Coming out with a nearly hour-long debut album — especially in the era before CDs were widespread — could be seen as a sign of almost too much self-confidence, but Script of the Bridge demonstrated a ridiculous amount of strength from the Chameleons. Balancing earnest, thoughtful lyrics with utterly vivid playing on the part of the whole band — the interplay of Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding’s guitars is just breathtaking — songs like “Second Skin,” “Up the Down Escalator” and “View From a Hill” were all striking postpunk standards.

– Ned Raggett