Debut studio album marking their establishment in post-punk, featuring 12 tracks with atmospheric guitars and deep moods.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
The Chameleons
About
The Chameleons, Post-punk roots from Middleton shaping ethereal indie rock.
Three key LPs from the ‘80s plus modern reissues — original UK pressings and limited editions tracked live.
The Chameleons comprised Mark Burgess (vocals, bass), Reg Smithies (guitar), Dave Fielding (guitar), and John Lever (drums). Their sound is characterized by expansive guitars and atmospheric production, contributing to post-punk and indie scenes. They initially disbanded in 1987 after three studio albums and several EPs, reformed in 2000, released further albums such as Why Call It Anything (2001), and disbanded again thereafter.
Among their vinyl discography, key releases include Script Of The Bridge (1983), What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985), and Strange Times (1986). Original UK pressings on Statik Records and US Geffen pressings remain sought-after.
Discography
The Chameleons — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Metropolis · 2025
Metropolis · 2022
The Store For Music · 2016
Paradiso Records · 2002
Paradiso Records · 2002
Artful Records · 2001
Not On Label (The Chameleons Self-released) · 2000
Paradiso Records · 2000
Cleopatra · 1996
Visionary Communications · 1996
Imaginary Records · 1993
Nighttracks · 1993
Imaginary Records · 1993
Imaginary Records · 1992
Imaginary Records · 1992
Geffen Records · 1986
Statik Records · 1985
Statik Records · 1983Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up The Chameleons's career.








The essentials
The 3 The Chameleons albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Second album blending alternative rock and post-punk, issued in several limited vinyl editions, key for expanded The Chameleons catalog.
Third studio album with lush guitar arrangements, released on Geffen Records in US and UK pressings, sought for vinyl rarity.
Go further
Artists similar to The Chameleons
Artists who share part of The Chameleons's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of The Chameleons
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"Steve Lillywhite’s production on early EPs gave The Chameleons their signature expansive drum and guitar sound."— Music Industry Production Legacy
Script Of The Bridge recorded at Pluto Studios
Their 1983 debut album 'Script Of The Bridge' was recorded at Pluto Studios and released on Statik Records UK, pivotal for post-punk fans seeking original pressings.
Original UK pressing of Why Call It Anything
The 2019 UK reissue of 'Why Call It Anything' on Blue Apple Music (cat. BAMLP19) offers remastered sound and special edition packaging for collectors.
The Chameleons live at The Camden Palace
A 2016 live recording titled 'Live From The Camden Palace' captures the band's performance in London, released in limited edition formats cherished by audiophiles.
EP 'Tony Fletcher Walked On Water' honors their manager
The posthumous EP 'Tony Fletcher Walked On Water' released on Blue Apple Music features the band's final recordings, dedicated to their late manager who passed in 1987.
Records by The Chameleons
See allFAQ
FAQ: The Chameleons on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When was The Chameleons band formed?
The Chameleons were formed in 1981 in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England.
What genre does The Chameleons' music belong to?
The band's music is mainly post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock, with ethereal and expansive guitar work.
Which The Chameleons album should I start my vinyl collection with?
Starting with their debut album, Script Of The Bridge (1983), on vinyl provides a foundational experience of their post-punk sound.
Are original pressings of The Chameleons rare and valuable?
Original UK pressings on Statik Records, especially Script Of The Bridge and What Does Anything Mean? Basically, are sought after by collectors and can command a premium.
Where can I find the highest quality pressings of The Chameleons albums in France?
In France, look for reissues or original UK pressings available through specialized vinyl shops and online platforms tracking offers in real time.
What notable live recordings does The Chameleons have on vinyl?
Noteworthy live recordings include 'Live From The Camden Palace' captured in London and other limited edition concert albums.
Have The Chameleons released new music in recent years?
They released 'Why Call It Anything' in 2001 after their 2000 reunion, and 'Arctic Moon' is announced for 2025, continuing their post-punk legacy.
Is it common to find limited edition vinyl pressings from The Chameleons?
Limited editions such as the 1985 'What Does Anything Mean? Basically' and 2001 'Why Call It Anything' reissues exist, favored by collectors.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.

