It was the summer after I first discovered The Chameleons. My freshman year of college had just ended and they had been in my life for about six months. Every time I listened to them it was like the first, and I never seemed to tire of the soaring guitars and bitter sweet vocals of Mark Burgess. That summer I had some burning need within myself that could not be quenched and I spent many nights circling the city on back roads thinking and seeking something that lay beyond my knowing. What a perfect soundtrack they were for my vague longing.

Nearly every night, occasionally with a friend, but usually alone I drove and drove going absolutely nowhere. With the windows rolled down I drank in the night Chameleons blasting. “P.P.S. This record was made to be played loud. ~ Mark Burgess" It is no longer there, but one of the highlights of this continuous journey was the nightly river crossing on the ferry. I would leave the car running and get out too look at the fog that rolled across the river. It seems the moon was always bright and the air always sweet.

Still today when I listen to them I am constantly amazed at their totally unique sound and the brilliance of Mark Burgess's lyrics. Their music has always brought out certain emotions in me, and wonder is certainly not the least significant of these. Their music is difficult to describe, and I have noticed that when someone first experiences them they either fall completely head over heels or just don’t get it at all. None the less, I highly recommend anyone who hasn't heard them give them a listen. If you're like me and so many others you'll ask "where have you been all my life?". They are simply one of the most amazing bands ever.

In recent years The Chameleons have been showing up on Gothic compilations and the question has been asked if they are a Gothic band. Well, none of them are goths, that is pretty much certain. Though they have been sort of adopted by goths and are being carried by Cleopatra, a label that specializes in Gothic Music, and their music is definitely dark, the verdict is still out... personally, I’m not sure that it really matters. What does matter is that The Chameleons are quite possibly the most under rated band ever. Their lack of early commercial success and 'better late than never' cult-like following, while not surprising, are a damn shame. If only they could have had such success in their day...

UPDATE! They have gotten back together! Please support this amazing ressurection by purchasing their latest release, shirts, and anything else you can at the now official site.

Here Today
Don't know what happened
But somebody lost their mind tonight
Not sure what happened
But I don't think I got home tonight
There's blood on my shirt

The clap of thunder and
I see my life go flashing by
The smell of sulphur and
I weep as I embrace the sky
And somebody screamed

(Where were you tonight?)

My chest is burning
I think someone set my soul alight
Don't know what happened
But I don't think I got home tonight
I wonder why
I wonder why

Ahhhh, there's madness here today
Ahhhh, I think I'll go away

Where is my wife?
Where is my wife?
I'm draining away
I'm draining away
(Draining away)
Here today