The Chameleons Vox - Swamp Thing (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents The Chameleons Vox performing "Swamp Thing" live at The Triple Door as part of KEXP's VIP Club Concert series. Recorded September 18, 2015.
Host: El Toro
Audio Engineer: Craig Montgomery
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
kexp.org
chameleonsv.com

[@emily011502]

Before a single word is sung, it's as a good an open intro as you'll ever hear.

[@jeremylawson8872]

Have been listening to this song since I was a young teen in the 80’s; this is absolutely one of the best intros ever!

[@emily011502]

@@jeremylawson8872 it doesn't get any better my friend.

[@jeremylawson8872]

I was able to see them 2 nights in a row back to back in 2022. I recorded their show at a small quaint venue in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then again the next night at an underground club in Mesa, Arizona. Phenomenal.

[@emily011502]

@@jeremylawson8872 I'M OFFICIALLY JEALOUS. must have been awesome. Good going.

[@austinmark1987]

100%. One of the great songs ever written. Add it to the books. Side note: I put on a great Halloween show around my house every Halloween here in Grand Rapids, MI. The kids love the true, immersive, and dark environment I help create with my music playlist. Thank you for the music! It will outlive us all.

[@Tindre]

I found this song through someone randoms youtube playlist of favorite songs, and I just love it so much. It's rapidly becoming one of my favorite songs, and a reminder that there is so much left to discover if you just stay curious in life.

[@tomp6685]

Have you listened to "Second Skin" by the Chameleons?

[@Tindre]

@@tomp6685 yeesss I love it too! I also really like View from a hill, and Soul in Isolation!

[@MrChrisJ74]

I randomly found this song on Spotify can't believe it was written so long ago, love this guy's voice and lyrics plus the guitars, it's a very well composed song

[@ChiarianWanderer]

Facts! But .. to me.. this song helped keep me sane after losing my grandmother... the woman who told me to never stop....(fill in the blanks) First time I heard it was on a trip with her and my *moonage daydream*/new wave loving aunt...

[@oduar001]

@@tomp6685 Second Skin is one of my favorite songs of my life. This band is incredibly underrated and one of the biggest and most important exports of post-punk. Other songs I absolutely love: Perfume Garden, Monkeyland, View from a Hill. Too many to list! Cheers!!!

[@isaacpugh3385]

The drumming is absolutely unreal. As is every part of this band. Deserved to be massive

[@damonla.4134]

Vox was a gap filler but..... This session was top notch.

[@slooky14]

Greatest band that never was! Rock on Chameleons!

[@yvescozic1271]

For me it's the same; I am older 63 years and i listen The Chameleons since 40 years: the very best and most intelligent

[@kieran27mars]

This song was mentioned by Noel Gallagher in an interview as one of his favourite songs ever. I went and gave it a listen - it is no one of mine. This is one of the greatest intros to song in existence.

[@filmzilla]

Real music. Used to jam this in my 84 Ford LTD driving to Lincoln High School, Tallahassee, FL 1990-1991.

[@johnharvey4448]

Middleton being listened to in Florida. Who'd of thought it.

[@unlimitedrecordingworks]

Florida loves the Chameleons ​@@johnharvey4448

[@pennyc7064]

The best into I've heard in any song!

[@jonathansifleet83]

Stunning song masterpiece who's here in 2020?! I salute thee

[@gianlucamonti5611]

In here,nov 20

[@elisabeth1170]

Me too. December 2020. Love Mark Burgess.

[@vincentbrannelly8786]

2021 class never sleeps .

[@OsoMarcol]

2022

[@richardscantlebury488]

2022 still listening

[@flashbackacousticduo5529]

underrated band but really awesome!

[@antlakin6695]

A cup of tea A bong And The Chameleons Nailed !!

[@Boris_Din_Dietrich__Hazim]

I replaced bong with paracetamol pills and back pain pills

[@theeverchosen1504]

@@Boris_Din_Dietrich__Hazim You should swap them back man! Some of those pain pills they put you on are a nightmare to come off!

[@chrisburns6063]

Driving in the rain the other day, this song was on my playlist! The storm has come or is just another shower! Crazy day in San Diego, cheers!

[@scouthanamura2380]

even though he has a rough voice, he can still hold a note. i like that sound

[@louisl7788]

He wasn't well - but that's Mark - he wont let people down - he needs to go back as this is not an accurate representation - I've heard Mark live many times - his voice is still fantastic ...

[@zakharegorov3232]

This band is indeliviably underated..

[@mwsaab9]

Saw them yesterday in das Bett in Frankfurt. Great set and one of the best concerts I've been to in years. Mark Burgess is such a good front man. If you get the chance go and see them live.

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee78]

Brings a tear to my eye everytime I hear this, and I've been listening to it since 1988 as a little teen. #TheStormComes

[@matthewc.419]

Me too Every time

[@jeremylawson8872]

Same - been listening to this since mid 80’s as a young teen.

[@mistydedmon2068]

This song sends me to a wonderful place - guitars, drums, voice... yes!

[@gotzolones]

What a good sound. How I enjoyed watching them perform live in Bilbao. ! We are all chameleons

[@Stevenmillar01]

Seen them live in glasgow in August this year ....... Sing along central ... Almost lost my own voice I sang so hard

[@Bruneburg]

This being one of my all time favourite songs I just teared up a little when finally stumbling across this recording. I'm moved.

[@CarolNance]

I LOVE dancing to this song.

[@chriserbeck2699]

I'd like to watch🙂

[@VictorianDad]

The intro is getting praise, rightly so. The guitar parts throughout the song change and just get better and better. And the lyrics quote from "Rain" by The Beatles is great, too.

[@AmandaLaggan]

The 5 people who downvoted need to get their life sorted out.

[@EricShans]

For real!

[@HiGlowie]

I upvoted and still desperately need to get my life sorted out

[@AmandaLaggan]

@@HiGlowie Don't worry, upvoting is the first step ;)

[@phillybelmont7700]

Eight thumbs down today 9/17/21 Such an amazing song.. goosebumps

[@clou1969]

Yep I discovered this band when I was in high school in Canada 1985-86 ish. It’s still my favorite band Ever! Their music make me feel so good and feeling HIGH Still.

[@Manc268]

Epic intro.. great track

[@51mon72]

Your voice makes this song so Much better >> MUCH love

[@thisisstevet]

Excellent 👍 Saw them live at the Electric Ballroom in Camden about 1985ish, I guess. Wonderful band

[@adityakumar9153]

Underrated band ....... Unique and best

[@pinksunami]

So Beautiful!! Thank you!Wonderful!!

[@COYWM2022]

It really doesn't get any better

[@tubetube7025]

I don't know if any of the band chamelion may be reading this but i think this song is absolutely excellent! Cheers from Rural Canada!🍻

[@Ken-ky3xy]

Frickin Amazing

[@pdawson06]

Absolutely amazing!!

[@51mon72]

Just Thank you.

[@TheMaztl99]

Excellent live version!! 🖤🖤

[@shaynestewart7678]

Love them

[@chadopitz6883]

I actually think the vocals work great here. More gruff but they were never the highlight of the song anyways and the instrumentation is so beautiful

[@juliehealingleaf6211]

Yeah me too it's almost like psychedelic furs or someone else I can't remember

[@railpressureflip]

Seeing them live in Melbourne in January 2018. Holy shit I'm beyond excited.

[@alejandroverdi]

Great vocals here!

[@edwardlissack1297]

Very good track

[@christeevan]

Sick tune so beautiful

[@StephanWiegandt-rq4vm]

Gänsehaut Musik

[@paulharte2178]

Awsome band, always go to they're vinyl albums. 10,000 albums says a lot

[@WaterDR-tw8re]

Where have these guys been m entire life?

[@damonla.4134]

On Kexp

[@audioap]

Always loved this track!!!!!

[@sandyanderson8515]

🥁🎶🥁🎶swamp thing 🎸

[@Slazlo-Brovnik]

Correct usage of electric guitars

[@boomxskiiz8876]

Völl Däpp k

[@AmandaLaggan]

Correct usage of talent, skill...life.

[@maialqattanma]

Straight up

[@pingASS_]

Perfect mix of post punk and jangle

[@scottcolt4283]

Best comment I've come across perhaps ever.

[@briancampbell9635]

"When the world is too much with me" Wordsworth A perfect line not overused or cliche

[@joselazo256]

awesome!

[@harleygal420]

My good taste in music brought me here.

[@frankbaaske3449]

Geiler Gitarren Sound !!The Chameleons einfach Super dieser Song!!

[@COYWM2022]

It doesn't get any better

[@ThePlaceOfDeadRoads]

Still brilliant in 2021

[@lowkey_anp]

If you gaze into the abyss The abyss gazes also into you And you pass through the crucible of pessimism You learn there is not enough pleasure Too much pain

[@taylorciccotelli7822]

Awesome!

[@Pcella1]

I Love it so much 🤘🏽

[@herrjemineh2967]

thanks for this!

[@mickodonnell890]

Just fantastic!

[@davidleegoth]

I love them

[@chrisboston]

I ❤ this band and fortunately met Mark Burgess in Boston, November 2019

[@johnharvey4448]

You can tell he has a cold or flu by his voice in this performance. Still good.

[@MarioGomez-nd2mx]

🖤🔥🔥🔥🖤👌

[@pinksunami]

You guys are the Sunshine!! :)

[@robinfriday9583]

Listening 2020

[@frankbaaske3449]

Einfach nur herrlich !!Schöner Gitaren Rock!!

[@stant.m4233]

Coming to Montreal next year. might have to go i think

[@CH-dt1br]

The loves of my life x

[@cristinalambathakis315]

My favourite♡

[@josephsheridan1108]

Classic and. Nice people which is now rare

[@CSH953]

❤❤

[@chociskyenquiries7573]

Awesome

[@dandie72]

awesome

[@marysalisbury9270]

This song!

[@Ontariosound]

Where is that beautiful bass tone from the album ? Need that gritty warm tone for this song to feel right.

[@sandyanderson8515]

🎉

[@seanmann863]

Great fucking band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@blisston]

I often wonder how influenced The Killers are by this song. Does anyone else hear it?

[@robinfriday9583]

Listening 2024

[@MayumiMayy]

foda pra caralhoooo esse instrumental

[@TheFlygnr]

Concordo!🤘

[@jonasmendonca169]

Dá uma olhada na banda "the sound" também... escuta a "Sense of purpose",a "Total Recall", a "Winning" e a "Kiss of Life" deles... você vai gostar...

[@pinksunami]

Love:)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@orngpeelr9017]

Someone get my man some water

[@JeserNoob]

He ate nothing but popeyes biscuits before the show with no drank

[@broomfs]

So underrated, Strange Times is an absolute classic album. Marks vocals aren't the best here.

[@MrHoefnix]

Bono is the swamp thing.

[@arielpino1336]

No sabia que Evo Morales era de los Chamelons??? :O

[@diegogamboazuasnabar4003]

JAJAJAJAJA

[@yukerd]

Kkk respeita o Burgess

[@dommoto3167]

👍👍👍

[@daviddockery8962]

Who is the drummer? I swear he was playing bass and guitar with peter hook this year in seattle.

[@jasoncdebussy]

That is the amazingly talented Yves Altana. And yes he did play with Peter Hook recently. He is a multi-instrumentalist, brilliant producer and great songwriter. Quite a number of years ago I used to hang out with him quite a lot and a nicer guy you will never meet.

[@napndash]

Happened to his voice?

[@TSPH1992]

Cold

[@shaynestewart7678]

My sister found my cousin hunched over the sink this afternoon dead. . heroin ..tablets..1,5,22..49 year young ..I hate it

[@juliehealingleaf6211]

Definitely need vitamin d and sun and keep looking up

[@piglord7785]

He looks like shrek when he became a human

[@tomp6685]

🤣

[@philipjones8513]

Chris Oliver is playing this wrong. It should be a continuous drone like sound.

[@mortv5985]

It is their song. They can play it the way they want.

[@AleMaya]

what happened to his voice? ;( other than that sounds great!!!

[@77Avadon77]

Ale Maya too much singing has going horse in this set

[@tnwnl]

Sounds a little bit rough but mostly on tune. I always wonder how aging vocalists will sound, it could be way worse.

[@rob4146]

@@tnwnl too many smokes

[@tnwnl]

@@rob4146 less smokes than Siouxsie 😉

[@thedeadxtras9927]

Nothing worse as a singer you open your mouth start singing and you voice has gone! It’s not anyone’s fault it’s just what happens and it’s happened to most of the very best, it will happen at least once in any singers career if not more. Full marks for carrying the best he could. Another great underrated Manchester band that never got the success they deserved, here in Manchester we have had so many of these bands. A city with amazing music!!

[@COYWM2022]

I hear thunder

[@TSPH1992]

The singer sounds like he had a cold or something. But he still managed to deliver

[@gonzalitom182]

squire japan 80s???? serie E?

[@sixbladeknife44]

It’s a recent Squier Jazzmaster from the 2000’s, I have one.

[@vincentbrannelly8786]

Another advert for Manchester . Just a few more and that bollox united will stop pretending . Simply Red ? Accurate . Bwahaha

[@billyfoley7314]

Make me rob banks again

[@levinotrub2727]

🤒🤢😔✊

[@paskuviciedo153]

La musica una pasada, la voz fatal

[@floodland7373]

Es lo q ocurre cuando pasan los años. Estuve en un directo en el 87 y nada que ver, evidentemente

[@floodland7373]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnuZq4mift2hqLM

[@franciscosegovia6526]

Debió de tener un mal día.Los he visto estos tres últimos años,y te aseguro lo hace mucho mejor

[@Dani-El.]

Oasis robbed this tune - Underneath The Sky.

[@shaynestewart7678]

Pish

[@corporatevortex]

Smooth out that lead gtr, dude! Play a little less

[@CriadorDeCriaturas]

Thats how the song goes though

[@missunique65]

can you imagine if Morissey was on vocals or Johnny Marr? Singer needs to get off the booze or whatever...

[@elisabeth1170]

Shut the fuck up

[@andrewphippsphillips1455]

These guys were doing their stuff 40yrs ago. Like to see you play in a band when you're in your 50s or 60s, Wankwipe.....

[@diethergovaerts]

Not the booze, just a bad throat that time

[@BestUserNameUK]

@@andrewphippsphillips1455 Wankwipe... lol.. love it. Gonna nick that👍🏼😀

[@wungabunga]

These guys aren't the original guitarists.