Name: Elevated Living - Live in Manchester, London and Spain
Brand: The Chameleons

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

CDTRED842

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

2 CD and 1 DVD Set.

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-09-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cherry Red (ADA)

Tax rate GB

UPC / Barcode

5013929184237

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Total Cap

3 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

The Chameleons

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Cherry Red

Cherry Red is a British label that was founded by Iain McNay in 1978. Also known as Cherry Red Records, this label has become associated with the company Music and Media Group. With the label code LC 6730, Cherry Red has made a name for itself in the music industry. It is important to note that this label should not be confused with the US label of the same name.

Formed in 1981 in Middleton, just north of Manchester, The Chameleons are a post-punk band that gained attention from legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel. Their first single "In Shreds" made waves on the music scene and despite encouraging sales, they faced setbacks with their record labels. However, the band persevered and released their debut album "Script of the Bridge", followed by "What Does Anything Mean? Basically". After a tumultuous period, they reunited in the new millennium and released an unplugged album titled 'Strip'.

The Chameleons started their journey when Mark Burgess joined forces with Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding. With no drummer initially, they caught the attention of John Peel who played a pivotal role in their early success. Despite signing with CBS for their first single "In Shreds", disagreements over their sound led to them parting ways after just one release. They then signed with Statik but were overlooked by the music press due to distribution limitations through Virgin.

The band's debut album "Script of the Bridge" was recorded during a six-week period in Rochdale. However, MCA released a reduced version of the album in the US without consulting or informing The Chameleons, causing frustration within the band. Despite facing contractual obligations with Statik, they eventually signed with Geffen after releasing their second album "What Does Anything Mean? Basically". Unfortunately, tragedy struck when their manager

Live extravaganza from post-punk “sonic cathedrals” (©The Independent), The Chameleons featuring live sets recorded in the ‘80s across two CDs and one DVD. Featuring two live shows at The Hacienda and Camden Palace that have never been previously released on CD and an earlier set at the Gallery Club. Plus a DVD featuring all three shows and an episode of Catalan TV programme Arsenal devoted to the band.

Formed in Greater Manchester in 1981, The Chameleons pioneered post punk, combining Reg Smithies’ and Dave Fielding’s layered, shimmering guitars, drummer John Lever’s tribal rhythms and Mark Burgess’ driving bass and impassioned vocals with lyrics often reflecting the anxiety and alienation of the Thatcher era.

The Chameleons are an acknowledged influence on future generations of indie and alternative rock bands including Stone Roses, Oasis, The Charlatans, Smashing Pumpkins, The Flaming Lips, The Killers, The Horrors, The National and Interpol.

Elevated Living includes their two celebrated hometown Manchester shows, ‘Live At The Gallery Club’ (1982) and ‘Live At The Hacienda’ (1983) and their superb show filmed for the ITV, ‘Live At The Camden Palace’ (1984) on both CD and DVD. The latter two shows are presented on CD for the first time.

The DVD also includes an episode of Catalan TV programme Arsenal devoted entirely to the band. Broadcast in January 1986, it mixes four tracks taken from a live show at the Discoteca 666 in Barcelona from 1985 (also on CD) plus studio performances and interviews with singer/bassist Mark Burgess and drummer John Lever.

The Gallery show includes rarities ‘Nathan’s Phase’ and ‘Things I Wished I’d Said’, while The Hacienda includes early versions of ‘A Person Isn’t Safe Anywhere These Days’ under the working title of ‘Men Of Steel’ and ‘Thursday’s Child’ as ‘Years Ago’.