Early Level 42 albums always seem to come as a bit of a surprise to those people who only know the band from stuff like Lessons In Love and other commnercial fodder.
The early stuff is much more my cup of tea, as it seems to demonstrate much more musical variety and much more in the way of serious musicianship.
The Pursuiit Of Accidenst is perhaps notable because it features level 42's first really big hit; The Chinese Way. I think this was top 20 or top 30.
Two other singles were released but were not as successful which in many ways is something as a shame. I think Weave Your Spell and Are You Hearing were not the best choices as single releases but as album tracks they work fine, and complement the other offerings.
The whole album has a fantastic feel due to the amazing rhythm tracks going on under the beat as played well by Phil Gould , and also the bass played by Mr King sounds fantastic; very deep, and very funky.
The sound mixing on this album is exactly right for level 42 and would never be as good again.
The keyboards are good with warm fender tones, and although dated in places, they suit the material well. Mike Lindups vocals are just right and open the album.
Boon the guitarist surfaces a bit more here too.
This album is the last to feature the established level 42 instrumentals which meander in Stanley Clarkesque directions and are just fantastic, and something that i was sad that level 42 left behind. (There are many more that were put onto B-sides and can be found on the special double Cd releases.)
The Pursuit of Accidents title track is great and i was lucky enough to see level 42 perform this last year live.
best track on the album? Eyes waterfalling which manages to be thoghtful, eerie, and amazingly funky at the same time.
each level 42 album has its own distinct identity; no two sound the same and this particular one is top notch.