What's the deal with "Chameleon?"

Art Vanderlay · **Joined:** Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

Hi I'm new here, at least as a signed-up member although I've been purusing the topics since its inception.

Can I pick your collective brains?
I've never heard Chameleon, I know it's "only" a body of library work but what's the opinion? Is it as good as anything from Trial Of Intimacy, or Chance Encounters? Where does it stand against Simplex?

Art Vanderlay

Bill Nelson · **Joined:** Sun Apr 03, 2005 4:40 pm **Posts:** 8462

Art Vanderlay wrote:

I've never heard Chameleon, I know it's "only" a body of library work but what's the opinion? Is it as good as anything from Trial Of Intimacy, or Chance Encounters? Where does it stand against Simplex?

Welcome to Dreamsville, Art!

To answer your question, 'Chameleon' is quite different from the albums you've mentioned. It's less 'ambient,' for want of a better word. Very simply recorded, slightly quirky, short pieces...a little bit whimsical and often quite jolly...not so serious as 'Simplex' or 'Chance Encounters.'

I'm sure our Dreamsville community will have some thoughts to offer too... :wink:

mr manchester · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:36 am

I would say that Chameleon is a very listenable album, especially if, like me, you are a fan of Bill's earlier solo stuff. It sits well with the material from Trial By Intimacy and also the Orchestra Arcana recordings. I haven't listened to it for a while but my memory is that it is more keyboard based with less melodic components than on other of Bill's music around that time. There is some guitar work, but it much more subtle, rhythmic playing. I don't recall any of Bill's signature lead guitar playing or much e-bow (if any) on the disc.
Having said that I realize I need to listen to it on the way to work tonight.

Bill Nelson · **Joined:** Sun Apr 03, 2005 4:40 pm **Posts:** 8462

mr manchester wrote:

it is more keyboard based with less melodic components than on other of Bill's music around that time. There is some guitar work, but it much more subtle, rhythmic playing. I don't recall any of Bill's signature lead guitar playing or much e-bow (if any) on the disc.

You have to keep in mind that this was made as a Library Music album. Library music is created to be used as television or radio background music and will more often than not end up with a narrator speaking over the music...sometimes the music is chosen to lend a mood to a documentary film so there will possibly be other sounds laid over the music by the tv studio technicians, as well as narration.
For this reason, one of the rules of library music is that it should contain no prominent melodies or a strong lead instrument. It has to function as aural wallpaper, a background atmosphere rather than a dominant musical motif.

MG · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:22 am

Welcome!

mr manchester · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:40 am

Bill Nelson wrote:

You have to keep in mind that this was made as a Library Music album. Library music is created to be used as television or radio background music and will more often than not end up with a narrator speaking over the music...sometimes the music is chosen to lend a mood to a documentary film so there will possibly be other sounds laid over the music by the tv studio technicians, as well as narration.
For this reason, one of the rules of library music is that it should contain no prominent melodies or a strong lead instrument. It has to function as aural wallpaper, a background atmosphere rather than a dominant musical motif.

Thankyou, Bill, for making that make more sense. I was attempting to be descriptive for Art and forgot to put it into any context! It's still a great album that eventually got it's release. It was the Caliban & the Chrome Harmonium of its day, the one everyone was clamouring to hear.

felixt1 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:44 am

Art Vanderlay wrote:

Hi I'm new here, at least as a signed-up member although I've been purusing the topics since its inception.

Art Vanderlay

Welcome to Dreamsville Art

I look forward to finding out what you think of Bill's more recent music.

alec · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:15 pm

Bill Nelson wrote:

mr manchester wrote:

it is more keyboard based with less melodic components than on other of Bill's music around that time. There is some guitar work, but it much more subtle, rhythmic playing. I don't recall any of Bill's signature lead guitar playing or much e-bow (if any) on the disc.

You have to keep in mind that this was made as a Library Music album. Library music is created to be used as television or radio background music and will more often than not end up with a narrator speaking over the music...sometimes the music is chosen to lend a mood to a documentary film so there will possibly be other sounds laid over the music by the tv studio technicians, as well as narration.
For this reason, one of the rules of library music is that it should contain no prominent melodies or a strong lead instrument. It has to function as aural wallpaper, a background atmosphere rather than a dominant musical motif.

Fascinating.

For a while now I've been wanting to know what your opinion of library music is.

Seems an intriguing -- and challenging -- way to think about and create music. Philosophically its parameters are not too far from Erik Satie's Furniture Music ideal.

I have a friend in Los Angeles who specialises in library music creation.

Had been wondering if Picture Post, is as close as you've got to libe or if it is considered library proper.

Art Vanderlay · **Joined:** Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

This is difficult as I do not wish a pariah to be upon these pages which I readen often. But you ask me an honest question: "Am interested in what you think about Bill's later works". And I welcome such interregation.

They are lacklustre, without quality control. And what has happened to his voice? Speaking in a range of two semi-tones does not equate to the majesty of "Darkness (L'immoraliste)"

I would tie the guy down in some Yorkshire-themed studio/dungeon (with toffee and Bowie on tap) and request, nay demand, excellence. AND an independent producer. Operating in a vacuum sucks (ask Dyson)

If I would choice an epitaph it would be "He never shared his (wonder)toys, though they were beautiful""

alec · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:38 pm

You've got some guts.

Hmm, don't know what to say to all that, Art.

I'd put forth 'Fancy Planets', 'The Alchemical Adventures of Sailor Bill' and 'Songs of the Blossom Tree Optimists' to challenge all the criticisms you've just made above. :wink:

www.billnelson.com

What's the deal with "Chameleon?"

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