The Early Tapes

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).

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

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:

• Wally Badarou – Prophet 5 and inspiration
• Leroy Williams – percussion (Courtesy EMI)
• Dave Chambers – tenor and soprano saxophones