Level 42 - Something About You (This video is a fever dream!)

[@FeaturingRob]

This came out when I was in high school, and I loved it immediately. What I was always struck by in the video was the actress who was playing the woman the band members each had a thing with. I knew who she was the first time I saw the video, as she was in one of my favorite movies. Her name is Cherie Lungi and her most famous role was playing Queen Guenviere in the film Excalibur, one of the most odd, surreal, and cool versions of the KIng Arthur legends ever made. The film also featured Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Ciaran Hinds, and a few others. After I heard the song the first time on MTV (when it actually meant MUSIC television), I hopped on my bike, rode to the Tower Records close to my house and bought the cassette of Level 42's album. One of the few times I ever did that. Played the hell outta that cassette, too! Ahh, the 80s....

[@TSOL2023]

I can't believe that I never connected the two, loved both the movie and this video. All it took was 40 years to learn who she is!!@!

[@melissafernandez79]

Ah, Tower Records💕

[@christopherturco3494]

Rob! Turco here. Fancy meeting you here. Glad you love the song as much as I do. 😎😎

[@FeaturingRob]

@@christopherturco3494 One of the best of that time IMHO! 😎

[@3912James]

Late Winter 1986. I was a HS Senior back in the day.

[@bobasquid3339]

This song is special for me. I first heard it when i was a really small kid at the beach. Some guy was playing it really loud from his car. It was end of day, sunset and we were packing up getting ready to leave. It stayed in my head all the way home, it's all I thought about, I absolutely loved it! For years I had no idea who the artist was till years later as an adult I finally found out. This song always makes me feel good and nostalgic of so many things especially the beach, being that's where I first heard this gem of a song . Just beautiful. Cant describe it.

[@perrynelson4254]

Wow!! I can TOTALLY RELATE to your experience!. In 1969 or so we took a family vacation to Atlanta. My Dad had the car radio on and a song came on that sang Good Times are comin' comin' comin'. It perfectly matched my youthful excitement about my first trip to the big city of Atlanta GA. The tune and words stayed in my head for that trip, and really, my whole life. Never heard it again, never knew who sang it or what the title was. Fast forward to about 2020 or so...KZbin...search engine...and BAM!!! FOUND IT!!! Willie Nelson! What?! Willie Nelson??? Yep...Willie Nelson...Good Times. I mis-heard the chorus lyrics...he actually doesn't repeat the word coming, he sings different lyrics...but I had the melody dead to rights for 51 years. Mystery finally solved. Music and Nostalgia are powerful separately, but when combined...Magical!! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@arnoldlaneii9861]

This song is the 80's for me !! I have loved it since I was 10 !! Great song !

[@jamesrexsannatracy8318]

I grew up in Myrtle Beach sc. this song brings so many great memories to me, I was still in my innocence and not jaded yet from life .its so well written and the guitar solo just sticks in my head to this day. I love it music is life, life is music

[@cjc2]

I heard this song on the car radio when I was about 12 or 13. It always reminds me of our family summer vacations. So much nostalgia.

[@nathanstroud2223]

I listened to a lot of 80s music when I was in middle school (2008-2011) because my dad had an XM radio at the time, one of those that came with separate ports for in-car and in-home, and most of what he was listening to and recording was 80s on 8. I listened to music like this on the way to school, on the way back, while I was doing homework, and also just chilling in the evenings. If I didn't happen to take a liking to 80s music myself, it probably would've gotten old real fast. I think some stupid criminal ended up breaking into our car to steal the car port, which didn't even have the radio with it, and we didn't get as much use out of that radio from then on.

[@benshafer5198]

Mark King is an absolute beast on the bass (& also the singer). He's one of the best ever; their live stuff is where he really shines. The whole band is uber talented🔥

[@MDElam]

So true!

[@Chris_Faraday]

He starts to sound like Victor Wooten who is the GOAT, Mark keeps getting better, I was shocked.

[@mdwayne741]

You are so right ...such a gifted musician. The stuff that he can do is unheard of. Slap the bass line while singing perfectly....and chewing gum! 😂. Incredible. The whole band is first class.... Boon's guitar solo still gives me chills ... Mike's perfect falsetto... Phil On drums- one of the best drummers in the world. When Mark and Mike harmonize....pure magic.

[@Rene-vd8to]

Mark King is the king off al the bassist

[@collegeman1988]

I saw a KZbin video where Mark King was being interviewed by a talk show host, and Mark got out his bass guitar and explained that he was originally a drummer, and then proceeded to play his bass guitar in a way that could only be described as magical. Something About You is my favorite 80s song! Update: I found the video, and here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaXViKVjm6aKgs0si=51GaefCSK1tDI4fC

[@billparrish4385]

I took the video's meaning to be about random strangers taking the train together, and the blonde fellow (played by Mark King, the lead vocalist and bass player) gets turned down trying to bum a cigarette, then speculates on what each of his fellow passengers' lives are like (they are, btw, the members of the band). He sees one drawing and imagines him an artist, sees another as driving a sports car (based perhaps on going through the tunnel and the wind kicking up, blowing papers and the guy's hair), sees another with music and imagines him a musician. In each of these imaginary vignettes, entirely within his own mind and not necessarily how their lives really are, he pictures them all with a woman, the same actress playing them all, plus the one by the door in the train station at the end. As for himself, he imagines himself a harlequin-esque character, laughing at their discord and fighting, annoyed when they make up (as with the one guy finally no longer teasing her and letting her get in the car, etc.), finally terrorizing them for his own amusement. It's as if he sees himself apart from others, perhaps above them, judging them. He's also a bit unbalanced, as when he bursts out with the song in an otherwise quiet train compartment, which is perhaps playing in his head. You just never know what's going on with a fellow public transportation traveler....

[@SteveA308]

Level 42 are just super brilliant. So many good songs. And that bass!

[@derrywalker7835]

I saw them last week on their 50th anniversary and they’ve still got it! This is their most commercial song, they’re a lot jazz funkier and Mark Kings bass playing is legendary! Try lessons in love

[@derrywalker7835]

Oops mean 40th they’re not that old😂

[@PjRjHj]

Is Mark back playing Jaydee?

[@derrywalker7835]

@@PjRjHj yes 👍

[@brewswillis9783]

Saw them when they opened for Tina Turner in the 80's, been a fan ever since!

[@markgettemeyer1145]

“Legendary” is EXACTLY correct! Need proof? Search “Mr. Pink Level 42” and find the live show from Reading. Holy sh*t, it will make your head explode and I recommend it to as many people as I can. Their Retroglide album has really great material on it - Dive Into the Sun and Sleeptalking are ridiculously great funk tunes!

[@Dathom1986]

Level 42 are one of best bands of the 80s .. they have a lot of Fans.!

[@yarvisbledson]

There will never be another time in Earths history when music reflects life from the Heart; regardless of the genre… I’ve always loved this song! Thanks for featuring this masterpiece of music! It’s 4:23am March 2, 2024 here in Arlington, Texas. I couldn’t sleep so after talking to GOD for a while I got on YT and was heading to Don Moen’s Praise and Worship collection. That’s when your video of Level 42 “Something about you,” popped up in my feed. Just what I needed! I sang this song to God as I listened to this Masterpiece of Music! There’s Something about You God!!!!!!!!

[@ericmedina8123]

This song and lessons in love are timeless classics.

[@nicholashylton6857]

Killer harmonies! I could listen to this song forever.

[@Allencartercomix]

It's great to see more Level 42 being featured by YT reactors lately. The band is from the UK, and started out doing instrumental jazz-funk, with Mark King doing excellent slap bass on his guitar. In my mind, "Something About You" is a great blend of their early funky sound, and their later mainstream pop sound. You also have the soulful vocals of Mark (who usually sings the verses), and keyboardist Mike Lindup (who does the falsetto during the chorus). Everything about this song is magic to me, from Mike's falsetto, to the harmonies (especially the intro), and that irresistible bass/synth riff.

[@Sprenklefish]

The lyrics are simply about a relationship that didn’t work out, although they cared a great deal for each other (and still do) they’re both only human after all. One of my fave tunes ever.

[@kilgoretrout3966]

I think Your assessment is more than legit. I actually, as a musician, tend to listen to the arrangement and parts, then I do with Video or Lyrics, save for songs I REALLY love....and oddly this is one I REALLY like. As I think thru the video and what you said about it now gives me a new perspective on a song I adore.

[@2000globetrotter]

The second voice (the falsetto) was that of Mike Lindup, the keyboard player, in my opinion one of the clearest falsettos in the business. Try The Average White band and Queen of my Soul. It's epic!

[@mikebrown8595]

I graduated in 1985. I was right in the middleof all the 80's Music. Also the mid and later 70's stuff.!! I loved every minute of it and everyday i dream about going back to those times.! I Love it and miss it Very Much.!! Level 42 ROCKS.!!!

[@avlanche7777]

My fave level 42 song and one of the great 80’s classics… the video was perfectly directed and produced! Wang Chung dance hall days was another one worth checking out! Lotta good memories from that time. Thanks👍

[@harrydrury4734]

This song was great . This song takes me back to when I was young . This song is reserved for the first love in my life . This song WILL ALWAYS have meaning , ... And a special place in my heart . R.i.p. Linda .

[@sweetboba7971]

that guy goofing around with the car was one of the Gould's bothers is no longer with us.

[@chrissharp6733]

Real shame with Boon's passing , I think if you listen to earlier work he wrote the lyrics to 'I want Eyes' and 'Eyes Waterfalling' you can tell he'd been a troubled soul , Rip

[@diamondintherough8399]

1983 baby here! The 80s & 90s music is thee best! 👌 ❤

[@collegeman1988]

You are NOT wrong. Something About You is a fantastic 80s song! It’s been over 38 years since I heard this song when I was 18 and I still love it ❤

[@xanajak]

I didn't appreciate this in 1988 but 35 years later I think it's masterful.

[@gcats6059]

I have to agree.

[@mikebrown8595]

I graduated in 1985. I was right in the thick of all that music. I miss it soo much.!!

[@lostintranslation1957]

I never liked them as a kid in the 80s but I love them now.

[@mikekaraoke]

You mean 1985!

[@georgecruces1953]

Me too

[@MDElam]

Mark King, the lead singer, represents the darker side of various couples in the video. He is the weird tension that signals something is wrong in the relationships.

[@kevinmoore2929]

I see him as Loki, trying to break up the couples for his own amusement.

[@Khalid15325]

This incredible falsetto in the back-vocals, this incredible bass slap of Mark King, this incredible song.

[@raybernal6829]

Such s unique sound based in London and still touring. Lead singer Mark King (short haired blonde gentleman) aldo plays bass. When i was DJing weddings/parties i could spin this as well as Lessons in Love and people would fill the floor as its a nice funky groove. Great reaction Maddie❤

[@leonwilliams4852]

People be sleeping in the 80s classics,I know because I was born in 78. I lived it

[@pauldunn5978]

It was better to be in your late teens and early 20s enjoying this stuff in bars and clubs though. And singing along to it in the car with the windows down. That was living it!

[@leonwilliams4852]

@@pauldunn5978 Agree, but I didn't get to decide when I was Born. I'm happy I at least got to capture the moment back when all those songs and videos and everything came out

[@calumm8639]

Cherie Lunghi! I thought she looked familiar. Quite a well known British actress.

[@nigelw7626]

Excellent in "Excalibur"!

[@hawnyfox3411]

^^^ Yeah, as Nige' said "Excalibur" = I saw her at the cinema in that film circa 1981 Top totty & truly as 'fit as a butchers dog' she was, luscious in every way. She also starred in the 'Nescafe' adverts at one point & I believe she was eventually replaced by Sharon Maughn who starred alongside Anthony Wotsisiname (the English guy from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer')

[@nigelw7626]

@@hawnyfox3411 The sword! You promised me the sword! - And you shall have it. But to heal, not to hack! Top knowledge there Mr Fox...I imagine Excalibur was a brilliant film to watch on the big screen with the Wagner theme music and the gorgeous cinematography. Always made me chuckle that King Arthur had a Somerset accent! I remember every English male over 14yrs old fancying her!

[@hawnyfox3411]

@@nigelw7626 = Yes mate, she truly WAS adored by British men Wasn't till I saw this record (which I know so well) bought it back tho' "Excalibur" on the big screen WAS truly astonishing = "Sensurround sound" I recall that bit of the 'speared man' dragging himself further along the Pike T'was Ghoulish, gut wrenching & vomit inducing too. I recall seeing it around similar time span to the film about Bob Champion By that, I mean the film about both him & "Aldaniti" Grand National winner Good films back then - Not like the modern dross up the U.K cinemas Last good film I saw (at pix) was "1917" the First World War film.

[@ninawildr4207]

​@@nigelw7626wow cool love that movie❤

[@robertmaldonado8729]

This song was huge in the club,a song you can really shake your moneymaker on the dance floor

[@sigmonfury02]

This song is probably one of the most quintessential songs of the 80s... once you get into it... It's about as close as you can get to experiencing what the decade felt like if you didn't live through it.

[@TraditionalVibe]

One of the few songs (and videos) that fully encapsulates the era - it's literally perfect

[@herberthector9839]

Thx so much for listening to this extended version of this song. It's the best one. Great reaction !

[@herberthector9839]

Thank u Maddy :)

[@marksmusicobsession]

Hey from Florida! Having lived it this song epitomizes the 80’s pop sound. Killer bass line, he is an amazing bass player as well as a good singer.

[@mikekaraoke]

Enjoyed this reaction, just baffled how you never heard this as was a hit in the US + when I have been there on holiday there have heard/seen the music video. I'm from the UK-England 😀 Happy New Year!

[@jessep6330]

They opened for Madonna in Seattle in the 80s. Great show and Mark had a cool glowing neon bass guitar. Awesome live show.

[@yarvisbledson]

Timeless classics for sure!!!!!!❤

[@yarvisbledson]

I meant to say, Truly Timeless Classics Era….

[@mikebazis9883]

Level 42 is amazing…the 80s personified

[@xhk508s]

Wonderful song. And featuring the beautiful Cherie Lunghi in the video - I had the pleasure of working with her back in 2005 - such a lovely woman. Try out another Level 42 song, "Leaving Me Now", especially the full length album version. So moving. Love your reactions!

[@kennewton7518]

Level 42 has a lot of strong hit songs. They are one of those groups that ruled the 80s

[@alistairmcdougall8390]

If you fancy another delve into Level 42 Leaving Me Now & Its Over, are 2 great songs that show a slightly different side to the group 😊

[@mattkenney57]

One word your looking for? How about "betrayal"? Get to that later. Graduated in '85...and here we are...2024. This song was in heavy rotation on the stations...Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI. Actually had it in my head...woke up with this playing in a dream sequence today. Yeah, getting ready to do a gig for a band I never heard of...weird huh? I would say he was saying he was a stage show act for the girl in the video...two artists, wanting the attention/affection from the same woman. She did not take him as serious as compared to the other guy. I've had that a lot in life.

[@Metro-sk9of]

Always love every songs produced by level 42

[@keithmontague6417]

Absolutely brilliant track. Love your reaction.

[@Mulberry2000]

The woman in the video is a well know British actress.

[@richardgoddard37]

Mark King's bass lines❤

[@marcrobert-vi2mj]

When I was a dj in a big dance club back in the mid 80s I played this track all the time.p.s love your reactions

[@mjm5081]

"WHAT WAS THAT GUY DOING TO HER? HE WAS TEASING HER?!" 😂 Maddy, you're adorable! But you probably already knew that.

[@MaddyReactions]

😂

[@mjm5081]

@@MaddyReactions 😃 👍 👊

[@OGBrawlerina]

It so happens I have watched this video easily 1000+ times over the last 9 months and have analyzed the shit out of it. Also watched an interview with Mark King from back in the day where he talked about his own idea of what it was about, although he didn't actually create the video's story, the director did. In the video, he's apparently visualizing his bandmates with his own girlfriend in various scenarios, and indeed the clown (Mark) is symbolizing the dark side of relationship ennui. In the 3 scenarios, clearly Phil, the artist, is like the boy, while Boon, in the sports car, is like the adolescent, and Mike, in the 3rd scenario, is the MAN, the adult. But after all of that, I have still been unable to figure out who Cheri is standing there waiting for in the final scene, as it seems that everyone (Mark and the bandmates) walks right past her and doesn't know her. What a puzzle, which can be said about so very many music videos from back then.

[@MaddyReactions]

Wow!

[@jimdartouzos2127]

It is a fever dream......great reaction to an awesome song.....Love ya Maddie

[@dharmaboy75]

My Fav 80s song of all time. It is the first song I learned to play on drums and I play it daily while singing along.

[@user-Spicoli]

I miss this time in the 80s because it seems like a thousand years ago but still Awesome.

[@michaelseeram1283]

The great music of 60ths 70ths and 80ths the best

[@philipraines4588]

I'll be seeing them in November in Cancun!!! They are an amazing band with lots of sound. Please add The Fixx to your playlist! Reach the Beach, Liner, Woman on a Train!!!

[@winchy162]

Fantastic band live they are even better and Mark King is one of the best Bass players in the world and also has a great voice

[@OGBrawlerina]

HAD a great voice. After the 90s I don't know if it was being a smoker or what, but it's totally shot now. He can still carry a tune and all, but it has none of the soulfulness it once did, I'm sad to say.

[@norkannen]

Omg i still remembered the chorus from back in the early MTV days 😋😎🇧🇻

[@roberrober6425]

Es música celestial ¡QUÉ TEMAZO!

[@stevesherwood1629]

The whole album is brilliant.

[@zurnie]

I cannot believe I completely forgot about this song. I lived in a downtown St Paul MN apartment building in 85 and 86. There was a dance club in the basement called the Oz. Both on the radio and in the club this song was in heavy rotation. I loved it but never caught the band's name. Tonight I was doing a KZbin dive and watched a video on hit songs in Europe from 1985. This song was in the compilation. At that point the Algo gave me 4 different suggestions of KZbin reactors I subscribe to that ALL watched this band's video last week. The Algo is not so great at telling me when these videos drop. Only when it wants to tell me days later.

[@socalvillaguy]

Your analysis is exactly like mine was when I first saw it back in the 80s. Nice!

[@kenswindle4860]

I’m glad the next generations are picking up on this song. It’s the same actress with all three band members and waiting at the train station at the end of the video. (Who is she waiting for and what does the clown know?) Also, the “clown” (Mark King) was inspired by the movie The Entertainer (1960) starring Laurence Olivier.

[@jamesrexsannatracy8318]

It is that deep, it’s a beautiful loud silence

[@frankdeutan]

"is it so wrong to be human after all?" That's a really powerful question, is it wrong to make mistakes?

[@chrisostneberg1817]

One of my favorite 80's songs.

[@stephenkissane4268]

Awesome song and the video is haunting. Love the gorgeous actress in this too

[@CrisBlyth]

btw.. that was a modified version of the music video.. the ending on the 'proper' one is way better :)

[@MsWesen]

My take it's about life laughing at you. Each band member had their own experience with women. The clown is life laughing at them bc life is imperfect:making mistakes is part of life imperfections.

[@1dognight166]

Classic from the late 80's

[@LorenzoPoppy-sw1zm]

I love your reactions. And yes Maddy , it isn't that deep but then again, it is 💚

[@travis4863]

something about this song...Just gets stuck in the playlist in your head(or mine). Punches all the buttons

[@DPRyan-vd5pp]

Awww! The memories of sixth grade!

[@stevenklein3195]

Their best IMO! The song is so smooth!

[@isaackovitz4791]

One of the greatest songs of all time...

[@time2chill121]

Something about you.., Baby Fragile but free

[@sawilliams]

The 1st time I head this song I was driving and I immediately pulled over the listen to the DJ say what band/song this was

[@druwayu]

The whole 1980s was a a fever dream. And it was Awesome! A little FYI. Even back then among us from that generation, the rule was simple. If the video made sense and actually went with the song, then it was rare or from the 90s.

[@shack8110]

I love this song so much. I think it's 1 of the top 5 of the 80s if not #1.

[@karlschmitt6359]

More classic rock from the 70's and 80's please! Thank you!

[@johnboydTx]

😂 makes me feel old ... Enjoy your adventures in Music 🎶 ✌️🤠❤️

[@RossBayCult]

I think you’re spot on with what the theme of the video is about

[@MaddyReactions]

🩷

[@robertwright5647]

Actually the girl is supposed to be a different girl for each of the band members. They could only get one actress so she played 3 roles. The clown character in the video represents friction and negative aspects of a relationship.

[@kevinturner9733]

You should also have a listen to Lessons in love too. The bass line is just incredible

[@johnsharkey2948]

😂/took me a minute to dig this song out & remember its details...Had 2 hum it 2 my phone to have it find that old 80's song...

[@igamesaintsaintification1839]

Why do you think people want to sit there looking at you shake your head in such a silly way? Maybe no one's told you but you look silly 🤷‍♂️ (not being ugly, just say'n) The song is masterful no doubt, you're analysis is excellent by the way, I looked it up fairly recently to see exactly what the intention of the band was in the meaning of the video and lyrics only to be disappointed in people's analysis, claiming it was a love song, it is not a love song it is like you said a betrayal song obviously. This is great because you apparently never have seen it before and you came out with a straight and accurate meaning, good work!

[@kjellejohansson4000]

never heard it before Nice song. its... something about you.... Maddy

[@Listener827]

Delicious curly hair Maddy. Sweet smile. Luscious lips, skin and high cheeks. And you smile easily and graciously. That look you have...is this song. The French would call this: Je-ne-sais quoi. Or...you have that "certain something...I can not say what it is precisely, but I know It when I see it." Now enjoy watching them perform without the clown and enjoy the live performance from Holland 2009. Yeah, he's playing, and thumping the bass (that black tape over his thumb), singing lead, And, yeah Maddy he's chewing gum and walking around as he plays.

[@craigs1437]

This song reminded me of 1985, same with the movie titled "Friday the 13th part 5 (A new beginning)" that was released in 1985 also.

[@user-ii3pw4nb9b]

You have my attention because YOU CRIED watching Luciaon (Loo-Chee-AHno) Pavarotti, NESSUN DORMA! YOU HAVE A CLASSIC HEART!!!

[@MaddyReactions]

💗💗💗

[@Phage-p8h]

One of the best bands EVER! This was their mega hit in 1985. The time that this was top 40, there were no cell phones, no personal computers, no social media and people really connected with each other. I remember the time before and wish I could go back. There is the live version of the same song from 1985: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqiziIaIi9WFb7Msi=jI38xXEBN1RZaUd9

[@SaverioP]

Love this song. It's written so well, and the lyrics are really good, too. I think you will like. And fyi - the lead singer dressed up as the clown in this video scared the hell out of me as a little kid.

[@barryevans791]

I do like how he starts the song on the off-beat. The only other song I know of where the singer does this is Jeremy by Pearl Jam.

[@ninasazonova2511]

That's really funky !!! Yeah !!!

[@Alex.P1]

Love a bit of Level 42 😁👍

[@Brooklynricansoul]

LEVEL 42 - "STARCHILD" BEST SONG EVER

[@MarceloMuñoz-y7q]

Excelente tema de Level 42, desde chile

[@3912James]

I was a senior in HS back ìn 1985/1986.

[@2WarriorJay8]

omg yes u watched the video with the longer, better version of the song, queen

[@AllanPetrie-i6y]

My take on the video was that the clown (mark king) was imagining what each person on the carriage of the did in their life and then their relationship with a woman ( each time he pictured the same woman). The clown bit I am not so sure of at the end when he scares them all thoug!

[@kennewton7518]

No is based on the classic Stanley Kubrick film " A clockwork Orange " where Malcolm McDowell dresses up like a clown

[@timothybush9633]

Hi Maddy, I remember when this came out in 1985 because I was a Musician in a Band

[@makegeorgeorwellfictionaga9268]

I think your description is pretty accurate

[@langdale55]

This is a great track, but some of their finest material is hidden away on their albums. Good Man In A Storm, Sleepwalking, Koyate are all great tracks. My personal favourite is the heartbreaking Two Solitudes from the Running In The Family album.

[@Snakebyte70]

Try pet shop boys song ‘west end girls’ I think you would like it also 😊