Level 42: Living It Down

IN THE HITCHHIKERS Guide To The Galaxy the number 42 is revealed as the clue to The I Meaning Of Life. This is the origin of Level 42's name, indicating a droll sense of humour not immediately apparent in their music, no matter how spirited the playing. But what is the source of their popularity? Are they merely a High Street brand of jazz-funk? Yet another British group who've co-opted (ripped off?) a black American form?