The Chameleons – Script Of The Bridge

This US pressing is missing FOUR tracks. Gone. Nowhere to be seen. Or heard. That’s a third of the original album cut. Gone. Do yourself a favour & get an original U.K. or European pressing.

Interesting pressing considering the different tracklist and running order. Although I always prefer to have all tracks included, I can't deny that they cut this down to the essential bangers, so this version is leaner, meaner, and more potent than the OG UK version. Kicking things off with "Up the Down Escalator" is exhilarating. The only song I really miss is "View from a Hill." In any case, if you're not fussed about having all the tracks in one place, this version sounds incredible and is very worth your time to pick up.

Initially you might wonder what the fuss is about due to the murky production and the length, but before you know it you will have bits and pieces of all these songs running through your head all day long. The instrumental interplay (not just the guitars!) is loads of fun, all of the songs are evocative and atmospheric as all hell, and production notwithstanding the guitar tones are a delight, surprisingly raunchy and overdriven for 80s post-punk. This is more evident in their Peel Sessions btw.

I can't help but wonder if the Chameleons in general were an influence on The Cure's Disintegration, something like "Prayers for Rain" wouldn't sound out of place here. They did share a producer...

Only having the original US pressing of this most underated album of the 1980's, this version sounds amazing! And until I bite the bullet on an OG UK pressing (which I have to) I'm super happy to have this. Love the colors and the reworked artwork. Amazing pressing through and though!

I'm not a huge fan of this particular album. I like it, sorta. Not sure how to explain it further.... anyway....
I got through track 5 and got bored with it. So I can't speak to the sound quality of the overall album but I noticed at one or two spots it sounded like a really degraded tape. I think I used to have the 2008 remaster but I don't if I ever even actually listened to it. I didn't notice these audio issues on streaming. I guess it's possible it was just my headphones not working quite right. ...

Don't be mistaken, this is seriously dark, ethereal, honest music from the post punk days. These guys were not the posers or corporate clowns of much of the early 80's music scene. CUK dished out the angst of the time with thoughtful, creative and brilliantly textured music ... all fronted with the lush lyrics of Mark Burges. These folks were Goth before Goth knew it existed.

Having said that, I should mention that the band was noted for their professionalism and strong musical quality. The Chameleons were one of a hand full of bands who used the technique of twin guitar melodies (that I’m aware of), and this band accomplished that with a style and grace seldom heard. The Chameleons were also masters of an effect known as the ‘delay’ which was a driving force behind their sound. Sadly, they were just never able to attain the success they so richly deserved, or at least enough success that would hold a band together.

Nothing from this release sounds dated or trite. The music holds up and brings shivers to your skin as well today as it did then ... and is probably one of the reasons you won’t find used copies anywhere, those of us who have this disc are holding on to them. If I go on and say this is a sensational release, standing up to Joy Division, or out weighting Echo & The Bunnymen, you may think I’ve gone too far, nevertheless, they do, and the lasting effect they have had on the music scene is timeless, influencing groups such as Interpol, Protokoll and Oasis.

It's a pleasure to be driven so deeply and compellingly into the empty void of your own soul and watch as it happens. No, I haven't taken a razor to my wrist, but it's fun to walk the edge.

This album holds a special place in my heart, it was the first time I purchased a CD.

*** The Fun Facts: As to the album's title, it likely refers to the idea of a "bridge" representing a transitional point or connection between different musical ideas, which aligns with the album's diverse sound that blends elements of post-punk, gothic rock, and melodic pop, creating a unique and impactful listening experience across the whole of the record; "script" could be interpreted as a detailed musical plan or composition that forms this bridge-like quality.

Review by Jenell Kesler

Bought it because of the rave reviews. It does sound very good for a reissue! No surface noise and the sounds louder than the original LP. There’s a bigger soundstage and sounds more open and fresh. There’s not much difference between the original LP and the reissue. Great reissue to buy and have. But (there’s always a but) the original LP has more a focus in the mid range section sound wise. The original lp sounds a bit more detailed than the reissue. But the sound stage is smaller and sounds darker. Anyway, Great reissue. The difference between the original and the reissue is minor. I’m truly happy with both!

Great remaster and it sounds better than the original pressings. The trouble with coloured vinyl is that it can have a gritty noisefloor.
Despite others here saying that it is clean I’m afraid I don’t concur. At first I mistook it for crosstalk of the rattling of the botton snare but it was definitely gritty noisefloor.

After cleaning the record I will maybe correct this comment.

Stunning remaster of one of the best debut albums of all time. From one of the most brutally underrated artists of the 1980s.

This from Guy Massay at Abbey Road remastered edition is absolutely magnificent. You should compare it with one of the original pressings, which ere also very good. From the sound it's not a quantum leap, but an increase of the dynamic/loudness!
The listening pleasure is different at every vinyl and it depends which stylus/cartridge system/turntable, you like to prefer...
The cover art is different to the original. That's OK and makes it different to the original release. Unfortunately is missing the explanatory words from Mark Burgess on the back sleeve of the original pressing.