Welcome back
Hiker Dean | Tustin, CA United States | 07/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Strip" is like the feeling you get when you return to your favorite vacation spot, or put on those old pair of jeans. You wouldn't trade the feeling for anything. Although there are only two "new" songs, the other songs are all acoustic versions of previously released songs. This is not to imply that they are the same, as the band (or at least Mark, Dave and Reg) has re-worked the songs to fit there acoustic compositions. This is definately an album to add to you collection for the Chameleon fan or those that like songs 'striped' down to the essentials. I only gave it four stars cause John is missing... it wouldn't be fair to give it five stars without all the members of the band participating."
Chameleons minus one
yoyomama | Pennsyltucky | 07/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Greatest hits? Chameleons unplugged? Where is John Lever? All of the above. A must-have for any fan of the strain of melodic, thoughtful, transformative music the Chameleons practically trademarked in the late '80's, "Strip" proves the newly reunited lads have staying power well into the new millenium. This CD's mostly acoustic, professionally produced renditions of some of the band's most powerful songs, spanning their entire career, bears up well under repeated listening. No marginally recorded live stuff from the achives, no demos here, all this stuff is new -- yet familiar... The interplay of 6- and 12-string guitars, bass, occasional digerderoo, and Mark Burgess' tempered vocals expand the songs to new dimensions. What's missing? Only Mr. Lever, the drummer, a most accomplished yet underrated percussionist. Without him, the Chameleons are simply incomplete; Chameleons minus one. Sure, I admire Charlie Watts & Ginger Baker, but John Lever could show them both a peck of technique, soul and precision. It's my understanding that Lever had to sit out these sessions due to previous commitments, but plans to join the rest of the band for a new album. If so, stay tuned; this band is not over, not out, only beginning where it left off."
A Welcome Return
felipe echevarria | Loveland, CO | 11/20/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Chameleons UK have always produced interesting and soulful compositions, no trivial mainstream ballads reeking of romantic love here. I've also always thought a lot of their music was over-produced and not clear and ear friendly. I remember reading somewhere that they tune their instruments to an F sharp, maybe this is part of my struggle to hear them correctly. This may also be the case with Strip, and even having the drums and electrics nonexistent thereby eliminating the buzzing, over-produced synthesized haze doesn't help. I don't want to listen to most of this album over and over again, with the exception of "On The Beach." This one is so lovely and full that it boggles my mind. Rarely have I heard such perfection and simplicity in a song. It was great on "What Does Anything Mean? Basically", but here it floats in the heavens. The version of "Indian" (previously unreleased, and here with drums and electrics) flows better than the "Indiana" version from their later album called "Why Call It Anything." All in all, I'm glad they did Strip. It was a welcome return after not releasing anything for 10 years. I think what this did for them (and us) is allow the over-production tendency to settle out of consequence. Why Call It Anything is a real gem, and much more sophisticated musically. Still, anything by The Chameleons UK is worth acquiring. Strip is no exception."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
