"The Early Tapes," also known as "Strategy," is the second album by the British band Level 42. It was released originally in March 1982 by the record label Polydor and later re-released by the label Resurgence in 2004. The album consists of material previously unreleased, recorded by the band in 1980 and 1981, before and during their debut on the Polydor label.
Mark King, one of the band members, worked in a studio named Deodar studios, which gave the group inexpensive recording opportunities, resulting in the tracks found on this album. The band was known for its blend of rock, funk, and jazz, and this album epitomizes the early development of that sound.
The album contains eight tracks such as "Sandstorm," "Love Meeting Love," "Theme to Margaret," "Autumn (Paradise is Free)," "Wings of Love," "Woman," "Mr. Pink," and "88."
Despite not being as commercially successful as their later works, "The Early Tapes" demonstrates Level 42's musical prowess and offers a glimpse into their roots and progressive evolution in the music industry.
