2-CD: BAMCD05
RELEASED: 2010
LABEL: Blue Apple

Disc 1: This Never Ending Now (re-mastered)
01. The Fan and the Bellows
02. Tears
03. Intrigue in Tangiers
04. Is It Any Wonder?
05. Seriocity
06. Swamp Thing
07. All Around
08. Second Skin
09. Home is Where the Heart Is
10. Miracles and Wonders
11. View From A Hill
12. Moonage Daydream

Disc 2: Strip (re-mastered)

01. Less Than Human
02. Nathan?s Phase
03. Here Today
04. Soul in Isolation
05. Pleasure and Pain
06. Paradiso
07. Caution
08. On the Beach
09. Road to San Remo
10. Indian

Bonus Tracks
11. Nathan?s Phase (Live @ KEXP)
12. On the Beach (Live @ KEXP)
13. Tears (Live @ KEXP)
14. Miracles and Wonders (Live @ KEXP)

The Acoustic Albums Strip and This Never Ending Now originally released in 2000 & 2002 are now compiled into one remastered CD set + KEXP Radio Seattle Sessions as bonus tracks. This compilation will be simply called Acoustic Sessions. STRIP - When the Chameleons reunion finally came about in 2000, the first recorded evidence was this exquisite visit into the past and hint at the future. With fine artwork by Smithies , always the band's designer, Strip is more than a snapshot to get the fanbase excited again, but an honestly fascinating release on its own. Hearing such familiar songs as "Less Than Human, " "Soul in Isolation" and "On the Beach" in acoustic fashion is lovely enough. But rather than simply performing the songs as originally recorded on different instruments, the three introduce any number of subtle changes and rearrangements, slowing down tempos, adding exploratory, gentle solo parts and otherwise making the results more than a formal exercise. Burgess suitably avoids his fuller bodied approach on the singing, favoring the close, tender side that makes his words so emotional in impact. As before, Smithies and Fielding form such a perfect team that it's impossible to imagine one without the other, trading off lines, supporting each other on lead and rhythm and more. THIS NEVER ENDING NOW - This record is, more or less, the sequel of Strip. and is basically The Chameleons 'unplugged', consisting as it does of acoustic renditions of some old favourites. The Chameleons deal in atmospheric music with emotions pushed to the fore ? 'Swamp Thing' being one of the best examples of this. However, being an all-acoustic affair means that there isn't much variety here, especially as all the songs tend to stick to a mid-paced tempo. Yet sometimes, as on 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' or 'Miracles And Wonders', the acoustic setting works beautifully (although the reggae toasting sounds completely out of place). If you've heard of The Chameleons but never experienced their music, this is a good place to start exploring the back catalogue of one of indie's most under-rated groups.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Smiths, The Sound, The Comsat Angels, Catherine Wheel