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"The Chinese Way" was the third single from
"The Pursuit Of Accidents", an extended version,
with one of the most beautiful covers featuring the Lady from the
"Level 42" album (artwork by Alan G. Brooks).
The b-side had a live version of "88", a song from "The Early Tapes", recorded on may 19th, 1982. The "Weave Your Spell" 12-inch has the live versions of "Dune Tune" and "Love Games" and "Micro kid" 12-inch has "Turn It On" from those shows. |
| On Tuesday Dec 21nd '99, I received an
e-mail from Alan G. Brooks, the artist who did the cover and also the cover of the
"Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind" cover, with some interesting background info:
Hello Carl,
Just been looking at the 12-inch singles pics on your site. My
name is Alan Brooks and I painted amongst other things for Level 42 "The
Chinese Way" and "Out of sight Out of mind". Thank you for the compliment directed
to the lady in the Chinese way, yes, in the end I managed to pull it off.
I remember hurrying down to Polydor in London from my home in Birmingham at the
time to meet Alwyn, the art director, to be given the brief for the job.
I was given the lyrics to the song, a description of details from the band as to
their requirements, a dreadful felt pen scribble of a face and a fan, a pat on
the back and, as it was monday afternoon, I was given the extra added shock of
being asked to deliver it to them on no later than wednesday next.
Like a young green illustrator who knew no better and was eager to please, I accepted
and said it could be done. I rushed home, stayed up all night, somehow
finished it and stuck the parcel on the train to London for the agreed
time. I dreaded hearing from Alwyn, the band, the manager - anyone. I was so
nervous and petrified I had let everybody down. Not to worry, in the end it
was a success and a particular favorite of many people, I hear. Just thought I
would let you know the chaos behind the scenes or one of those pursuits of
accidents.
Alan G. Brooks - grapheteer3@isp.com
About the artwork: I did the artwork straight down onto board with light pencil just
enough to let me see where I was going when I started to airbrush the whole
thing out freehand. I used gouache and transparent ink washes, some final
tightening with a fine hand brush for mouth and eye details, and that was
about it. I still smile to myself over that one and wonder how it all came
together in the end. There was definitely no time to stop and think, I
remember that much. Nice to know you were interested, I wish you well, seasons
greetings and Peace.
Alan |
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