The Early Tapes (July/Aug 1980), also known as Strategy, is the second album released, but first to be recorded, by English jazz-funk group Level 42. Originally recorded for Elite Records, the band subsequently signed to Polydor, who bought the masters from Elite and issued it in March 1982. It features Level 42's first two singles—"Love Meeting Love" (UK #61) and "(Flying on The) Wings of Love" (UK #76).

The Early Tapes (July/Aug 1980)
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 1982
RecordedJuly–August 1980
Genre
Length41:44
LabelPolydor
Producer
  • Andy Sojka
  • Jerry Pike
Level 42 chronology
Level 42
(1981)
The Early Tapes (July/Aug 1980)
(1982)
The Pursuit of Accidents
(1982)
Singles from The Early Tapes (July/Aug 1980)
  1. "Love Meeting Love"
    Released: April 1980/August 1980 (re-release)
  2. "(Flying on The) Wings of Love"
    Released: November 1980
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Q[2]

Track listing

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  1. "Sandstorm" (Badarou, King) – 4:41
  2. "Love Meeting Love" (Gould, King) – 6:24
  3. "Theme to Margaret" (King) – 3:59
  4. "Autumn (Paradise Is Free)" (King) – 4:45
  5. "(Flying on The) Wings of Love" (Badarou, Gould, Gould, King, Lindup) – 6:58
  6. "Woman" (Lindup) – 4:38
  7. "Mr. Pink" (Badarou, King) – 5:08
  8. "88" (King) – 5:11

Personnel

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Level 42
  • Mark King – bass guitar, percussion, vocals on "Love Meeting Love" & "Autumn (Paradise is Free)", chant vocals on "88"
  • Mike Lindup – keyboards, percussion, vocals on "Wings of Love", chant vocals on "88"
  • Boon Gould – guitars, alto saxophone
  • Phil Gould – drums, percussion

with:

Charts

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Chart (1982) Peak
position
UK Albums (OCC)[3] 70

Release history

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Year Format Label
1982 LP Polydor
1986
1990 CD PolyGram
1993 Polydor
2004 Universal/Spectrum
2006 Universal
2007 Polydor

References

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  1. ^ Cooper, William. "AllMusic review". AllMusic. All Media Guide. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  2. ^ Ian Harrison Q, May 2007, Issue 250.
  3. ^ "Level 42 | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved 30 March 2024.