I started Mental Jukebox nearly three years ago at the beginning of the pandemic. During this time, I’ve discovered new music, rediscovered old favorites and I’ve met passionate music fans around the world. And when things opened up, I kept on blogging. This month, the jukebox goes deeper. The term “deep cut” has multiple meanings. It can refer to lesser known album tracks from well-known artists. It can also refer to tracks from lesser known artists. This month, I’ll be featuring both types. #DeepCutsFeb
The Chameleons enjoyed a bit of a cult status back in the eighties. It wasn’t until several decades later, in the early 2000’s, that the band’s undeniable influence became fully apparent. Now, it’s hard to imagine that some of the post-punk revival acts from that era could exist without The Chameleons. Of course, the two bands that stand out the most are the Editors and Interpol. The angular guitar playing, driving bass lines, atmospheric soundscapes and ominous vocals became a blueprint from which a new generation could build off. Script of the Bridge is required listening for any post punk music fan. And the listener must push past “Don’t Fall”, “Second Skin”, and “Up the Down Escalator” and hear the album in its entirety. The deep cuts, like “Paper Tigers” are just as good as the more well-known tracks.
“Paper Tigers” is a rollicky ride, a banger of a track where every instrument becomes a rhythmic element. I hear a little Interpol here with the foreshadowing of Daniel Kessler’s chiming guitar explorations. I sense a little Editors going on as well a la Tom Smith. The Chameleons were around creating these superb sonic landscapes twenty years before these great post-punk revival bands made their appearance. “Paper Tigers” is proof of the sheer depth of this pioneer’s catalog. When it came to the impact on future acts, the deep cuts from The Chameleons often cut the deepest.
“Too much and it makes me crazy. Not enough and it makes me lazy.”