An emotional inferno, or second rate Joy Div/ EATB copyists?
A guitar band of thrilling beauty, or sub-Goth trundles with bad production?
I'm somewhere towards classic, but not without reservations. More later.
― Dr. C, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
Beyond that, though, I don't think I would change a thing about them. Seeing the original line-up back together again late last year was an honor and a privilege -- one of the best shows I've ever seen. I have every last dug-out-of-the-archive recording, just about all the various solo and side projects, and await the new album with bated breath. Soon, soon...
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
Anyway, I'm still not convinced by them. They're somewhat of a guilty pleasure - occasionally they'll hit on a nice guitar figure and their songs have a po-faced drive to them which can be really compelling (cf: "Swamp Thing", "Tears"). But the lyrics never move me - this wouldn't be a problem, but the amount of chest-beating effort that seems to go into putting them across irritates me given that so little is actually being communicated.
I think the Triffids did the same thing a great deal better when they had a mind to.
― Tom, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
― Omar, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
Anyway, the lyrics are the least of this band. We're talking TOONS with TWO GUITARS, and lots of subtle *studio trickery*. Yeah! The fact that they perhaps anticipated a lot of awful bands (Coldplay, etc.) can be balanced by the fact that they also anticipated a number of good ones (House Of Love, Ride, Kitchens Of Distinction, Puressence, "Bends"-era Radiohead).
Tom you have a point about The Triffids; I think _Born Sandy Devotional_ especially is *better* at doing what The Chameleons were sort of doing, but I still like The Chameleons more as a band.
― Tim, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
The Chameleons... based on 1 or 2 songs I last heard 13 or 14 years ago, a big dud. That kind of indie stadium-rock smells vaguely like a U2 without songs or charisma for people who think they're too cool for U2. I'm being unfair, sure, but most of their fans seem to be a)anglophiles or b)goths - two strikes against them right there. Unless you're Joy Division, those odds are practically insurmountable.
― Patrick, Thursday, 15 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
The production is often dodgy, especially the second album. It's difficult to make something with so many layers of flange and echo sound crisp and driving. It often sounds like there are some great ideas trying to get out of the soup. I have all the albums on vinyl, so I'd be interested in hearing whether CD sound has improved the sound or not. I'd exempt 'Strange Times' from this criticism - it sounds just fine.
Burgess's lyrics aren't great - too much 'Pleasure and Pain' / 'Heaven and Hell' cliches for me, but it's not a big deal as I don't really care unless lyrics are REALLY bad.
I probably play Strange Times more than any other Chameleons album, although I have a soft spot for 'The Fan and the Bellows'. Some of the pre-first album tracks really motor (better drummer).
I've spent a lot of time picking holes here, but I think the Chameleons were an admirable band who could've achieved a lot more. It will be interesting to hear them in 2001.
Anybody remember the Reegs?
― Dr. C, Friday, 16 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
I've heard the U2 conundrum before -- the fact that I think the Chameleons do right what U2 ended up doing wrong (insanely, horribly wrong, though I'll allow for some of the singles and B-sides -- a minor percentage out of an ever more annoying career) perhaps betrays my hand. ;-) That some people think they're too 'cool' for U2 may be the case (and I'm sure is), but I couldn't give a fuck about cool. I give a fuck about the music, and on that standard, Chameleons yay, U2 boo.
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 16 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
― Dr. C, Saturday, 17 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
I should also say that I'm a total sucker for the production on _What Does Everything Mean?_. Thick, tangled, shimmering -- can't say no.
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 17 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
― Dr. C, Sunday, 18 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 19 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
A band that truly deserved more success - if they had been a little bit more fashionable it might have happened for them. In around 1982/3 I think they were just a killer song away from a big hit. Perhaps the right support slot would have done it? Perhaps if they'd have been from Dublin or Manchester instead of Wimbledon? Perhaps with the right haircut....? Aw, who cares? They were great anyway.
I met Adrian a few times before he died - he was using the same rehearsal rooms with his band - and he was a genuinely nice guy, happy to talk about his days in The Sound. He was looking forward to all the albums coming out on CD.
― Dr. C, Tuesday, 20 March 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000006XJ2.01._PE_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
the album cover sucks, but they're classic ... then again, i just discovered them!
― Little Big Macher (llamasfur), Monday, 20 October 2003 17:39 (twenty years ago) link
The most recent album, Why Call It Anything -- given a miserably botched release in the States, it was downright painful to see how practically nobody at the recent shows last year here knew about it -- shows that they still have got it, but in a generally more quieter and contemplative way than before (they can and do still rip out the older stuff fantastically, though). There were some rumblings earlier this year that the band had fallen out again, but those seem to have been quelled for now? Hopefully so -- the solo show by Mark back in June was excellent as always, but it's all about all four of them playing together. Even one missing member in the lineup is really noticeable.
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 20 October 2003 17:49 (twenty years ago) link
Which was rather grim :-/
Just had a quick peek at the forum and, noticably, there are threads about different solo things... but no 'Chameleons' news.
:-(
― Muppet Boy, Monday, 20 October 2003 20:52 (twenty years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 20 October 2003 23:15 (twenty years ago) link
I think I've listened to those first three albums so damn much that if they ever lose the masters, they could probably press up fresh copies just using coronal sections of my brain.
― NickB (NickB), Thursday, 17 June 2004 14:29 (nineteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 17 June 2004 14:35 (nineteen years ago) link
― Barry Bruner (Barry Bruner), Thursday, 17 June 2004 14:41 (nineteen years ago) link
― ddb (ddb), Thursday, 17 June 2004 14:42 (nineteen years ago) link
― Bimble (bimble), Thursday, 17 June 2004 14:49 (nineteen years ago) link
― kickitcricket (kickitcricket), Thursday, 17 June 2004 16:33 (nineteen years ago) link
― Bimble (bimble), Thursday, 17 June 2004 19:15 (nineteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 17 June 2004 19:21 (nineteen years ago) link
One more thing on this topic: I'd like to defend Reg's cover art for their albums. I've always been impressed by how much detail and care and hard work he puts into the sleeves. Unlike today's computer graphics where you can just slap something together in no time.
― Bimble (bimble), Thursday, 17 June 2004 19:45 (nineteen years ago) link
I was thinking about starting a thread along the lines of "Albums that are great but you're bored sick of the singles/most popular tracks" (this occured to me while listening to "Disintegration" recently). But I couldn't think of any other good examples at the time.
― Barry Bruner (Barry Bruner), Thursday, 17 June 2004 19:51 (nineteen years ago) link
I agree with you Ned. It always kind of pissed me off that people who were so completely ga-ga about The Edge's too-much-delay swampy guitar sound never seemed to notice that Reg was doing it better and without being part of a load of pompous asses.
― martin m. (mushrush), Thursday, 17 June 2004 22:08 (nineteen years ago) link
Until now....
Sounds better than I remember...
Anything know this album? 'Intrigue in Tangiers" sounds good. Some of it sounds like Breakfast Club music (the movie, not the band), I'm sorry to say. Very '80s and synthy.
― shookout (shookout), Friday, 18 June 2004 00:08 (nineteen years ago) link
Maybe The Church's mid-eighties synth work is roughly comparable?
― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Friday, 18 June 2004 00:24 (nineteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Friday, 18 June 2004 01:16 (nineteen years ago) link
I was delighted to read they'd covered "Moonage Daydream" - I do believe that's my favorite Bowie song and I'm not a huge Bowie fan. I'll have to check that album out for sure.
The production on What Does Anything Mean...I'm glad someone mentioned that. I can see how that would totally sound wrong to someone's ears who hadn't heard it at the time (much the way I feel about Loop's Heaven's End in retrospect). The thickness sounded really great at the time, it just worked. Although I do think Strange Times would be the one to get if you hadn't any Chameleons at all, What Does Anything Mean has always seemed like a more consistently great album. Also considering the production of it, I find it interesting in retrospect that there was no such thing as shoegazing yet, no frame of reference!
But seriously, I get so tired of people saying Chameleons are 'goth' (much the way they naively say that of The Church, a band I'm sorry to say have meant a lot more to me over the years than Chameleons) and lazy U2 comparisons. I remember asking Mark Gardner, lead singer of Ride, once if he liked Chameleons, and he mentioned something about "eh...college rock" or some such dismissive thing. I think a lot of people just don't understand the Chameleons, because they really can't be easily compared to anyone else. The Chameleons are just their own thing, in my opinion. I don't mean to say they were radical pioneers, necessarily, but they just had a style that was doomed not to ever fit comfortably inside any of the convenient categories of fashion.
I agree there seems to be a crossover with Church fans as well, Ned. I was thinking about this not too long ago, about how there's just a certain audience that have certain bands in common like that. Come to think of it, The Church is also another band difficult for a lot of people to understand or put in categories, while not saying they were radical pioneers, either.
― Bimble (bimble), Friday, 18 June 2004 03:54 (nineteen years ago) link
HE'S one to talk.
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Friday, 18 June 2004 04:03 (nineteen years ago) link
Another band that occurs to me to fall in the category of "doomed outsiders of fashion": Adorable. Do you like them Ned? Oh, I know, I know...do a search. Frankly, I can't be bothered at the moment, don't mind me, I've obviously had a few drinks and plan on departing here for another website soon, anyway...
― Bimble (bimble), Friday, 18 June 2004 04:29 (nineteen years ago) link
― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Friday, 18 June 2004 05:07 (nineteen years ago) link
― stockholm cindy (Jody Beth Rosen), Friday, 18 June 2004 05:14 (nineteen years ago) link
― Bimble (bimble), Friday, 18 June 2004 06:22 (nineteen years ago) link
― Bimble (bimble), Friday, 18 June 2004 06:24 (nineteen years ago) link
― college rocker, Friday, 18 June 2004 17:22 (nineteen years ago) link
Incidentially I went to a huge goth night in leeds a couple of years ago where they played Swamp Thing and it rammed the dancefloor!
― flowersdie (flowersdie), Friday, 18 June 2004 17:28 (nineteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Friday, 18 June 2004 17:55 (nineteen years ago) link
I also remember an art project I had in high school where I had to redesign an album cover - I chose Scrpit of the Bridge. I used the Union Jack and thought it was pretty cool, but it certainly wasn't.
― metfigga (metfigga), Friday, 18 June 2004 18:10 (nineteen years ago) link
― JC (JC A.), Friday, 18 June 2004 19:40 (nineteen years ago) link
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 13 February 2005 21:00 (nineteen years ago) link
― Bimble... (Bimble...), Sunday, 13 February 2005 21:12 (nineteen years ago) link
― poortheatre (poortheatre), Sunday, 13 February 2005 21:27 (nineteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 13 February 2005 21:41 (nineteen years ago) link
― poortheatre (poortheatre), Sunday, 13 February 2005 21:52 (nineteen years ago) link
"If this is the stuff dreams are made ofNo wonder I feel like I'm floating on air..."
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 20 March 2006 20:03 (eighteen years ago) link
Classic, classic, classic.
The guitar riff on the track you quoted is amazing and timeless (and just as influential today as any JD riff).
(Saw them a few years ago at Kintting Factory- they still sound great!)
― Giles Manius (jsoulja), Monday, 20 March 2006 20:33 (eighteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 20 March 2006 21:02 (eighteen years ago) link
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Monday, 20 March 2006 21:39 (eighteen years ago) link
Talking of which, a very many aeons ago, a wee Ned Raggett wrote:
I have every last dug-out-of-the-archive recording, just about all the various solo and side projects, and await the new album with bated breath
Ned, as well as the first three albums, I think I only have the mighty Peel Sessions record, the Fan and the Bellows and the Gallery Club show (so great to see the live footage on that). What stuff out of the rest of the archival/live material would you say was worth hunting down?
― NickB (NickB), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 09:48 (eighteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 16:53 (eighteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 16:55 (eighteen years ago) link
― Yoo Doo Nut (donut), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 17:05 (eighteen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 17:07 (eighteen years ago) link
― Yoo Doo Nut (donut), Tuesday, 21 March 2006 18:01 (eighteen years ago) link
http://www.townsend-records.co.uk/i/covers/10000154.jpg
― NickB (NickB), Wednesday, 22 March 2006 09:24 (eighteen years ago) link
― NickB (NickB), Wednesday, 22 March 2006 09:31 (eighteen years ago) link
Yeah, that must be it. I had blanked on the fact that the baby-head reappeared on the cover! I've yet to get any of the DVDs.
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 23 March 2006 16:06 (eighteen years ago) link
about once a year i dig this out again and fall head over heels in love with it again as much as i did the first time. it never fails to send shivers up and down my spine.
― stirmonster (stirmonster), Thursday, 23 March 2006 16:13 (eighteen years ago) link
― Yoo Doo Nut (donut), Thursday, 23 March 2006 18:00 (eighteen years ago) link
Related to that, the second DVD features stuff from their final show ever in Long Beach, one of their semi-acoustic sets they did at various points on that tour, and quite lovely it was to hear, as I was there - - so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm in the footage somewhere! But I've also realized that means I was actually lucky enough to attend the final shows of my two favorite bands of all time, the Chams and MBV, even though both weren't planned as such at the time.
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 2 August 2006 15:32 (seventeen years ago) link
― Stephen Bush (Stephen B.), Wednesday, 2 August 2006 23:59 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 3 August 2006 00:07 (seventeen years ago) link
From Mark's management:
http://www.simonlawlor.co.uk/mark.html
Mark is also near to completing his book, which should now be available this Autumn.
A few copies of the limited edition Alive ’05 CD, together with the 2-disc Magic Boomerang, are available from the shop section of this site.
Dave Fielding’s new band, Coconut DF, are planning various shows in UK and Europe during 2006. Dave and Reg are also negotiating the re-release of The Reegs back catalogue. And John Lever is busy promoting his regular Club Chameleon nights in the north west of England www.myspace.com/clubchameleon
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 3 August 2006 00:09 (seventeen years ago) link
― Stephen Bush (Stephen B.), Thursday, 3 August 2006 01:51 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 3 August 2006 01:57 (seventeen years ago) link
But the main reason I clicked on this thread was to say that "Soul in Isolation" is really fucking entertaining if you imagine Birdy is singing "I'm a lime in here, I'm a liiiiiime, turn on the light."
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Saturday, 12 August 2006 23:06 (seventeen years ago) link
*is beaten*
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 12 August 2006 23:18 (seventeen years ago) link
― kephm (kephm), Saturday, 12 August 2006 23:40 (seventeen years ago) link
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 13 August 2006 00:50 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 13 August 2006 04:08 (seventeen years ago) link
― Kiss My Grits! (Bimble...), Sunday, 13 August 2006 14:00 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 13 August 2006 14:05 (seventeen years ago) link
"I hear my name above everything else/Mark, Mark above everything else"
"How did we come to be...in the mess...ahhhh..FUCKING MESS!!!"
It must be my first year of high school again for The Chameleons are playing at loud volume in my house.
BUT THIS ROARING SILENCE WILL DEVOUR US ALL???
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 20:30 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 20:31 (seventeen years ago) link
Alone in a room I've been in once beforeShapes in the hallI'm running for the doorI'm out on the edgeBut I'm not defeated yetI hear my name above everything elseMark! Mark!Above everything elseDon't fall!
It's a freak outNothing's familiarNothing seems to fit into the scheme of thingsSeeing faces where there shouldn't be facesNo-one's ever certain what tomorrow bringsSo don't fall my friendAll nightmares have an end.
Hiding insideA room that's running redThe place to beExists only in your headAnd the focus of fearIn the creases of a dressA female dressHow did I come to be drowning in this messThis fuckin' messDon't fall
It's a freak outNothing's familiarNothing seems to fit into the scheme of thingsSeeing faces where there shouldn't be facesNo-one's ever certain what tomorrow bringsDon't fall
I know your back's against the wallBut this roaring silenceWon't devour us allDon't fallAlternative Lyrics from Marks songbook (Dearest dead days):
Don't fall! Don't fall!
Alone in a room I've been in once beforeShapes in the hallI'm running for the doorI'm out on the edgeBut I'm not defeated yetI hear my name above everything else
Mark! Mark!Above everything elseDon't fall!
It's a freak-outNothing's familiarNothing seems to fit into the scheme of thingsSeeing faces where there shouldn't be facesNo-one's ever certain what tomorrow brings
So don't fall my friendAll nightmares have an endHiding insideA room that's running redThe place to beExists only in your headAnd the focus of fearIn the creases of a dressA female dressHow did I come to be drowning in this messThis fucking messDon't fall
It's a freak-outNothing's familiarNothing seems to fit into the scheme of thingsSeeing faces where there shouldn't be facesNo-one's ever certain what tomorrow bringsDon't fall
I know your back's against the wallBut this roaring silenceWon't devour us allDon't fall
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 28 January 2007 20:52 (seventeen years ago) link
where's tha luv for "thursday's child"?
― joseph (joseph), Sunday, 28 January 2007 21:41 (seventeen years ago) link
― Guymauve (Guymauve), Sunday, 28 January 2007 22:24 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 28 January 2007 22:53 (seventeen years ago) link
― Guymauve (Guymauve), Sunday, 28 January 2007 22:55 (seventeen years ago) link
xpost
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 28 January 2007 22:56 (seventeen years ago) link
― NickB (NickB), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:03 (seventeen years ago) link
"Soldier, soldier won't you marry me with your muskets..."
What fucing son gi ist hta?
HAHAHAHAHHA I have a rare Chameleons EP even if I'm drunk, that's right.
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:06 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:08 (seventeen years ago) link
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:10 (seventeen years ago) link
Oh I hope I never come down/Is it any wonder that I never close my eyes?
oh my god oh mnyg od
chameleons the forbidden EP "TONY FLETCHER WALKED ON WATER" DO YOU KNOW WHY I KEPT IT BECAUSE I KNEW I WOULD NEVER FIND IT AGAIN
AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE MANCHESTER IS THE KING OF MUSIC WORLD.
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:12 (seventeen years ago) link
STILL HAVE THE CD EP BECAUSE I KNEW IF I SOLD IT I'D NEVER FIND IT AGAIN
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:13 (seventeen years ago) link
― joseph (joseph), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:15 (seventeen years ago) link
"His violent eeeeyyyyyes, Mad Jack's eyes""It's all riiiiiiiiight, you're not the only one"
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:17 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:20 (seventeen years ago) link
― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:21 (seventeen years ago) link
rock and roll because god loves you if you love the Chameleons.
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:22 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:23 (seventeen years ago) link
FORGET MY ARSE
MUST HAVE BRIT UK MUSIC LIKE THE SMACK
CHAMELEONS IS A GOOD PlACE TO STRAT
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:25 (seventeen years ago) link
SONG IS oh my god chameleons
"Song in Isolation">>>>??????????????
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:26 (seventeen years ago) link
ONE BY ONE WE DISAPPEAR DAy after DAy and year after year nobody hears becaseu nobody cares
PUT A DAGGER IN MY HEART IF THEY WEREN't THE MOST AMAZING THING IN 1985
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:29 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:31 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:33 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:35 (seventeen years ago) link
TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
GOD IF MANCHESTER WASN'T THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO MUSIC EVER
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:40 (seventeen years ago) link
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:42 (seventeen years ago) link
And I know Ned will call me to task. Too bad.
I told you, Im a Chameleons junkie.
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:44 (seventeen years ago) link
so long
the storm comes or is it just another shower
is it any wonder?
Primal scream and the TV screen close your eyes
Or I lose my mind completelyplease leave, just go now
Not too many hours from this hour so long...the storm comes or is it just another shower
― Lick The Strobelight Lollipops (Bimble...), Sunday, 28 January 2007 23:46 (seventeen years ago) link
― Peter Pedro Pierre (Peteski), Monday, 29 January 2007 08:37 (seventeen years ago) link
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 13 March 2007 15:33 (seventeen years ago) link
― Curt1s Stephens, Wednesday, 14 March 2007 00:06 (seventeen years ago) link
― Keith, Wednesday, 14 March 2007 00:13 (seventeen years ago) link
― Trayce, Thursday, 15 March 2007 02:34 (seventeen years ago) link
― King Boy Pato, Thursday, 15 March 2007 03:14 (seventeen years ago) link
― stephen, Thursday, 15 March 2007 04:17 (seventeen years ago) link
― Faisal Shennib, Thursday, 15 March 2007 17:06 (seventeen years ago) link
― stephen, Friday, 16 March 2007 04:58 (seventeen years ago) link
― Bimble, Saturday, 24 March 2007 04:17 (seventeen years ago) link
― Bimble, Saturday, 24 March 2007 04:29 (seventeen years ago) link
I am having a Chameleons day today. "Script of the Bridge" is such a beautiful album. Perfect indoors winter music.
― Trayce, Monday, 11 June 2007 06:16 (sixteen years ago) link
And it has "Second Skin" and "Pleasure and Pain", two of my favourite songs.
― Trayce, Monday, 11 June 2007 06:22 (sixteen years ago) link
I always forget at first that June = winter where you are.
It works well for summer too, fwiw.
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 11 June 2007 06:35 (sixteen years ago) link
I need to get some more Chams, really, I'm totally loving them so much.
― Trayce, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 00:05 (sixteen years ago) link
Good, good...
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 00:18 (sixteen years ago) link
Get the Peel Sessions and Radio One sessions for great alternative versions.
― Mr. Odd, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 00:39 (sixteen years ago) link
Somehow I knew Ned would be in the corner nodding approvingly =)
― Trayce, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 01:15 (sixteen years ago) link
YOU GUYS I FOUND SCRIPT OF THE BRIDGE ON VINYL IT'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I'VE EVER BOUGHT
― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 22:50 (sixteen years ago) link
The full twelve song version, I hope.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 22:50 (sixteen years ago) link
Yes indeed! (WREK has the eight-song promo copy and I think it must have been played to death because the sound quality is terrible)
― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 22:59 (sixteen years ago) link
the only downside of this version is it doesn't have the spelling errors and subtitled "Up The Down Escalator"
― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 23:01 (sixteen years ago) link
80s vinyl is joy and love.
― Trayce, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 23:08 (sixteen years ago) link
btw the Bimble freakout upthread is OTM
― Curt1s Stephens, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 23:22 (sixteen years ago) link
Conveniently enough, dig this:
With the full consent of the band a 25th Anniversary release of the Chameleons' album 'Script of The Bridge' is being scheduled for release, probably during December of this year, a little early but just in time for Christmas. A deluxe edition will be available comprising the album itself and an additional disc of extras, alongside a standard one -disc release with less extras for those who might not want to splash out the extra few quid for the full package. Both formats feature an updated sleeve by Reg along with re-vamped inserts and the label is currently exploring various options for re-mastering the original tapes. The Deluxe edition will only be available through mail order via a web site that the label is establishing for the purpose. I'll announce the URL as soon as I have it. The standard one-disc version will be distributed through traditional channels
Mark also says his autobiography is about ready to be published.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 12 June 2007 23:40 (sixteen years ago) link
Well, if there's one album that desperately needs remastering, Script is it. This'll be the 4th copy I'll buy, having bought the 8 track LP, then the 12 track, then the CD (and sold the LPs, maybe you bought my old one?).
― Mr. Odd, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 03:52 (sixteen years ago) link
Man, I still didn't pull this album out yet. It's very easy to do, though, at least I know where it is unlike a lot of my collection right now (you wouldn't believe all the CD's on my floor).
Congrats on folks with the LP. I'm afraid I graduated to CD long ago, to my own detriment.
Will Mark publish his autobiography in the same year as Mark E. Smith?
― Bimble, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 04:05 (sixteen years ago) link
In his autumn before the winter...
― Bimble, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 04:08 (sixteen years ago) link
Haha, just reading way back up the thread Curt1s sez:
"Soul in Isolation" is really fucking entertaining if you imagine Birdy is singing "I'm a lime in here, I'm a liiiiiime, turn on the light."
I know I have said this before, but I keep doing this with "Swamp Thing", by singing "Picking up the pieces/Half alive in a nine 'til five/bacon eyes."
And the minute my brain registers "bacon eyes" I crack up giggling. IT IS TERRIBLE OF ME.
― Trayce, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 05:51 (sixteen years ago) link
we were just talking about this at work today! our distributor has the strange times CD for $6.99 so all the music department employees own it now but script of the bridge is out of print so my colleague offered to burn it for me. them and the comsat angels are department favorites.
― f. hazel, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 05:55 (sixteen years ago) link
Yeah I'm having a real Chams/Comsats/For Against/Bell Hollow/Cure trip of late. Love those 80s moody bass riffs and sheerysqually guitars.
― Trayce, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 06:06 (sixteen years ago) link
that's because you're in some kind of magical winterland.
― f. hazel, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 06:16 (sixteen years ago) link
Its pretty sweet right now with the grey and the misty rain and miserable wet cold!
― Trayce, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 06:39 (sixteen years ago) link
sigh. sitting here in texas in june that sounds like a dream.
― f. hazel, Wednesday, 13 June 2007 10:10 (sixteen years ago) link
"Bacon Eyes", "I'm a Lime" Hahaaha, you guys are too much! And here I was feeling bad that I posted "Diamonds & Pearls" as the lyric upthread when it's "Denims & Curls" isn't it?
I've never heard of Bell Hollow before.
― Bimble, Friday, 15 June 2007 04:29 (sixteen years ago) link
BIMBLE I WILL EMAIL U ABT THEM.
― Trayce, Friday, 15 June 2007 06:02 (sixteen years ago) link
ned, someone, for fuxx sake, do something about this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chameleons
seriously, it's horrid.
"The Chameleons' unique sound is quite often compared to U2's The Edge."
what the hell kind of sentence is that?
"The Chameleons released their first full-length studio LP, the critically-acclaimed Script of the Bridge, on the Statik label in 1983. The album features a blend of rhythmic electric guitar textures, all of which provide a moody and intense backdrop for Mark Burgess' haunting vocals. After their third release, Strange Times, in 1987 they abruptly disbanded following the sudden death of band manager Tony Fletcher."
something missing? basically.
the history part is so short and sad. let's go, obsessives! i am no expert, so i can't do it. just a mere fan of 24 or 25 year's standing.
― scott seward, Thursday, 25 October 2007 00:29 (sixteen years ago) link
I challenge the person doing the new entry to use the words "way better than shit like U2".
― PhilK, Thursday, 25 October 2007 19:04 (sixteen years ago) link
Whoa, I missed this. Um, will look into it.
Anyway -- I recommend the A Long Way From Home album by Black Swan Lane to all Chams fans. It's a new project that Mark is involved in, as one of the two lead vocalists. More of a Sound style album than the Chams, and not quite as aggro as either, but it sounds quite lovely anyway:
http://www.myspace.com/blackswanlane
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 22 November 2007 04:37 (sixteen years ago) link
Manchester UK / Atlanta, Georgia, United States
whoa
― Curt1s Stephens, Thursday, 22 November 2007 06:23 (sixteen years ago) link
finally got into these guys with "strange times", recently! sure had been missing out. . .
― andi, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:45 (sixteen years ago) link
Yes you had!
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:50 (sixteen years ago) link
Misfortune 500 just surprised the shit out of me at my radio station's concert by playing "Paper Tigers" AND "Don't Fall"! (And I surprised the singer by singing along)
― Curt1s Stephens, Sunday, 30 March 2008 05:18 (fifteen years ago) link
HALF ALIVE IN A NINE TO FIVE VACANT EYES
blaring Chameleons from my stereo now. I really believe everyone should blare Chamelons from their stereo.
Swamp Thing in my ears.
I'm going to play this album over and over until I get tired of it.
― Bimble, Sunday, 4 May 2008 07:13 (fifteen years ago) link
STOP STARING AT THE GROUND
― Bimble, Sunday, 4 May 2008 07:14 (fifteen years ago) link
Not too many hours from this hour
― Bimble, Sunday, 4 May 2008 07:15 (fifteen years ago) link
Primal scream and the TV screen
"we were younger then and the days were long and slow but were wiser then, I couldn't say I wouldn't know"
― Bimble, Sunday, 4 May 2008 07:19 (fifteen years ago) link
I wasn't worried at all I had someone to run to
― Bimble, Sunday, 4 May 2008 07:20 (fifteen years ago) link
impossible
― stephen, Sunday, 4 May 2008 23:20 (fifteen years ago) link
True.
I must thank Curtis for that mention of Misfortune 500 -- I'd had that around as a promo mailing and had ignored it because the sticker was all 'if you like Interpol and the Editors...' leading me to go OTHER REFERENCE POINTS DAMMIT. But seeing as they obviously know their Chameleons I am suddenly intrigued.
― Ned Raggett, Sunday, 4 May 2008 23:25 (fifteen years ago) link
did the Script Of THe Bridge reissue ever come out?
― Mackro Mackro, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:05 (fifteen years ago) link
yes, it's basically out now.
― stephen, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:14 (fifteen years ago) link
THIS IS NOT MY HOME
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:26 (fifteen years ago) link
drifting ghosts of glass
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:28 (fifteen years ago) link
RANDOM QUOTED LYRIC OUT OF CONTEXT
― stephen, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:30 (fifteen years ago) link
Strange Times on repeat again.
This is the same thing I did the other night.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:32 (fifteen years ago) link
I'd like to see this giant fall
struck by lightning die with the bullet in my head right in the brain right in the brain right in the brain
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:36 (fifteen years ago) link
I'm alive Turn on the lights
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:37 (fifteen years ago) link
the storm has come or is it another shower?
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:44 (fifteen years ago) link
are you drunk?
― stephen, Monday, 5 May 2008 01:50 (fifteen years ago) link
Anyway, John Lever's new band:
http://www.myspace.com/bushartmusic
...which is rather Chamslike. But the vocalist is the weak spot, to put it mildly.
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 7 May 2008 21:28 (fifteen years ago) link
"THIS RECORDING WAS MEANT TO BE PLAYED LOUD"
on every Chameleons & ex-Chameleons album ever
The vocals don't ruin the songs at least. Guy sort of sounds like he's trying to be Jaz Coleman lol
― Curt1s Stephens, Wednesday, 7 May 2008 23:21 (fifteen years ago) link
classic music that is not afraid to bury you in meaning and feeling. no holding back in restrained cool fashion for these guys. it's all on the sleeves.
― Charlie Howard, Thursday, 8 May 2008 07:03 (fifteen years ago) link
that is very true
― Curt1s Stephens, Thursday, 8 May 2008 07:47 (fifteen years ago) link
Hmm. Well, alright. See I heard this um..."Dear Dead Days" song tonight that was the early version of Soul In Isolation and then I really flipped my goddamn lid. And then I realized it was on something called "Here Today...Gone Tomorrow" which I didn't know about except I found a picture of an LP called that that I remember owning from the familiarity of the sleeve to me. It had a rectangular picture of the band with a lot of green leaves around it. So I'm kindof confused because I think the (dbl) CD has a different sleeve (and tracklisting!) than the LP. I really don't know what I'm doing here. Maybe someone can help me. I don't understand why I recognized the LP sleeve but not this song "Dear Dead Days"? And yes I realize the dbl CD contained a live gig for the second CD and all that.
Won't someone help my bewildered ass? I'm rooting around in tender memories here and I'm not sure of anything. Thanx.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Saturday, 10 May 2008 05:26 (fifteen years ago) link
Bimble struggles to remember sometimes, but all the same, tonight he remembered exactly what the face of one of his early grade school teachers looked like. I must have been 9 years old and suddenly earlier this evening I remembered this one teacher's face incredibly clearly. And her mascara. It was really wild. I mean, for all I know that woman could be dead now. How many years ago was 1980 again?
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Saturday, 10 May 2008 05:32 (fifteen years ago) link
Autographed copy of Mark's autobiography, View From A Hill, just arrived in the mail. The finger-pointing begins on page 2.
― Curt1s Stephens, Friday, 6 June 2008 01:51 (fifteen years ago) link
A good friend of mine had his baby shower today, because he's expecting a baby girl. When I walked in to this party, he was playing Strange Times. I was utterly hypnotized. I couldn't move. I only wanted to hear it again and again and again. I couldn't socialize with the people there, nothing. I was paralyzed. I could only stand there in the kitchen with my wine glass and sing along. I didn't care at all about anyone. What was wrong with these people that they didn't care that Strange Times was playing?
Anyone remember "I'll Remember"?
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 4 August 2008 07:11 (fifteen years ago) link
DON'T LET THESE DAYS OF DOUBT TURN HIM INSIDE OUT
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 4 August 2008 07:18 (fifteen years ago) link
Tony Fletcher Walked On Water EP.
This one goes out out to the man I lost. Where is he now? The one I lost. Where did he go? I know I drank too much, I know. I ruined it all. It's all my fault. But where is he now? Where did he go? He used to post to ILX, but no more. How I miss him. Jesus. Wouldn't he only rep for this EP? Chameleons were one of his fave bands. And he's gone now. I'll never forget him. Goodbye, Mitch. Goodbye. God. I'd give anything to hear from you, but you are gone. Forever gone. Goodbye.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 04:20 (fifteen years ago) link
God I'm so sorry, Mitch. God I'm so sorry.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 04:30 (fifteen years ago) link
You have to hang on to your childhood.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 04:41 (fifteen years ago) link
FUCK!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoOuVL5nn5M
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 05:07 (fifteen years ago) link
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:7FGMmZES7J8cRM:http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/16227.jpg
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 05:10 (fifteen years ago) link
Look, I was only in high school with this album. I'm about to cry.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 05:11 (fifteen years ago) link
I don't give a fucking living fuck if it isn't Chameleons I don't care. I'm going to go back to my high school days and no one can stop me.
With the sun in your eyes...
out the back door silently he creeps a sense of excitement you've no hope of finding with the chains that bind your feet
but why this weakness no one knows the vacant faceless voices on the phone bring words that offer no consolation when you're all alone
Beaten on the brow of history a union forged in slavery in all that's hope and decency a hope for you and a hope for me every woman child and man to those who'll chain you if they can the babe you're bouncing on your knee needs your help now can't you see?
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 05:20 (fifteen years ago) link
bimble, this one's pretty good too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hINpXuwE1nE
― stephen, Sunday, 10 August 2008 06:11 (fifteen years ago) link
Fuck I just can't function damnit.
"Is It Any Wonder" playing loud now my neighbors are going to kill me.
Thanks, Stephen.
It hurts me in my heart, this music, it hurts me.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 18:47 (fifteen years ago) link
I can't do it.
I'm playing Mad Jack now my neighbors are going to kill me. I can't do this.
Please tell the one I love that I love this goddamn album. Please tell him.
STRANGE TIMES.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 18:55 (fifteen years ago) link
NO PRESSURE NO PAIN
Come up here, set us free
dagger in our hearts
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 18:57 (fifteen years ago) link
Nobody hears cause nobody cares. I wanna look 20 but I can't deliver. The time has come for us to scatter Caution To The Wind
Caution To The Wind Caution To The Wind Caution To the Wind
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 18:59 (fifteen years ago) link
Just drifting ghosts of glass
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:00 (fifteen years ago) link
I Love "In Shreds"
― billstevejim, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:00 (fifteen years ago) link
I'm surprised to be the 1st person here to mention "In Shreds".. It's possible Interpol may have stolen their sound from this song.
― billstevejim, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:02 (fifteen years ago) link
Fucking In Shreds you guys are going to slay me.
I've already cried real tears about this goddamn Strange Times CD.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:17 (fifteen years ago) link
They told me to turn it down, the motherfuckers. My landlord and everything.
I don't care. Damnit, I just don't care. Chameleons.
I can't turn it down in my brain.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:45 (fifteen years ago) link
IN SHREDS IS SLAYING MY SOUL
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Sunday, 10 August 2008 19:47 (fifteen years ago) link
Crying for sympathy, crocodiles cry...
― stephen, Sunday, 10 August 2008 22:28 (fifteen years ago) link
Stops them feeling small that's all Look, I'm not going to quote all the lyrics, anyone who knows anything knows that I'm dying here. I'm fucking dying if this isn't the best music in the world.
SAYS THE SPIDER TO THE FLY NICE TRY
Every day you're crucified If you can't look them in the eye nice try vices embraced in times of crisis THAT'S ALL
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 11 August 2008 10:29 (fifteen years ago) link
It must have been like this before but my memory's hazy
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 11 August 2008 10:32 (fifteen years ago) link
Thought this was about Ian Riese-Moraine at first.
― jaymc, Monday, 11 August 2008 15:57 (fifteen years ago) link
Hahaha. I know. What happened to Ian anyway? That guy had some really cool taste in music for being so young! I asked another ILXor what happened to him and it was like I think someone here scared him or something. I'm not sure. I think someone here scared him and he left ILX.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 11 August 2008 22:03 (fifteen years ago) link
-- stephen, Sunday, August 10, 2008 11:28 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Link
Sorry I just now got this. You dropped a Cure lyric in there. Nice one, dude.
― Bimble Is Still More Goth Than You, Monday, 11 August 2008 22:07 (fifteen years ago) link
hahaha ;)
― stephen, Tuesday, 12 August 2008 00:36 (fifteen years ago) link
Hearts Fail - interesting Chameleons influenced band from SAN ANTONIO, Texas
Hearts Failhttp://www.myspace.com/heartsfail
Influences the Chameleons UK, the Cure, the Sound, the Smiths, the Comsat Angels, Joy Division, Echo & the Bunnymen, Bauhaus, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Killing Joke, the Church, the Mission, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, the Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, A Perfect Circle, NIN, Placebo, Muse, David Bowie, Interpol, Mana, la Ley, Depeche Mode, V.A.S.T., Tori Amos, Bjork
― djmartian, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:17 (fifteen years ago) link
I have even more appreciation for "Soul In Isolation" after reading Jack London's "The Star Rover", the book the lyrics of the the song are based on.
― Michael F Gill, Friday, 12 September 2008 16:00 (fifteen years ago) link
In side project news, a Reegs reissue is forthcoming:
http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset
― Ned Raggett, Sunday, 5 April 2009 16:39 (fourteen years ago) link
Nice!!!
― ilxor, Sunday, 5 April 2009 17:50 (fourteen years ago) link
I know this gets tossed around a lot, but they really were the best at what they did weren't they? It's not often that a band writes songs this good and captures them on record so perfectly. They had prettier guitars than the Smiths, more vivid daydreams & nightmares than the Cure, lightyears more energy than U2...
― dirty south? clean it up with Orbitz (Curt1s Stephens), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 04:43 (fourteen years ago) link
I know I love 'em.
― Cunga, Tuesday, 28 April 2009 05:34 (fourteen years ago) link
I've been listening to them a lot lately. Rediscovering What Does Anything Mean... especially. Still not as perfect as Script..., but pretty damn close. It also struck me that Editors try to sound like them a lot. I'm probably the last person who's realised that.
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 28 April 2009 05:45 (fourteen years ago) link
They had (...) more vivid daydreams & nightmares than the Cure
Man I love me some Chameleons but I'll challenge this. I've not heard a Chameleons song as daydream-y as "Let's Go to Bed," "The Lovecats," "Catch," "Friday I'm in Love" or as altogether bleak and torturous as "One Hundred Years," "Siamese Twins," "The Top," "The Kiss" et al.
That is to say, yes, the Chameleons are of course great, but Cure embody those two extremes -- daydreams and nightmares -- a lot better than Burgess & Co. ever did (not that they were necessarily trying for that, of course).
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:34 (fourteen years ago) link
Chameleons vs Cure poll would be a bloodbath of regrets ;)
― sorry for british (country matters), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:38 (fourteen years ago) link
I mean, I'd probably have to side with The Cure, but for unfair reasons (I first heard The Cure when I was 7, I first heard The Chameleons when I was 20, the former are integrally ingrained in my psyche and the latter are a great fucken band I discovered through ILM)
― sorry for british (country matters), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:41 (fourteen years ago) link
Hmm. I got into them both at round about the same time -- ie gloomy adolescence -- and while I think the Chameleons have moments of undeniable godlikeness, I wouldn't really put them in the same league as the Cure ... it's not just about daydreams and nightmares, as ilxor so eloquently puts it, but about the range and scope of what they did. Even after all these years, the Cure can still surprise me.
― a tiny, faltering megaphone (grimly fiendish), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:58 (fourteen years ago) link
Like with a surprisingly dull, middling new album in 2008 (a handful of tracks aside)? ;-)
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 17:10 (fourteen years ago) link
Er, well ... I really liked it to begin with ... umm ... yeh, OK.
But it's funny: I've just put on Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, which is (oddly) the album of theirs I've probably listened to the least, and there's so much going on there -- so much to love -- that I find myself thinking, fuck it, I can forgive the (not insignificant) dross when there's stuff as good as this in there.
Sure, the Chameleons suffer in this comparison by having a much smaller body of work to choose from. But, er ... tough :)
― a tiny, faltering megaphone (grimly fiendish), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 17:16 (fourteen years ago) link
ok I was stretching it w/the Cure
― dirty south? clean it up with Orbitz (Curt1s Stephens), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 20:19 (fourteen years ago) link
more vivid daydreams & nightmares Echo & the Bunnymen
^^ there we go, works better w/the analogy since the Cure were more eclectic than these other bands
― dirty south? clean it up with Orbitz (Curt1s Stephens), Tuesday, 28 April 2009 20:21 (fourteen years ago) link
where is the love for what does anything mean, basically?
― cutty, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 14:58 (fourteen years ago) link
That's long been my favourite one, apart from the shit poem on the cover.
― Enemy Insects (NickB), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 15:01 (fourteen years ago) link
everyone talks about script and strange times, seemingly ignoring the better album in between. it's not as dark as script, seems more jangly/proto-shoegazery, and seems less straight "rock" than strange times.
yes, it is my favorite as well.
― cutty, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 15:06 (fourteen years ago) link
I think it's suffered a little cos it hasn't got a 'Second Skin' or a 'Soul In Isolation' on it, but really, 'Perfume Garden' and 'Intrigue In Tangiers' are two of the most vivid songs that Mark Burgess wrote.
― Enemy Insects (NickB), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 15:12 (fourteen years ago) link
The drummer from the Chameleons is doing a Chameleons tribute band as support to the Comsat Angels in October
― EMPIRE STATE HYMEN (MPx4A), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 15:16 (fourteen years ago) link
"Home Is Where the Heart Is" is where it's @
― funky house sceptic system (Curt1s Stephens), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 15:17 (fourteen years ago) link
A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days 12"
― uncannydan, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 16:43 (fourteen years ago) link
comsat angels reunion?
― cutty, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 16:47 (fourteen years ago) link
Yes, more details on the Comsat thing please.
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:09 (fourteen years ago) link
Hey I posted about that on here and none of you punks said anything:
Comsat Angels C or D/S&D
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:10 (fourteen years ago) link
should have had that thread bookmarked. oh well. show happened already.
― cutty, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:43 (fourteen years ago) link
Well apparently more shows coming up so hey.
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:46 (fourteen years ago) link
Yeah I think I will go to the London one. I don't know anybody who was at the Sheffield gig, I read a review linked on the Sleep No More website but the guy said something about how political correctness had gone mad or some shit so I kinda zoned out.
― EMPIRE STATE HYMEN (MPx4A), Wednesday, 17 June 2009 18:11 (fourteen years ago) link
I've heard whispers of an upcoming "reunion" tour of sorts. Not going to be all original members -- Burgess and maybe some of the others, not sure -- but it sound like it'll be a full-on Chameleons setlist thing, which is at least somewhat exciting.
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Sunday, 18 October 2009 19:56 (fourteen years ago) link
They supported the Comsat Angels last night. I thought it was just the drummer as per the original announcement, but I turned up late and was a bit surprised to see Burgess there singing Soul in Isolation. Ended with Second Skin and did the Please Please Me thing over the coda, it was neat. He introduced them as "John Lever's Second Skin", which is weird as I'd have kind of expected Burgess to want more of the credit than that.
― MPx4A, Sunday, 25 October 2009 13:25 (fourteen years ago) link
But yeah, I'd pay to see a full headlining show of that.
Well, didn't expect this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwbdYtaKEVo
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:18 (fourteen years ago) link
I...I don't think any of us expected this
― MPx4A, Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:29 (fourteen years ago) link
Not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed at how tasteful this is
― MPx4A, Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:32 (fourteen years ago) link
Hugely disappointed
― SBanned of Brothers (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:33 (fourteen years ago) link
they mismanage the great halfway transition
― a. cole, u thic (acoleuthic), Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:41 (fourteen years ago) link
classic case of cover mismanagement
― la monte jung (cutty), Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:41 (fourteen years ago) link
I just kept waiting for it to go fucking mental and then it didn't go fucking mental SELL-OUTS WD NOT LISTEN AGAIN
― SBanned of Brothers (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 3 December 2009 17:42 (fourteen years ago) link
I will never disapprove of anyone paying tribute to "Second Skin" which is my unwavering favorite song of all time
― there but for the grace of mod go i (Curt1s Stephens), Thursday, 3 December 2009 19:43 (fourteen years ago) link
btw wtf @ the fact that the combined scores of the 3 albums (well, major albums) wouldn't even have made the 80's poll top 100
― a. cole, u thic (acoleuthic), Thursday, 3 December 2009 19:46 (fourteen years ago) link
If this is the stuff dreams are made of... then please god never let me sleep again.
― The bugger in the short sleeves (NickB), Thursday, 3 December 2009 20:01 (fourteen years ago) link
wish they hadn't fucked up the second half of the song. even moreso I wish they had made it sound like "Move Your Ass."
it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!!
― pash rules everything around me (Curt1s Stephens), Saturday, 5 December 2009 07:43 (fourteen years ago) link
7^%$%#$@#$@#@#$@$#
― millivanillimillenary (Trayce), Saturday, 5 December 2009 07:44 (fourteen years ago) link
...actually this isnt too bad.
I'm too scared to heard the 2nd half tho.
― millivanillimillenary (Trayce), Saturday, 5 December 2009 07:45 (fourteen years ago) link
...yeah ok they could have done better.
― millivanillimillenary (Trayce), Saturday, 5 December 2009 07:46 (fourteen years ago) link
It loses all the euphoria!
Just received my 2xCD reissue of What Does Anything Mean? Basically and, as expected, it's a gorgeous remastering job. Going to listen to these demos in the coming hours as well. This is a really great album, too often underrated because of the company it keeps with the Chameleons' other two masterpieces.
Buy here: http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleondetails/chamREF091.html
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Saturday, 12 December 2009 05:30 (fourteen years ago) link
'perfume garden' is the best chameleons song
― uptown churl, Saturday, 12 December 2009 06:43 (fourteen years ago) link
I just ordered that today. I thought it wasn't due to come out 'til January. I guess Blue Apple has some exclusive special edition. I wonder if they'll do the dbl deluxe treatment for Strange Times too.
― Fastnbulbous, Saturday, 12 December 2009 07:48 (fourteen years ago) link
Yep, it's available exclusively through Blue Apple for a couple months before it hits retail in Jan/Feb. And I can't imagine them reissuing the first two albums and not Strange Times... that'll likely be out within a year or so.
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Sunday, 13 December 2009 15:25 (fourteen years ago) link
Chameleons non-album tracks OPO: Nathan's Phase
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Sunday, 13 December 2009 19:53 (fourteen years ago) link
Good choice. "Things I Wish I'd Said" is a favorite of mine, "Dali's Picture" is okay enough, and "Sally" is way too obscure, such a sweet little song.
― Ned Raggett, Sunday, 13 December 2009 19:55 (fourteen years ago) link
Never heard 'Sally' I don't think, what's that from? Other pick for me is 'Is It Any Wonder'.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:01 (fourteen years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNqiTMN6Tl8
^ it's here I guess
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:03 (fourteen years ago) link
Oh that is a nice song, bit of downer vibe going on though.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:09 (fourteen years ago) link
bit of downer vibe going on though.
Chameleons... downer vibe... really? ;-)
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Monday, 14 December 2009 17:03 (fourteen years ago) link
Yeah, that was kind of a dumb comment, but you know, they nearly always sound fairly hopeful to me. Didn't really absorb the lyrics to that song yet, but there they sounded like they know the game was up. Whatever game that might be.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Monday, 14 December 2009 17:28 (fourteen years ago) link
Fair point!
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Monday, 14 December 2009 21:17 (fourteen years ago) link
Just got this email from Blue Apple Music, feel free to utilize the coupon code and get yerself some Chameleons in yer life:
Dear Chameleons Fan,As a valued customer of Blue Apple Music, we would like to offer you £5 off your next Chameleons purchase from the official online store (valid until the end of February).By using the voucher code (below) you can bag one of the new official t-shirts for only £10 (+ p&p), or knock a fiver from the price of the re-mastered versions of Script of the Bridge or What Does Anything Mean? Basically. Alternatively, there are a handful of copies of the discontinued Ascension DVD still available, and the offer also applies to The Reegs Definitive collection and range of t-shirts.To take advantage of this offer, simply place your order at www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleons.html enter the code NOSTALGIA in the voucher box and then press Recalculate . The £5 will be deducted from your total order amount.Please remember, this offer expires on February 28th 2010.Thanks for your continued support in helping to keep the music of The Chameleons alive.Best regardsBlue Apple Music
As a valued customer of Blue Apple Music, we would like to offer you £5 off your next Chameleons purchase from the official online store (valid until the end of February).
By using the voucher code (below) you can bag one of the new official t-shirts for only £10 (+ p&p), or knock a fiver from the price of the re-mastered versions of Script of the Bridge or What Does Anything Mean? Basically.
Alternatively, there are a handful of copies of the discontinued Ascension DVD still available, and the offer also applies to The Reegs Definitive collection and range of t-shirts.
To take advantage of this offer, simply place your order at www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleons.html enter the code NOSTALGIA in the voucher box and then press Recalculate . The £5 will be deducted from your total order amount.
Please remember, this offer expires on February 28th 2010.
Thanks for your continued support in helping to keep the music of The Chameleons alive.
Best regards
Blue Apple Music
They have the reissues of the first two Chameleons albums (Script of the Bridge, What Does Anything Mean? Basically) each with a great bonus disc -- or the Ascension DVD which is out of print -- or the Reegs complete recordings compilation -- or a range of t-shirts if you're into those.
Go nuts!
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Thursday, 18 February 2010 17:12 (fourteen years ago) link
Link is here: http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleons.html
Cheers. Just ordered the DVD? Anyone seen it?
― AnotherDeadHero, Thursday, 18 February 2010 17:38 (fourteen years ago) link
Yup.
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 18 February 2010 17:39 (fourteen years ago) link
Can't believe they've made the WDAMB look even worse than it did the first time around.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Thursday, 18 February 2010 17:59 (fourteen years ago) link
^ the WDAMB cover
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:00 (fourteen years ago) link
Looks worse, sounds better. I'd say that's a pretty fair trade!
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:23 (fourteen years ago) link
I've just picked up on The Chameleons in the last few months. Bought the remastered 'Script', 'WDAMB' and 'Strange Times'. Seem's pretty difficult to get the originals of anything else sadly. Managed to download FLAC's of the 'Peel Sessions' album but everything else seems to be only available on mp3. Really dug the 'Free Trade Hall Rehersals', the delayed guitars sounded amazing with all that empty atmosphere. The live bonus disc on the reissue of 'Script' is brilliant. Probably the best Chameleons live recording I've heard. Any other reccomendations?
Also, Mark Burgess solo and The Reegs, what's the verdict?
― AnotherDeadHero, Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:41 (fourteen years ago) link
Solo/side stuff = good but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:43 (fourteen years ago) link
The Sun and the Moon's s/t album and follow-up EP are both excellent -- I believe it was Mark's side project (+ John Lever?) in between the Chameleons and his solo stuff with the Sons of God.
― I just wish he hadn't adopted the "ilxor" moniker (ilxor), Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:44 (fourteen years ago) link
Cool, will check out in time.
What about live recordings? As I said, I'm totally blown away by the show on the bonus of the 'Script' reissue. Some tracks like 'Paper Tiger' and 'A person isn't safe' sound even better than the studio versions to my ears. I haven't been blown away by any of the officially released live discs I've been able to download in the same way.
― AnotherDeadHero, Thursday, 18 February 2010 18:52 (fourteen years ago) link
"Live In Toronto" is damn good. There's a number of other live albums but "Toronto" and the Script bonus disc are the best of the lots.
Track down The Peel Sessions, The Radio One sessions and "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" for almost all of their radio appearances.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 18 February 2010 19:32 (fourteen years ago) link
live @ camden palce dvd is totally frickin awesome; really well filmed, excellent sound quality.. a total must
― guammls (QE II), Thursday, 18 February 2010 20:03 (fourteen years ago) link
"tripping dogs" is a pretty good live cd.. it has a really nice slow-burning version of "less than human"
― guammls (QE II), Thursday, 18 February 2010 20:05 (fourteen years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es_2bZ8ziv4
^ this is off the Camden Palace DVD. Always wondered where the stills in the WDAMB gatefold were from.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Thursday, 18 February 2010 20:10 (fourteen years ago) link
wow
― shite new answers (cutty), Saturday, 20 February 2010 04:01 (fourteen years ago) link
What can I buy that has "Sally" on it????? It sounds like it was recorded in the WDAMB? era
― MY RUSTIC CHURCHWARDEN PIPE TOBACCOS; WITH RED T-SHIRT OF SURF (Curt1s Stephens), Saturday, 20 February 2010 04:35 (fourteen years ago) link
From http://www.thechameleons.com/band/faq.php
Who is Sally?Sally is the name of Mark's (ex) wife. The "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" album includes a rather atypical song called 'Sally,' which was written by Mark for the woman who was to become his wife.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Saturday, 20 February 2010 09:48 (fourteen years ago) link
http://www.bobsy.per.sg/illusion035.jpg
The Chameleons - Here Today...Gone Tomorrow
Release Date: 1 Jun 1992Label: ImaginaryCountry: UKTracks:
* String Quartet 1 * Home Is Where The Heart Is * In Answer * Bobby Moore's Wine * Sally * In Shreds * Nathan's Phase * Up The Down Escalator * On The Beach * Dear Dead Days * Things I Wish I'd Said * String Quartet 2
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Saturday, 20 February 2010 09:52 (fourteen years ago) link
Notes:On "Here Today", "In Answer" is still developing lyrically. The lyrics for "Bobby Moore's Wine" were completely rewritten and it became "Mad Jack". Three tracks are not listed as taken from a radio session: "In Shreds", "Things I Wish I'd Said", and "Dear Dead Days". Are these studio versions? "Dear Dead Days" sort of became the end of "Soul In Isolation".
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Saturday, 20 February 2010 09:55 (fourteen years ago) link
I guess I should probably get round to hearing this thing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0OHTj-3fyQ
^ this is a song that I've been listening to a whole heck of a lot lately - 'Is It Any Wonder' off the Tony Fletcher EP.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Saturday, 20 February 2010 13:11 (fourteen years ago) link
...which gets a fair bit of love upthread, but something I only heard in the last year cos I am the laziest of fans.
― We should have called Suzie and Bobby (NickB), Saturday, 20 February 2010 13:14 (fourteen years ago) link
Got the Acsention DVD in the post today. God bless Blue Apple, they seem to sent stuff super quick. Looking forward to putting in on this weekend. Tracklist on both the DVD's looks great. Shame there's no 'Paper Tiger' though, one of my fave tracks.
Managed to order a vinyl called "Tripping Dog's". The info I've come across suggests its the same as the 'Free Trade Rehersals'. Anyone have it?
― AnotherDeadHero, Saturday, 20 February 2010 14:52 (fourteen years ago) link
Yeah, Free Trade is just the CD version of Tripping Dogs -- the sole difference is that Free Trade contains "Tomorrow Never Knows" as well.
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 20 February 2010 14:54 (fourteen years ago) link
Coolio. I can live with that. Got it at a decent price too.
There's a good few tracks on the DVD I haven't heard off. Take it some are from the albums they released since they reformed. How do those ones stack up?
― AnotherDeadHero, Saturday, 20 February 2010 16:07 (fourteen years ago) link
There's only one full-on reformation album, Why Call It Anything -- all the other ones are live or acoustic remake albums. WCIA is generally speaking the calmest of the four studio albums -- part and parcel with the band members being older and more reflective, perhaps -- but it has some excellent songs, my favorite being "Dangerous Land."
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 20 February 2010 16:48 (fourteen years ago) link
'Why Call It Anything' seems to be quite expensive second hand. Same with those acoustic remake albums. What's the deal here? The fact most Chameleons stuff is so hard to find and usually out of print. Most of the postuhumous stuff seems to be only semi-legit and released on small labels. I'm guessing they something like 'Fan and The Bellows' or 'Here today gone tomorrow' was only released in small numbers. Same with the live stuff that's been put out. How come it's all so terribly hard to find?
― AnotherDeadHero, Saturday, 20 February 2010 17:21 (fourteen years ago) link
Because it's so good only a small number of people can handle it.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 20 February 2010 18:25 (fourteen years ago) link
Why Call It Anything is marred by that track with the inexplicable reggae toasting on it
― MY RUSTIC CHURCHWARDEN PIPE TOBACCOS; WITH RED T-SHIRT OF SURF (Curt1s Stephens), Saturday, 20 February 2010 19:25 (fourteen years ago) link
Been watching some of the 'Ascention' DVD this evening and I have to say my verdict is split. Disc 2 with the Acoustic stuff is brilliant but Disc 1 is bizzare. Not sure if it's just me but the sound of the guitars seems far too low. The bass and drums are all up front clouding the (already) subtle melodic leads. Plus the guy on the congo's/tambourine etc, he is was too loud in the mix too (on the acoustic disc as well).
My theory, which is probably far off, is that, as Ned mentioned, they've mellowed out with time a bit, that's why the acoustic/quieter stuff works a treat but the louder electric set is lacking somewhat. I guess is takes a certain youthfull restlessness to play 'A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Day's' with the conviction and paranoid anxiety of the original recording.
― AnotherDeadHero, Saturday, 20 February 2010 23:36 (fourteen years ago) link
Scott Blonde, formerly of the Lovemakers, does a pretty nice cover of "One Flesh":
http://soundcloud.com/scottblonde/one-flesh
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 17 July 2010 19:22 (thirteen years ago) link
Mark Burgess will be at the Big Takeover 30th Anniversary bash in Brooklyn in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 17 July 2010 22:03 (thirteen years ago) link
So the Big Takeover bash was frickin' awesome - loads of great bands, I never thought I'd have the stamina to watch 16 bands in two days but it never got tiresome or boring! Mark Burgess brought the house down with a fantastic set, just pumping out energy and emotion. He's on tour now, go see him! Dates here: http://www.myspace.com/chameleonsvox
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 5 August 2010 23:59 (thirteen years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MprCSzBIexw
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 11:48 (thirteen years ago) link
Mark Burgess reveals himself a bit of a conspiracy theorist in his bio on http://www.myspace.com/chameleonsvox :
I believe that the murders of John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King were the result of meticulously orchestrated conspiracies involving members of the Mafia, disgruntled extremists, powerful right wing industrialists and certain government agencies that are basically fascist in nature, rather than by alienated or mentally disturbed “lone-nuts”; and that some of the people involved in one or more of these crimes still hold positions of influence today.
Finally I believe that the official explanation offered for the 9/11 tragedy, that the buildings fell due to impact from passenger jets that had been hijacked by a mythical international terrorist network using box-knives as weapons is not supported by a significant amount of evidence and by witness testimony, including that provided by many of the surviving rescue teams that were in the buildings when they started to collapse; and that a full, objective and politically independent enquiry into this tragedy is long overdue.
Hmmm.
― Evan R, Friday, 24 September 2010 15:24 (thirteen years ago) link
To be fair this strain of thinking of his has been fairly constant over the years and has surfaced at many points -- a song like "Up the Down Escalator," for instance ("Now they can erase us/At the flick of a switch"). Disappointing, but not surprising.
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 24 September 2010 15:38 (thirteen years ago) link
Yeah, this stuff is vexing. Didn't get the book because I (somewhat unfairly) assumed it would be full of this sort of nonsense.
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 15:48 (thirteen years ago) link
Wow, I really had no idea, but I guess I never looked into it. I think for the sake of my future enjoyment of Chameleons records I probably never will. I'd always assumed he was singing about something higher (and IMO higher-minded) than government conspiracies.
I try not to let a songwriter's outside beliefs color my perception of their music too much, but it really does. I don't think I'd be anywhere near as in love with the latest Church record, for instance, if there were reason to believe those abstract lyrics were disguised references to 9/11 being an inside job.
― Evan R, Friday, 24 September 2010 15:51 (thirteen years ago) link
I think my response to that side of Burgess is basically "What on earth are you talking about?"
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 15:58 (thirteen years ago) link
More than anything I'm just miffed at the whole 'ChameleonsVox' thing -- throughout the nineties he never toured as anything but a solo or separate group name, and when the reunion happened it was actually all four of them, straight up.
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 24 September 2010 16:00 (thirteen years ago) link
Talking of ChameleonsVox, these have only just gone up on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzkgCbLG_Dg
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 16:40 (thirteen years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYrQWrDMz8M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IECGYm1mLq4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axlh3RjBR2Q
Don't want to offend anyone here but...
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 16:44 (thirteen years ago) link
PRETTY FUCKING SWEET!!!
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 16:45 (thirteen years ago) link
More footage I've not seen before, but this is classic stuff - 'Splitting In Two' off Spanish TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfyz0rnuixQ
― My glowbo's ain't half itchy (NickB), Friday, 24 September 2010 17:09 (thirteen years ago) link
Coincidentally Rescue Mission, the band that opened for Bird, the recent Mark Burgess project, on their US tour a couple years ago, has a band full of conspiracy theorists as well. I've had a couple odd discussions w/ those guys about 9/11 conspiracies, that ridiculous film Loose Change, as well as JFK stuff and general government distrust to a ridiculous degree. Not surprised at Burgess, I've heard the same from him before...
― ilxor has truly been got at and become an ILXor (ilxor), Friday, 24 September 2010 17:51 (thirteen years ago) link
You lot forgot the coda to his Myspace ramblings:
"You of course are entirely free to believe whatever you choose based upon your own research, experiences and insights, which is precisely as it should be."
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Friday, 24 September 2010 18:49 (thirteen years ago) link
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
xx 12:45 am heycrutis stephens 1:04 am hey what's up?xx 1:04 am Hey, you know "Don't Fall" by the Chameleons?crutis stephens 1:05 am yup!xx 1:05 am That "In the autumn before his winter" quote?crutis stephens 1:05 am yehxx 1:05 am I found which movie that's fromcrutis stephens 1:05 am REALLY?????xx 1:05 am Two Sisters From Bostoncrutis stephens 1:05 am omg this is vital informationxx 1:05 am The young man is talking to his mother about his father Really old movie
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
― (ಠ▃ಠ)o ((cloud)) (crüt), Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:06 (thirteen years ago) link
ask them whether they think they're taking goth-rock forward in 2010
― acoleuthic, Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:15 (thirteen years ago) link
Hmm, handy. I'd half heard they'd found out the movie a while back but maybe that was just a guess. Is there a clip anywhere?
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:15 (thirteen years ago) link
Classic - Beyond all shadow of doubt!As for the drumming, you only have to watch any early live footage to see and hear how competent it was. I must admit, some of the production on the drums should have replicated the live feel and sound on the actual albums, as they can sound slightly flat.
I have to say that I rate the Chameleons as one of my 5 all time fave' bands.
― crumbsinthebutter, Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:29 (thirteen years ago) link
Dunno whether this is the famous Raggett irony kicking in but obv. the clip is on this very thread a dozen posts back if anyone is interested.
Chameleons : Classic or Dud
― Sméagol-Eye Cherry (NickB), Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:45 (thirteen years ago) link
Hahah well there ya go.
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 November 2010 13:35 (thirteen years ago) link
It is an interesting quote once you see that it's a son talking about his father. Aging, nostalgia, recapturing lost youth - these seem to be topics that Burgess visits again and again. I remember reading what he wrote about 'Intrigue In Tangiers':
the lyrics came from frequent visits to a home for retired service men called Broughton House, in Salford Manchester, were I'd often go to visit my grandfather. It made me very aware of my own relative youth and how precious my time was. There was one chap there, a former seaman in the merchant navy, who was bound to a wheelchair and likened his life there to being buried alive. I use to take him some hash whenever I went over and he'd sit in his chair, getting stoned and watching TV. He'd call them "funny cigarettes." He used to talk of all these far-away exotic sounding places he'd visited, like Tangier.
Those visits must have made a huge impression on him - does he talk about them much in his book? It's a beautiful and sad subject.
― Sméagol-Eye Cherry (NickB), Wednesday, 17 November 2010 13:52 (thirteen years ago) link
I was just listening to "In Shreds" and my husband asked why I was listening to black metal. "It sounds like the new Enslaved..."
― Stop Non-Erotic Cabaret (Abbbottt), Monday, 17 January 2011 19:42 (thirteen years ago) link
I've become obsessed with the song "Free For All", up to the point to consider that this actually is the best song of the Chameleons.Naturally I have experienced much with "Swamp Thing", "Second Skin", "Lufthansa", "Soul in Isolation" "Monkeyland" or "Intrigue in Tangiers" for instance, but "Free For All" has happened to be (for me) the most lyrical performance of Burgess, as though he was in a desesperate run for his life, surrounded by these parade of clowns, and calling for help.
I'd like your opinions about that matter, that is, how do you consider this song as it was never mentionned in the posts above. Thanks
― Marchenoir, Wednesday, 19 January 2011 18:10 (thirteen years ago) link
as though he was in a desesperate run for his life, surrounded by these parade of clowns, and calling for help
If you know anything about Mark, you'd realize you've nailed it straight away.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Wednesday, 19 January 2011 18:29 (thirteen years ago) link
I'm rubbish at song titles, so I had to re-listen to it to remind me what song it was. Sounds like an attack on demagoguery and a rejection ('I don't believe in you') of the endless parade of saviours/clowns that have appeared throughout the course of history (the turning wheel?). It's also obviously having a pop on the masses that would welcome such a figure (the 'empty heads' that 'bow down'), who can't see through this 'joke reality' like what Birdy can. I kind of find his critique here a bit sixth form-ish tbh, and the sheep bleats at the end of the chorus don't do a lot to help. But yeah, there is (as ever) something about Burgess's sense of alienation which I find pretty affecting.
― seminal fuiud (NickB), Thursday, 20 January 2011 11:07 (thirteen years ago) link
I think he does a lot more for me when he's talking about childhood/the passage of time etc rather than when he's getting into political analysis, cos that's when he starts wandering off down the path of paranoid crazytalk imo.
― seminal fuiud (NickB), Thursday, 20 January 2011 11:12 (thirteen years ago) link
that's true for most musicians re: political analysis
& i agree!
― ilxor, Thursday, 20 January 2011 14:42 (thirteen years ago) link
Thanks for the answer. I must admit that I pay less attention to the exact contents of lyrics : being french but english speaking, I do understand the lyrics without the meaning coming straight to my understanding. I'm almost done with the book from Burgess "View From A Hill", and he said that he had been inspired by the american presidential elections at the time for the sing.As I expected, "Free For All" was only a temporary frenzy, followed by "Paradiso".
― Marchenoir, Wednesday, 26 January 2011 23:01 (thirteen years ago) link
would The Chameleons Vox be worth catching on the upcoming tour?
― Chris S, Thursday, 15 September 2011 01:59 (twelve years ago) link
If you've never seen Mark perform Chameleons songs, yes, because he can be a hell of a performer -- but if you were lucky enough to catch the Chameleons reunion tour (and I realize that it's almost a decade old by now -- yipes!), I'd not be so eager. Having seen the Chams a total of four times and Mark solo in various configurations even more, Chameleons songs can really only be played by the original four straight up; there's something always lacking otherwise. The except is when Mark does solo acoustic performances, those are often remarkable precisely because they don't and can't try to compete with the original arrangements.
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 15 September 2011 02:12 (twelve years ago) link
hm, that's what I was thinking... well, having never had the chance to catch 'em in the past, I'll prob check it out anyways. will just have to make sure I set my expectations for what it is. thx
― Chris S, Thursday, 15 September 2011 02:54 (twelve years ago) link
Thought I'd share this for any ILX Chameleons fans (of which there are many).
New limited vinyl remaster of 'Script of the Bridge'.
http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/chameleondetails/chamREF121.html
Strictly limited to 1000 numbered copies worldwide, The Chameleons seminal debut album ‘Script of the Bridge’ has been restored and re-mastered for vinyl at Abbey Road Studios, London.The gatefold package contains two heavyweight (180g) vinyl discs and also includes a cd, produced without the use of a ‘limiter’, which greatly increases the dynamic range of the recordings.The restoration project was undertaken by production team Guy Massey and Steve Rooke, who received a Grammy Award last year for their work on the Beatles Box Set. Guy Massey quotes Script of the Bridge as an influential album on his career.This is the first time that Script of the Bridge has been made available as a ‘double album’. By dividing the tracks onto two 12” discs, the sound quality greatly increases with none of the compression that hampered the original Chameleons vinyl.Working from original studio tapes, the production pair painstakingly restored the album song by song, to create what the band believe is the truest reflection of how the recordings were meant to be.The gatefold sleeve features exclusive new artwork by The Chameleons guitarist Reg Smithies.
The gatefold package contains two heavyweight (180g) vinyl discs and also includes a cd, produced without the use of a ‘limiter’, which greatly increases the dynamic range of the recordings.
The restoration project was undertaken by production team Guy Massey and Steve Rooke, who received a Grammy Award last year for their work on the Beatles Box Set. Guy Massey quotes Script of the Bridge as an influential album on his career.
This is the first time that Script of the Bridge has been made available as a ‘double album’. By dividing the tracks onto two 12” discs, the sound quality greatly increases with none of the compression that hampered the original Chameleons vinyl.
Working from original studio tapes, the production pair painstakingly restored the album song by song, to create what the band believe is the truest reflection of how the recordings were meant to be.
The gatefold sleeve features exclusive new artwork by The Chameleons guitarist Reg Smithies.
Consider me in!
― AnotherDeadHero, Saturday, 14 April 2012 08:33 (eleven years ago) link
Indeed.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/c1e3720f0aa99954417a003a1786b987/tumblr_mj52eoKFnI1qar3r2o1_1280.jpg
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 4 March 2013 15:41 (eleven years ago) link
Bi-zarre!
Allegedly, Mark, John Lever and two other guys have formed ChameleonsVox and will be releasing a new album, "Eden", this spring. There's one track floating in the aether from a radio session.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Monday, 4 March 2013 18:56 (eleven years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfkjW1iKCc
― acid in the style of tenpole tudor (NickB), Monday, 4 March 2013 19:19 (eleven years ago) link
A new Mark interview
http://www.drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4147553-dis-meets-mark-burgess-from-the-chameleons
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 15 April 2014 18:07 (nine years ago) link
He'll never make anything good with Yves.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 15 April 2014 23:47 (nine years ago) link
Why do you say that?
― austinato (Austin), Wednesday, 16 April 2014 03:11 (nine years ago) link
Because everything he's done with him has felt half-baked and weak. Maybe I'm being hard on Yves, it's also possible Mark can no longer handle constructive criticism and so surrounds himself with people who tell him everything he does is great. I don't know for sure, but "Paradyning" is mostly bad, Invincible has one redeeming tune and the new EP is forgettable. Whereas "Zima Junction" is wonderful and "Why Call It Anything" is underrated, suffering only because the first three records are some immense. I want to believe Mark has one great album left in him but at this point, probably not.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Wednesday, 16 April 2014 03:24 (nine years ago) link
Okay, ouch.
I kind of lump Zima Junction and Paradyning together — both solid 3.5 star albums. But I love the Invincible album; maybe even more than Why Call it Anything.
The semi-official live album from the Paradyning tour is very good, as well.
― austinato (Austin), Wednesday, 16 April 2014 03:53 (nine years ago) link
they're playing script of the bridge at my local pubbut it's £16 :( and i'm second skintdown the up price guys
― nathey, Tuesday, 29 April 2014 09:50 (nine years ago) link
i'm going to go and see them play here. how could i not? 30 years of listening to the chameleons and i've still never seen them live
― ricky don't lose that number nine shirt (NickB), Tuesday, 29 April 2014 09:57 (nine years ago) link
this is very silly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vasr1_sJV1A
― ricky don't lose that number nine shirt (NickB), Tuesday, 29 April 2014 09:58 (nine years ago) link
Definitely go see them live! But I wish Mark would expand his focus beyond Script, as great as that album is, and give some love to the rest of his work.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 29 April 2014 13:14 (nine years ago) link
That is a silly clip but, jeez, his words still penetrate. "Nothing's forever, some things rearrange the scheme of things" - a simple insight but what we all need to hear sometimes.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 29 April 2014 13:20 (nine years ago) link
http://devonrecordclub.com/2014/06/10/the-chameleons-strange-times-round-68-robs-choice/
― i reject your shiny expensive consumerist stereo system (Scik Mouthy), Friday, 27 June 2014 10:50 (nine years ago) link
Mark Burgess autobiography, View From A hill, about to be reissued.
We're very proud to announce the imminent publication of a newly-edited and augmented edition of View From A Hill. It has been produced with Mark's blessing and co-operation, and will be available in the UK and Europe in mid-late November.
You can make pre-orders here and they will reach you in time for Christmas: http://mittenson.com/vfah.html
There will be a kindle edition available at the same time, and we will make the paperback available in other parts of the world too. Please contact us for details of these, and with any questions - i✧✧✧@mitten✧✧✧.c✧✧.
― Mittens On, Sunday, 26 October 2014 14:17 (nine years ago) link
Apparently there's a Chameleons Vox farewell tour, being a performance of Script Of The Bridge.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Wednesday, 29 April 2015 22:43 (eight years ago) link
They toured the UK last year performing Script in its entirety and they're touring here again in a month or so doing the whole second album. Unless something has happened suddenly to make Mark change his plans?
― yeovil knievel (NickB), Wednesday, 29 April 2015 23:00 (eight years ago) link
Mark change his mind? How unexpected.
**rolls eyes**
― austinato (Austin), Thursday, 30 April 2015 20:03 (eight years ago) link
Oh, so you know Mark too...
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 30 April 2015 23:06 (eight years ago) link
I am embarrassed that I own nothing by The Chameleons. However hearing songs of theirs pop up in my Killing Joke Pandora station have convinced me I need to rectify that.
Am I good if I pick up Return of the Roughnecks or are the first three albums all essential?
― Loud guitars shit all over "Bette Davis Eyes" (NYCNative), Saturday, 17 September 2016 21:34 (seven years ago) link
Just get Strange Times, and if it thrills, proceed sequentially.
― erry red flag (f. hazel), Saturday, 17 September 2016 21:45 (seven years ago) link
The compilation is expensive! An import only evidently.
I can get the original versions of the albums cheaply since they did the deluxe remaster dealios, I'll probably go that route unless those remasters are really essential.
― Loud guitars shit all over "Bette Davis Eyes" (NYCNative), Saturday, 17 September 2016 21:47 (seven years ago) link
No you just need the first album. And the peel sessions. Then you're good.
― brimstead, Saturday, 17 September 2016 23:24 (seven years ago) link
i mean, get all three albums, don't get a best of...
― brimstead, Saturday, 17 September 2016 23:25 (seven years ago) link
Is the Return Of Roughnecks the only compilation containing the Tony Fletcher EP?
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 18 September 2016 00:36 (seven years ago) link
Yes.
― Austin, Sunday, 18 September 2016 01:31 (seven years ago) link
I was hoping it would show up on a Strange Times reissue.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 18 September 2016 01:45 (seven years ago) link
You need all three albums, no question. The "Tony Fletcher" EP is available on the "Dreams In Celluloid" comp of early material, so it won't be redundant, and is also available cheaply.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Sunday, 18 September 2016 03:58 (seven years ago) link
Thank you very much. I heard the first three albums a decade ago and its nice not having to pay for an overpriced Best Of to get the EP.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 18 September 2016 11:57 (seven years ago) link
Absolutely awful news -- John Lever has passed.
http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2017/03/13/john-lever-chameleons-dies/
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 13 March 2017 17:13 (seven years ago) link
oh shit. wouldn't have been the same band without him, imagine 'soul in isolation' without JL
― Benylin Ascent (NickB), Monday, 13 March 2017 17:18 (seven years ago) link
Yeah I keep turning over so many different fills and breaks of his in my mind. Just would NOT have been the same, indeed.
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 13 March 2017 17:23 (seven years ago) link
Ouch. That is indeed unsettling news.
― Austin, Monday, 13 March 2017 17:38 (seven years ago) link
LIstening to soul in isolation on this, fantastic, thanks Ned.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSfxjgIYjeGYUBs4NLlFEaMaKp5C6FPpC
― wishy washy hippy variety hour (Hunt3r), Monday, 13 March 2017 19:09 (seven years ago) link
You're welcome of course. I'll have a piece running in the Quietus tomorrow.
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 13 March 2017 19:36 (seven years ago) link
RIP :(
― Coolio Iglesias (Turrican), Monday, 13 March 2017 19:39 (seven years ago) link
Way too young. A remarkable drummer in terms of what he didn't do, powerful without overpowering.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Monday, 13 March 2017 20:58 (seven years ago) link
One of my favourite little bits of JL is that minute and a bit outro of On The Beach where the drums smashing through at the end of each bar, wave after wave onto the shore
― Benylin Ascent (NickB), Monday, 13 March 2017 22:23 (seven years ago) link
Terrible news. I also thought of "Soul in Isolation" first, now it's time to reckon with "In Shreds," "Nathan's Phase"... jeez.
― geoffreyess, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 02:30 (seven years ago) link
Giving a listen to the Live in Toronto album from the Strange Times tour now. They played San Diego that tour, and had I been just a bit more aware or on top of things, I suppose I could have gone or tried to go, but I was still very much a top 40 kid, wouldn't've known. Though I did see the reunion tour of course, I really can't complain.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 02:48 (seven years ago) link
FUCK
― example (crüt), Tuesday, 14 March 2017 02:52 (seven years ago) link
Man, what sad news. A lot of the Chameleons sound comes down to how powerful his drum parts were
― Vinnie, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 05:00 (seven years ago) link
My Quietus memorial is live:
http://thequietus.com/articles/21990-rip-the-chameleons-john-lever
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 13:32 (seven years ago) link
Well said, Ned
― Vinnie, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 14:14 (seven years ago) link
great piece ned
― nxd, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 14:15 (seven years ago) link
Thanks kindly.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 14 March 2017 14:21 (seven years ago) link
Another farewell to him, from Black Swan Lane's Jack Sobel
http://blackswanlane.com/goodbye-john/
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 15 March 2017 16:44 (seven years ago) link
https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20663881_10156145323592137_7011716937297355767_n.jpg?oh=7f94036b7bb4faeeb7aca0c2f0a6dad3&oe=5A346751
― scott seward, Thursday, 10 August 2017 15:40 (six years ago) link
oh my gosh, that is both brilliant and hideous
― plp will eat itself (NickB), Thursday, 10 August 2017 17:53 (six years ago) link
found amidst table of wizard of oz collectible plates and figurines at yard sale in illinois, so nutty. old lady next to me was like "is that suppose to be one of them oompa loompas...or ?"
― popcorn michael awaits trumptweet (Hunt3r), Thursday, 10 August 2017 18:13 (six years ago) link
LOL. Can just imagine the Mrs' face when comes home with that.
― Tonight I Cut My Temple Teeth (Tom D.), Thursday, 10 August 2017 18:43 (six years ago) link
bump
― Shart Dressed Man (kurt schwitterz), Thursday, 14 September 2017 05:33 (six years ago) link
Touring now, going to see Mark and the latest band in Boston on Sat night.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Thursday, 14 September 2017 12:44 (six years ago) link
Who sang the first track on Tony Fletcher?
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Friday, 8 March 2019 20:13 (five years ago) link
Mark sings everything. Except for the toast on WCIA.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 9 March 2019 03:16 (five years ago) link
I hadn't realized that those Dreams In Celluloid recordings were non-studio album tracks. Started to realise when I heard "Everyday I'm Crucified". Cant forget a lyric like "I think I know how Christ felt when they killed him on that hill, pissed off!"
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Saturday, 9 March 2019 21:59 (five years ago) link
"Denims And Curls" sounds like a Morrissey song.
Another song on the EP sounds like a full-on "wake up sheeple" thing. Didn't notice until several plays that he was doing a sheep "baaaaa".
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Friday, 22 March 2019 18:22 (five years ago) link
Tony Fletcher (the person and the music recording) are both essential to life.
https://www.discogs.com/The-Chameleons-Free-Trade-Hall-Rehearsal/release/387186
Listening to that album for the first time in ages. The mix still leaves a lot to be desired, but it's just about impossible not to marvel at how good they were. Any 'Mad Jack' is bound to be good, but man they rip through it here. Probably my favorite recording of the tune.
― Totally different head. Totally. (Austin), Saturday, 20 April 2019 02:04 (four years ago) link
Holy shit, I forgot they do 'In Answer' on here as well. This song is absolutely gorgeous. Always has been.👍🏻
― Totally different head. Totally. (Austin), Saturday, 20 April 2019 02:10 (four years ago) link
Yeah, there's a dearth of great live recordings from the "Strange Times" tour.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 20 April 2019 03:32 (four years ago) link
I don't think I will ever tire of hearing them move from the brute, maniacal charge in the first section to the sound of souls exiting in the second half of 'A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days.'
Would still argue that's one of their absolute best; and one of the most "zeitgeist-esque" songs of the era.
Mark relaying the situation in one summed up and terrifying question after the outburst:
"`Have you killed her?`, someone said." is one of the darkest and most intense moments in recorded music, I'd reckon. Makes me scared to visit northern England for sure.
But also somehow one of the most profound and beautiful codas I've ever heard.
― Totally different head. Totally. (Austin), Saturday, 20 April 2019 14:16 (four years ago) link
xpost -- At least there's Live in Toronto. I know I have one other bootleg kicking around.
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 20 April 2019 16:42 (four years ago) link
I used to have a boot from the Philly show but lost it years ago. I recall it being better than "Toronto".
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 20 April 2019 19:42 (four years ago) link
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/the-mission-uk-the-chameleons-touring-in-2022-with-theatre-of-hate/
― Bee OK, Friday, 8 October 2021 23:28 (two years ago) link
i used to love the Mission UK, they are so bad. just another U2.
― Bee OK, Friday, 8 October 2021 23:29 (two years ago) link
hmm, dave not involved with the chams. those dudes have been through it. has anyone heard any of his stuff post-reunion? last i knew, he was in a band called coconut dogfuck but i never checked it out. he strikes me as a very misunderstood person, just in general.
glad to see mark has reconciled with reg to the point that they can share a stage again. wonder who's going to be on drums - i didn't see any details in the link.
in any case, yes the mish are quite boring.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 00:42 (two years ago) link
is there a rundown of the beef between Mark and Dave somewhere?
― aegis philbin (crüt), Saturday, 9 October 2021 00:50 (two years ago) link
well, mark's book was about two-thirds about exactly that, so lol not really.
it stems from mark and dave both having gigantic egos and was really ignited by mark pressing up unreleased chameleons recordings and selling them without asking all of the other members of the group (though he did give them a part of the profits) [citation needed].
i think that sums up the genesis of their beef, but there is a lot more. how they ever got back together for the reunion boggles my mind.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 01:25 (two years ago) link
The unreleased stuff, that's what came out on Imaginary Records - "Dali's Picture", "Here Today", those albums, right?
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Saturday, 9 October 2021 04:23 (two years ago) link
not the imaginary stuff; that was after they had somewhat come to an agreement. the initial conflict was over the glass pyramid stuff, i.e. the tony fletcher ep. from what i understand, the band agreed when they went their separate ways in 1988 that those recordings were "not finished" and therefore would not be releasing them.
basically summarizing from mark's book. as one-sided as his story is, it is pretty illuminating as to why those guys have such a strained relationship. considering they split on even worse terms after the initial reunion, i wonder how this new incarnation came to be.
all of this just makes me sad thinking of jon sitting back there pounding away at "soul in isolation." you know he'd be involved in this new tour if he was still alive.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 13:34 (two years ago) link
Yeah that's why I can't be bothered with this. Having seen Mark solo throughout the 90s, even with John on drums at points, he was absolutely essential there, but no guitarists could even approach the perfect flow of Reg and Dave together -- when I saw the 2001/2002 shows it all made SENSE, it has to be the quartet or nothing when it comes to Chameleons songs. I did see Mark solo with a backing band later in the 2000s and it was a solid enough show, but when he started doing that ChameleonsVox approach I was out, and now that John's gone, I'm sorry, but the band has definitively ended, no matter what label is being used. I'd think that even if Dave was on board.
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 9 October 2021 15:55 (two years ago) link
I'd think that even if Dave was on board.― Ned Raggett, Saturday, October 9, 2021 8:55 AM
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, October 9, 2021 8:55 AM
inclined to agree here.
at this point, the innerband conflicts are becoming their most known legacy; and half of the band playing as "THE CHAMELEONS" doesn't seem like the kind of thing one does to extend the olive branch.
though i doubt most folks seeing them on this kind of bill really care. i do genuinely believe that mark feels like he is "giving the fans what they want."
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 16:57 (two years ago) link
Have seen chameleons vox a couple of times not really sure what to expect, but hearing Mark singing those songs right there in front of ne, it was impossible for me not to get swept away
― primate marmite (NickB), Saturday, 9 October 2021 17:18 (two years ago) link
see that's the thing: he is an outstanding performer. i saw him play one of his post-reunion pre-chamsvox pick up band gigs and it was fucking awesome. he played a bit acoustic before the proper set and he was taking requests for the sun and the moon songs, for fucks sake.
like i said, the guy seems to genuinely love his fans as much as they love him. and he has a gigantic ego, so he loves the attention it brings.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 19:37 (two years ago) link
also i didn't mean that ego thing in a demeaning way. don't get me wrong or whatever.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 19:46 (two years ago) link
Anyone seen them on the current tour? I'm thinking of going next week. Doubt I'd stay for the Mission but eight or so Chameleons songs still seems worth it.
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 24 September 2023 18:41 (six months ago) link
I saw them in June if that counts as 'the current tour'. Very enjoyable! Mark was on excellent form - charming and combative.
― giraffe, Monday, 25 September 2023 06:49 (six months ago) link
ah thanks, that seals it
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Wednesday, 27 September 2023 15:16 (six months ago) link
Saw 'em a few weeks ago, had a really good time! The Mission were fun too.
― the absence of bikes (f. hazel), Wednesday, 27 September 2023 15:18 (six months ago) link
Playing the US in August
― from a prominent family of bassoon players (Boring, Maryland), Saturday, 2 March 2024 01:56 (three weeks ago) link
Sweet. Still kicking myself for missing them last year, was utterly shocked how cheap it was and how small the venue was. Straight up injustice.
― brimstead, Saturday, 2 March 2024 03:58 (three weeks ago) link
Oh wow, and they're playing Strange Times. I might have to find a way to be in... Kansas City?
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 3 March 2024 03:04 (three weeks ago) link
They were so good last fall, just wish the set had been longer, esp. after finding out they'd ended up headlining the night before. Could've listened to Mark riff on popular songs in the middle of "Soul in Isolation" for at least another hour.
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 3 March 2024 03:05 (three weeks ago) link