Uhh... I know he's a big name, and an important Alembic name... but despite listening to LOT'S of Stanley and plenty of other talented bass players... the fact is -to my knowledge- I've never heard Mark King or Level 42.
 
I can't think of any place that would be better suited to give advice on this matter than here; so my question is simple: what does everyone consider to be the TOP 3 (in order) Mark King and/or Level 42 CDs to listen to -to get to know him/be turned onto him for?
 
I'd appreciate any imput, ESPECIALLY from those who are HIGHLY familier with his work, and who have most/all of his stuff (and who are therefore in the best position to recommend stuff).
 
If I were to try/buy only one Mark King disc, what should I try/buy first?  And what should I go for as followups -in case #1 is out and/or I want more?
 
Thanks, gang.

Hi, Mark,
 
I used to listen to Level42 a lot in the early and middle '80s and I saw them live on stage around 1983/84. I never was a die-hard fanatic, though, I was more influenced by Sir Paul and JAE.
 
Personnally, I like their first official album alot, Level42 issued 1981 with Love Games and Starchild. The next album, Pursuit Of Accidents from 1982 is a must-have for me, too. Third on my list would be Physical Presence, their live doublealbum from 1985, a great overwiew of the early work of Level42.
 
I bet when you have heard these discs, you are infected with the brit funk virus, and you just have to have all the other tunes, LOL !
 
Enjoy !
 
all the best, Christian

I'd definitely say Physical Presence, but there are some cool DVDs you can get direct from Mr King.....he'll even sign 'em! Just check out Level 42s official website.

His solo album Influences is pretty damn good.  Another particular favourite of mine is Standing in the Light.
 
A lot of the Level 42 albums have been paired-up into double packs - Pursuit of Accidents and Standing in the Light for instance. That makes it a very inexpensive way to get some great music!

Thanks for your input folks, and I'd appreciate more.  Is Influences a solo album in the sense that he plays bass with no other musicians?  If so, this would be the one I'd lean towards getting.

For me it's Guarenteed ... and then the 1st Level 42 album. And if you want to really be blown away get the live DVD Level42 at Wimbly and WATCH a master at work.

Mark,
 
Influences is not a bass-only CD. However, Mark King actually plays most of the instruments (bass, percussion, drums, guitar and keyboards) himself. Besides that there are some guest musicians. Great album.
 
Duncan

Mark.
Get a hold of Level 42 - the first album. One of my favorite tracks would be 'Dune Tune' which shows that MK can play some pretty mean fingerstyle. He's not just a slapper. Next would have to be 'a physical presence' which shows what a superb live band they were.  
The best thing to do would be to come over to the UK in october and catch the tour - I've got my tickets;-)
 
Graeme

You're gonna get a million different answers here, I reckon!
 
For my two penneth, I'd definitely go for the live album, A Physical Presence, for the best example of all that Mark King can do. I've also got a soft spot for True Colours (cos I love Hot Water and Kansas City Milkman) and their very underrated last album, Forever Now, which was a real return to form after a couple of fairly dull albums at the end of the 80s/beginning of the 90s.