Unlimited Streaming
Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps
Start my trial period and start listening to this albumEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
SubscribeEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
Download not available
After various live appearances and the engaging acoustic retrospective Strip, the Chameleons reunited with Strange Times producer Dave Allen to create the eagerly awaited Why Call It Anything, only the fourth real studio collection from the full band and the first such album in 15 years. Happily, Why Call It Anything continues the band's well-deserved reputation, the more so because for all the unmistakable marks of the Chameleons, the rich guitars, and powerful singing, it's not simply a recreation of any of the previous albums -- like those three, this one stands on its own. In ways, Why Call It Anything is the most traditional-sounding Chameleons album yet, one that bears clear evidence of the members' various solo and group pursuits throughout the 1990s, a new emphasis on almost folk-based song structures, acoustic guitars a more regular part of the arrangements. Consider "All Around," with its killer chorus, softly descending without sounding sad, or the melancholy chime of "Lufthansa," a haunting number worthy of comparison to "Tears" or "Seriocity." Then there's the reggae toasting guest vocal from Kwasi Asante on "Miracles and Wonders," definitely a first for the band. Those who expect the full electric thrill of hearing Burgess again backed by the Fielding/Smithies duo won't be disappointed either; there are plenty of new highlights throughout, Lever's underrated but always excellent drumming anchoring things down. There are the lush electric touches on "Anyone Alive?," the strung-out, mysterious conclusion of "Truth Isn't Truth Anymore," or the yearning, quietly epic surge of "Dangerous Land," arguably the album's most underrated song. While the huge crunch and cinematic scope along the lines of "Swamp Thing," "The Heale,r" and "Soul in Isolation" no doubt will be missed by some, the end results still have a worthy loveliness that grows with repeated listening. Through it all, Burgess' warm voice, singing lyrics dedicated to his favored subjects of personal connection in a cold world, constantly makes clear what band this is about and why it has inspired such devotion.
© Ned Raggett /TiVo
You are currently listening to samples.
Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.
Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.
From £10.83/month
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
The Chameleons, MainArtist
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
Album review
After various live appearances and the engaging acoustic retrospective Strip, the Chameleons reunited with Strange Times producer Dave Allen to create the eagerly awaited Why Call It Anything, only the fourth real studio collection from the full band and the first such album in 15 years. Happily, Why Call It Anything continues the band's well-deserved reputation, the more so because for all the unmistakable marks of the Chameleons, the rich guitars, and powerful singing, it's not simply a recreation of any of the previous albums -- like those three, this one stands on its own. In ways, Why Call It Anything is the most traditional-sounding Chameleons album yet, one that bears clear evidence of the members' various solo and group pursuits throughout the 1990s, a new emphasis on almost folk-based song structures, acoustic guitars a more regular part of the arrangements. Consider "All Around," with its killer chorus, softly descending without sounding sad, or the melancholy chime of "Lufthansa," a haunting number worthy of comparison to "Tears" or "Seriocity." Then there's the reggae toasting guest vocal from Kwasi Asante on "Miracles and Wonders," definitely a first for the band. Those who expect the full electric thrill of hearing Burgess again backed by the Fielding/Smithies duo won't be disappointed either; there are plenty of new highlights throughout, Lever's underrated but always excellent drumming anchoring things down. There are the lush electric touches on "Anyone Alive?," the strung-out, mysterious conclusion of "Truth Isn't Truth Anymore," or the yearning, quietly epic surge of "Dangerous Land," arguably the album's most underrated song. While the huge crunch and cinematic scope along the lines of "Swamp Thing," "The Heale,r" and "Soul in Isolation" no doubt will be missed by some, the end results still have a worthy loveliness that grows with repeated listening. Through it all, Burgess' warm voice, singing lyrics dedicated to his favored subjects of personal connection in a cold world, constantly makes clear what band this is about and why it has inspired such devotion.
© Ned Raggett /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 10 track(s)
- Total length: 00:56:34
- Main artists: The Chameleons
- Label: Blue Apple Music
- Genre: Pop/Rock Rock Alternative & Indie
(C) 2013 Blue Apple Music (P) 2013 Blue Apple Music
Improve album informationWhy buy on Qobuz...
-
Stream or download your music
Buy an album or an individual track. Or listen to our entire catalogue with our high-quality unlimited streaming subscriptions.
-
Zero DRM
The downloaded files belong to you, without any usage limit. You can download them as many times as you like.
-
Choose the format best suited for you
Download your purchases in a wide variety of formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF...) depending on your needs.
-
Listen to your purchases on our apps
Download the Qobuz apps for smartphones, tablets and computers, and listen to your purchases wherever you go.