The staff at Chipping Norton, Marcus and Red Bus Studios and with special thanks to... Jerry Boys my co-producer for his valued contribution and 'Trust', Nick James our tape op and organiser for his 'sort of style', Alan Sizer at Polydor Records for his faith and support (which I'm still wearing), John and Sarah Gould (Absolute Music), my management company, my wife Pia and daughter Florrie for their love. |
"Influences" came out in October 1984, as the story goes, because Mark needed money for a downpayment on a house. Polydor, in their infinite wisdom, released this classic bass album, that has since become required listening for any aspiring bassplayers (or musicians in general who can appreciate fine musicianship). | |
"Influences" was released in the U.S with identical songs and liner notes but the cover was taken from the "It's Over" video. It is the very first CD I ever bought on December 10th, 1987 at Tower Records in San Diego, right after the show. |
"Freedom" was released in July of 1982 by Mark & Mike under the pseudonym "Thundertumbs And The Toetsenman", and came from an idea Mark King had during rehearsals for the 'Love Games' single. Originally slated to be the lead single from Mark's first solo release (Influences), this tune didn't make it on that album. It's backed with "Freedom A GoGo", a funkier, instrumental version of the tune. It features a Mike Lindup synth melody as well as a funky bass solo by Mark . The 'rap' verse in the middle of the song should be familiar to fans show have heard any of Level 42' early performances of "Turn It On". | |
From the liner notes of "As Years Go By: Level 42 B-Sides 1980-1994" |