The Chameleons – Strange Times

A very wide open representation that could be the unaltered masters. A challenging album sonically. Would have preferred a second disc for the bonus material, like the German edition.

Swamp Thing was a big underground club hit in Vancouver BC in the eighties !
The eighties rocked...

On this album, the Chameleons change their style a bit from their two previous albums. Something closer to mid 80s "college rock" a la contemporary the Church or even 1985-1992 the Cure (maybe sharing the same production team with the latter had something to do with it). Another good point of comparison is Mark Burgess's excellent post-Chameleons band, the Sun and the Moon. Regardless of the style change, the melodies and instrumental interplay remain topnotch.

Always difficult to say “which of the first 3 releases might be the best?”
For me this last release was the most ambitious one .
For me their masterpiece .
The raw cardboard sleeve with this beautiful painting is also just amazing
An insert is truly missing .

This "remaster" is very disappointing. No real difference to my ears. And splitting it into two CD's was pointless when all tracks will fit on one disc. But the alternative artwork is fantastic so buy it! And it's also a masterpiece!

Yes the 3xLP reissue sounds a bit better but spreading the album over four sides diminishes its impact- I love hearing all six songs on side 2 without interruption. No pressing issues and the jacket and smoked vinyl are nice.

Does anyone know the story behind why the artwork is different? Copyright issue? Which would be strange since Reg is still with the band.

I don’t think you can have a better pressing than this for a record! The wax is flatline DEAD silent. No cracks or pops. It’s the definitive edition!

any comments on the sound here as opposed to the black vinyl version?

Strange how my issue can only be found via coming into the notes on this one. It’s not in the actual list of pressings, must be just a variant of this pressing. If I didn’t come onto the notes on this pressing it’s like my pressing doesn’t exist. Very weird.