Tom Verlaine

Amazon.com
New York punk/new wave trailblazers Television recorded only two albums before frontman Tom Verlaine set off on a solo career that began with this 1979 release. As a guitarist, Verlaine produces a range of styles and textures, much like he did with his old band. His sneering vocals serve up straight-ahead rock songs ("Grip of Love") as well as funnier, stranger visions ("Mr. Bingo"). The accompaniment is stark; Television's bassist Fred Smith appears throughout and B-52's guitarist Ricky Wilson makes an appearance. A simple beat and minimalist backing fit Verlaine's corkscrews and riffs perfectly. This set hasn't aged as well as its follow-up, Dreamtime, but the thinness here brings Verlaine's voice in close, where it casts an unmistakable light on the onset of everything from the Violent Femmes to emo-core. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description
We don’t know which makes us more proud: that we are releasing this classic album on CD for the first time, or that Tom himself consented to write the liner notes for our release! Includes "The Grip of Love," "Souvenir from a Dream," "Kingdom Come," "Mr. Bingo," "Yonki Time," "Flash Lightning," "Red Leaves" and "Last Night" before winding up with the classic "Breakin’ in My Heart." It’s one of the best "solo" records ever, and it’s a Collectors’ Choice Music exclusive!

Tom Verlaine,Tom Verlaine,Collector's Choice,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Post-Punk,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Tom Verlaine

Average customer rating: Television Meets Psych Rock Meets Spaghetti Western Making The World Safe For Guitars Great 80's psychedelic

Hollywood Holiday Revisited True West Manufacturer: Atavistic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Icky Thump Sweet Warrior Sixteen Tambourines/Baroque Hoedown Era Vulgaris ASIN: B000PHX7M6 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Steps To the Door
2. I'm Not Here
3. And Then the Rain
4. Hollywood Holiday
5. Lucifer Sam
6. It's About Time
7. Throw Away the Key
8. You
9. Look Around
10. At Night They Speak
11. Speak Easy
12. Shot You Down
13. What About You
14. Hold On
15. And Then the Rain
16. Backroad Bridge Song (What Could I Say)
17. Ain't No Hangman
18. Morning Light
19. Burn the Roses
20. Look Around
21. Throw Away the Key

Customer Reviews:

Television Meets Psych Rock Meets Spaghetti Western.......2007-06-19

Each of the Paisley Underground bands seemed to have their own little slant on the sounds of the movement, which was about bringing guitar-driven, psychedelic music back to the fore in the synth-heavy 80s. True West's bent was a little hard to figure. There were the duelling guitar wizards, Tolman and McGrath, who sounded more like Verlaine and Lloyd than any 1960s guitarists. There was the feeling of the old West, not just in the band's name but in their sound and feel - something that put you in mind of tan chinos, shoe boots with spurs, shots of rye at the local saloon, and lots of dirt. Then there was the psychedelic thing - the cover of Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam," the sometimes trippy lyrics, the spiralling guitar lines . . . In the liner notes to this compilation of True West's best material, it is suggested that they hit their peak on the full-length album, Drifters. But that album, despite its excellent opening track, "Look Around," pales in comparison to the EP, Hollywood Holiday. The eight songs on the EP represented all of the best elements of True West - the songs seem fresh, they keep you guessing what might come next, each one has its own little angle on the whole picture the band was presenting then. The album, meanwhile, gets tired after the third or fourth track, and feels like a labor from there. And the three tracks produced by Tom Verlaine thrown on at the end are notweworthy for historical reference, but otherwise pretty unremarkable. If you were into the Paisley Underground thing when it was happening, or if you just like guitar-heavy psychedelic rock, you will absolutely want to pick up this CD. Just be prepared to hear a combination of inspired gems and sludge.

Making The World Safe For Guitars.......2007-06-15

Back in the early-mid '80s, there was talk that the electric guitar was going to go the way of the dinosaur and the dodo bird to replaced by keyboards, computers and things. Bands like True West took a stand and helped save the six-string from the onslaught of the MIDI monster. The dueling guitar duo of Richard McGrath and Russ Tolman was on par with Television's Verlaine and Lloyd, in fact Tom Verlaine was so impressed with True West that he produced three tracks, which are luckily included as bonus tracks on this two-for reissue of the band's first two albums: Hollywood Holiday and Drifters. Drawing inspiration from Syd Barrett era Floyd, 40s film noir, the Beck and Page era Yardbirds, late night 80s cable TV, the San Francisco Sound, and the Mercury space program, True West created a couple classic albums that sound fresh and vital today.

Great 80's psychedelic.......2007-06-11

I own both the original EP and LP on vinyl, the EP is more feedback laden, the LP was, I don't know, more laid back, but w/good dual guitar songs. Both EP and LP appear to be on this CD, so enjoy!

Average customer rating: Strangely Overlooked mr. bingo Solo debut Alternate "rejected" mix exhilarating Second only to 'Marquee Moon'

Tom Verlaine Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock Guitarists | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Flash Light Alchemy Adventure Television Words from the Front ASIN: B00006RYJ0 Release Date: 2003-01-21

Tracks:

1. The Grip Of Love
2. Souvenir From A Dream
3. Kingdom Come
4. Mr. Bingo
5. Yonki Time
6. Flash Lightning
7. Red Leaves
8. Last Night
9. Breakin' In My Heart

Product Description

1. Grip Of Love, The
2. Souvenir From A Dream
3. Kingdom Come
4. Mr. Bingo
5. Yonki Time
6. Flash Lightning
7. Red Leaves
8. Last Night
9. Breakin' In My Heart


Format: CD

Amazon.com

New York punk/new wave trailblazers Television recorded only two albums before frontman Tom Verlaine set off on a solo career that began with this 1979 release. As a guitarist, Verlaine produces a range of styles and textures, much like he did with his old band. His sneering vocals serve up straight-ahead rock songs ("Grip of Love") as well as funnier, stranger visions ("Mr. Bingo"). The accompaniment is stark; Television's bassist Fred Smith appears throughout and B-52's guitarist Ricky Wilson makes an appearance. A simple beat and minimalist backing fit Verlaine's corkscrews and riffs perfectly. This set hasn't aged as well as its follow-up, Dreamtime, but the thinness here brings Verlaine's voice in close, where it casts an unmistakable light on the onset of everything from the Violent Femmes to emo-core. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Strangely Overlooked.......2007-01-13

Being that Tom Verlaine is one of the most talented and unique musicians that I know of, it is hard to imagine why his solo material is almost never mentioned anywhere, aside from diehard Television fans. Both Television and Tom Verlaine's solo work has long been critically acclaimed, but why don't more people know about it? Utterly perplexing though it is, the reader of this article appears to have luckily stumbled upon it!

Tom Verlaine's self-titled debut album appears to be a more personal reflection in Television. Being that nothing could probably ever top the epic "Marquee Moon", Tom Verlaine successfully distanced himself from that album in his solo work. His lyrics are perhaps more poetic, his singing voice is better defined, and the instrumentation is fairly minimal, unlike the complex and layered approach of his former band. Television bassist Fred Smith appears throughout the album, as well as The B-52's Ricky Wilson on guitar for the last track. All the tracks are well-thought-out and enjoyable to listen to (though my most favorite is probably "Souvenir from a Dream").

Anyone who likes Television should buy Tom Verlaine's solo material; this album and any of the others!

mr. bingo.......2006-11-05

This is one of the great undersung heroes of guitar music, probably the single most underappreciated punk superstar. He makes everyone else look like a phony. If you're into the REAL thing, by all means pick this up. If you don't like it, there are plenty of phonies to choose from. Cheers.

Solo debut.......2006-03-18

Tom Verlaine will always have Television' s great MARQUEE MOON shining over his shoulder as an unapproachable yardstick to measure against his work. It's a little unfair, because it has taken away from Television's solid follow up album ADVENTURE and caused many of his fine solo albums to fall under the shadow of his 1977 classic. I guess you need to ask, how many works by other artists do measure up to MARQUEE MOON before getting too down on an excellent album such as this?

Veraline is obviously trying to define some new directions on this, his solo debut. Sometimes he suceeds with breathtaking material, and other times he is not as successful. Still any album that contains first rate material like the poetic, guitar workout BREAKING MY HEART, THE GRIP OF LOVE and KINGDOM COME (later covered by David Bowie) can't be less than top shelf. This edition issued by Collectors Choice includes some enlightening liner note by Verlaine detailing the sessions and some of the ideas that went into this recording. All in all it's a very strong set by one of musics great gutarists and one of it's underrated singer-songwriters.

Alternate "rejected" mix exhilarating.......2003-04-30

I have been a Verlaine fan for over twenty years, even putting down the cash for the original CD version of this, his terrific solo debut. (Yes, it was indeed released previously on CD as a German import, with lyrics hilariously mis-transcribed in the liner notes by "Stanley"). When I read that the Collector's Choice version had the ORIGINAL mix, which I'd read about as a bootleg, I immediately bought it online for that very reason.

Comparing the two mixes shows that Bob Clearmountain, called in to clean things up back in '79, beefed up the bottom and smoothed the edges. The "new" alternate mix is hard to listen to uncritically at first; it initially sounds rawer, particularly the vocals. But the details are fascinating, and keep pulling me back for more -- so much so that I now prefer some of the alternate. Catch Verlaine's own revelatory mix of "Breakin' in My Heart," for instance. Clearmountain's mix, though a tremendous song, doesn't prepare you for the amazing sonic cross-currents Verlaine was able to put down in the studio. The actual SOUND seems three-dimensional. His guitar is edgier, with more bite, the harmonics are more complex. Jay Dee Daugherty's drumming is like thunder come down to earth (ditto Allen Schwartzberg on "Kingdom Come" -- Verlaine says in the liner notes that he had "never played with a drummer so powerful and loud." I've always loved that way the cymbal figure at the beginning folds into the song).

Not every difference is worthwhile; "Red Leaves," for instance, sounds washed out. But considering how important Verlaine's sound -- not just his playing -- has been for thousands of musicians and fans, it's a wonderful treat to hear the alternative.

**LATER NOTE: THIS MIX IS NO LONGER ON THIS CD -- STILL A GREAT DISC, THOUGH**

Second only to 'Marquee Moon'.......2003-04-12

Tom Verlaine's debut is still his finest solo effort. While sonically and musically it could easily be the follow-up to ADVENTURE (Fred Smith is even on board again), filled with anthemic choruses and tight, fluid solos, the slightly more personal (but still enjoyably obtuse) lyrical content is probably unique in Verlaine's canon. In particular, "Souvenir From a Dream", "Kingdom Come", and "Last Night" might be the three best songs, in a pure songwriting sense, in Verlaine's songbook.

Note, however, that the initial Collector's Choice 2002 reissue used the *wrong master* and consequently features an early, rejected, alternate mix of the entire LP. Collector's Choice subsequently replaced this master with the correct, "final" master, and this is still the best one to hear.

To correct another poster: "Kingdom Come" is *not* the same song Television used to play. It has no relation to that epic Television song of the same name. (But it *is* the same song David Bowie covered on SCARY MONSTERS in 1980). However, a number of other songs on this LP are Television leftovers: "Breakin' My Heart" dates from 1975, "Grip Of Love" from 1976, and the lyrics of "Red Leaves" are derived from both "Adventure" and the original "Kingdom Come".

Average customer rating: Great album, flawed by unfortunate mastering error Tom Verlaine's "Cover" is Close To Perfection

Cover Tom Verlaine ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Words from the Front Flash Light Tom Verlaine Field of Fire Television ASIN: B000026GL9 Release Date: 2006-12-19

Album Description

Out of print in the U.S.! 1984 release from the guitarist/vocalist from Television. Often cited as one of his best solo albums, Cover features guest appearances from Bill Laswell, Jimmy Ripp, Jay Dee Daugherty and Fred Smith. Features 'Travelling', 'Lindi-Lu', 'Miss Emily' and more. EMI.

Customer Reviews:

Great album, flawed by unfortunate mastering error.......2007-01-11

I love Tom Verlaine and this is one of his best solo albums, but the current CD reissue was carelessly mastered and contains one jarring flaw: the first track, "Five Miles of You" is simply cut off cold. This really irritated me, so I investigated side by side with the LP. It turns out that the CD does not truncate the track - it is actually a second or two longer than the LP. But they somehow missed the fade, so the result is a chopped off track. You may still want the CD at this mid-line price, but this is an unfortunate error.

Note that this CD follows the original European track list, which is as follows: 1) Five Miles of You; 2) Let Go The Mansion; 3) Travelling; 4) O Foolish Heart; 5) Dissolve/Reveal; 6) Miss Emily; 7) Rotation; 8) Swim. You can find an extended version of "Five Miles Of You", plus 2 great b-sides from this session ("Lindi-Lu" and Your Finest Hour") on his anthology "The Miller's Tale," which is a fine 2 CD set that includes an exclusive live concert on the second disc.

Verlaine's output is exceptionally rewarding and disproportionately rare, so enjoy it wherever you can.

Tom Verlaine's "Cover" is Close To Perfection.......2006-12-27

I was bewildered a few years back to find out that this incredible solo album from Television's Tom Verlaine was not available on CD. Although I could still cue up my original vinyl LP to enjoy Verlaine's superlative songwriting and his majestic guitar work on this album, I took the time to digitize the record and burn my own CD. This is an album that I wanted to be able to enjoy at home or on the road. "Lindi-Lu" and "Five Miles Of You" are two of the best songs that Verlaine has ever recorded, but there's not a bad song on the whole collection! And his vocals have never been stronger. If you like Verlaine, if you like Television--hell, if you like the electric guitar--you should own this album!

Average customer rating: Best album of the '80s Some Beautiful Songs Don't miss this one...again A Lost Masterpiece! TOM VERLAINE'S WORK STINGS ON THIS CD. A MUST FOR ANY FAN

Flash Light Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tom Verlaine Words from the Front Cover Television Adventure ASIN: B0000AQVEE Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

1. Cry Mercy, Judge
2. Say A Prayer
3. A Town Called Walker
4. Song
5. The Scientist Writes A Letter
6. Bomb
7. At 4 A.M.
8. The Funniest Thing
9. Annie's Tellin' Me
10. One Time At Sundown

Product Description

1. Cry Mercy, Judge
2. Say A Prayer
3. Town Called Walker, A
4. Song
5. Scientist Writes A Letter, The
6. Bomb
7. At 4 A.M.
8. Funniest Thing, The
9. Annie's Telling Me
10. One Time At Sundown


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Best album of the '80s.......2006-05-05

It was a shock for me when this album disappeared, unheralded. The writing is great, with an informal jokiness you never found in that decade. The guitar is simply fantastic - original, with great whammy-bar shimmers and beautiful solos. And the lyrics are deep and touching. The snare drum is typical '80s (sounds like small arms fire) but overall this album had soul in a very chilly era, sonically speaking. This is also a perfect example of an album that has great variety without sounding like a mish mash. A countrified tune, a U2-ish song, a dance-y track, man this one has it all. If you like intelligent writing you'll love this album, and for once the musicianship is there too! Run - don't walk! - to get this disc.

Some Beautiful Songs.......2004-07-02

"Song" is the real masterpiece here... a tender love song that is utterly devoid of cliche on every level (some of the template for _The Bends_-era Radiohead comes from here I think). Genius. "The scientist writes a letter" is almost as good... a gorgeously cinematic song. The rest of the record isn't quite up to those two songs' exalted standards but almost all of it (skip "Cry mercy, judge") is still pretty darned good. Tom Verlaine's voice remains a fragile instrument (and it sounds horrible in the streaming audio clips that amazon provides!) and an acquired taste... but it's well recorded on _Flashlight_ and the overall warmth of the record makes _Flashlight_ a good entry point into solo Verlaine.

Don't miss this one...again.......2004-02-13

Rate it 10 stars! I missed this one in 1987, and finding it now is truly a gift. Tom Verlaine has never been stronger vocally, lyrically or instrumentally, with superb backup by Fred Smith, Jimmy Ripp and Allen Schwartzberg. On first playing, the songs synched right into the grooves worn into my brain by repeated listening to TV's Marquee Moon when it first came out, and pushed me right over the edge into euphoria. Listen to any one of the cuts, and see if it doesn't send you there, too. Try "Cry Mercy, Judge," and if that doesn't quite do it for you, move on to "ATown Called Walker," "At 4 A.M.,' or "Annie's Tellin' Me." Dancing on the edge of perfection...guess the friends who worry about me when I tell them Tom's lyrics make perfect sense to me can start worrying again! Don't miss this album--one hearing and you'll be "falling in love again...can't help it."

A Lost Masterpiece!.......2004-02-03

I love this record. I like Television but I really think Tom Verlaine's solo output is scandalously under-rated. When this was released in the mid-80's the music scene was a tad dull with little for anyone who needed challenging to get their ears round.

'Flashlight' has it all. Tracks such as 'A Town called Walker' and 'Cry Mercy, Judge' are true rockers with the wit and paranoia you expect from Verlaine. 'The Scientist writes a letter' is a different fish altogether; a study of the end of an affair wrapped into an innocuous sounding letter with a strange atmosphere. Excellent.

The second side (as was) starts with the core track 'Bomb' where the usual pop/rock notion of 'we can work it out, baby' gets inverted into a black hole of hopelessness, as the writer realises there really is no way back into the relationship. A warped and acid display.

The other tracks are also very good. I'm not going to analyse them all here but if you like food for thought with your rock tinged with psychedelia and guitar work as taut as cheese wire, then buy this CD!

TOM VERLAINE'S WORK STINGS ON THIS CD. A MUST FOR ANY FAN.......2003-11-19

Tom Verlaine is a MASTER guitarist, songwriter & singer. He is beyond PUNK. He is in complete control of his spirit on FLASH LIGHT as with any of his earlier LP releases. Shimmering git lines along with beautiful vocal melodies tie these songs together. Check out: "A Town Called Walker", "The Scientist Writes A Letter" or "One Time At Sundown" for proven facts. This guy had & still had it together on this release. A must for any TV fan or any guitar lover.

Average customer rating: Great Tom Verlaine Lost in Space

Words from the Front Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cover Flash Light Tom Verlaine Television The Miller's Tale: A Tom Verlaine Anthology ASIN: B000026GLA Release Date: 2002-08-08

Tracks:

1. Present Arrived
2. Postcard from Waterloo
3. True Story
4. Clear It Away
5. Words from the Front
6. Coming Apart
7. Days on the Mountain

Album Description

1989 reissue of the iconic Television guitarist/vocalist's 1982 solo album. Virgin.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-12-20

I bought this on vinyl when it first came out and I was blown away. back then I found it more to my taste than the Television LP's (how wrong I was!) but there are some very very strong songs on here such as Postcard From Waterloo which is really beautiful. He would never really live up to the promse here. It is incomprehensible that this recodr did not make him more succssful.

Tom Verlaine Lost in Space.......2006-07-10

My title is not intended to evoke this important and original artist's music, however hermetic and oblique Tom Verlaine's music can be. No, I'm frustrated with the lack of any serious
attempt to restore Verlaine's remarkable catalog in any but the most piecemeal fashion.
Verlaine made his reputation with Television, one of the greatest bands to emerge from what might loosely be called the C.B.G.B.'s scene, or the NYC '77 punk era, the one that produced Ramones, Talking Heads, James Chance, Patti Smith, Blondie, the Heartbreakers, and Richard Hell to name but a few, and we all know these bands inspired quite an upheaval accross the Atlantic as well. A 1975 debut single on Ork, "Little Johnny Jewel", and two classic albums for Elektra, "Marquee Moon" (1977) and "Adventure" (1978)were released. Some critics raved. Incendiery shows with Tom and Richard Lloyd's dual guitar attack - with marvelous control of dynamics, smart and never self-indulgent or cliched interplay, abetted by jazz-influenced drummer Billy Ficca and a Fred Smith, a solid bassist with a producer's ear. Then, after the tour to promote "Adventure" concluded, Television was gone. A couple years ago Rhino did a nice job remastering and expanding both of Television's Elektra classics, adding the Ork single and many other bonus goodies. At roughly the same time Rhino released (sadly, in a very limited edition, so it's going to cost you if you don't already have it) a terrific live album recorded in 1978. The band did record a third ("reunion")album in 1992, "Television" (Capitol), to little fanfare and a big yawn from the marketplace. To date no Television album has charted on Billboard's Top 200, an accomplishment that not even the Velvet Underground, Captain Beefheart, or the amazing and outre Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band can claim.
Verlaine's solo career started strong, with Elektra's "Tom Verlaine" in 1979 (perhaps the album most suggestive of his previous band) followed by the stunning "Dreamtime" (Warner Bros., 1981)which is perhaps his most accomplished solo effort, full of beautiful melodies, songs bursting with memorable riffs, and layered guitars that soothe and stun and shimmer. The album under consideration here, "Words From The Front" (Warner Bros., 1982) seemed disappointing at first, in comparison to its predecessors, but has many fine moments. "Postcard From Waterloo" is utterly gorgeous, and the halting, jagged rhythms and off-kilter guitar work on "Present Arrived" and the title track are both jarring and compelling. The nine-minute "Days On The Mountain", a rather fruity yet atmospheric excercise unlike anything else in Verlaine's ouevre, sounds better now than in 1982. Overall, the album - which relies more than usual on keyboards and effects, remains perhaps his most insular, and with seven longish tracks feels a bit slight. Additionally, the production has a slightly harsh and unnatural '80s feel, with clanging guitars and too-big drums. But it gets a solid B plus for sheer creative verve and the fact that it transcends its flaws much of the time. Verlaine's next, "Cover" (1984) is perhaps his least inspired both in terms of songwriting and performance, but he came back strong in 1987 with the bewitching "Flash Light", made with old friends including Fred Smith and Jimmy Rip, perhaps his best along with "Dream Time", filled with short, memorable tracks built with artfully layered guitars and subtle and effective, but very occasional, use of keybards - though again the bloodless production, characteristic of the era in which it was made, is off-putting at first. But those remarkable, haunting, and fully developed songs as well as Verlaine's inspired playing, ability to create mood and atmosphere and (in a real leap forward) character, show a willingness to still take risks, renewed focus and inspiration, evidence of an artist still growing and expanding his musical, narrative, and emotional range. Following 1990's "The Wonder" (Fontana, unreleased in the US) we were treated to both the aforementioned Television album and Verlaine's instrumental set "Warm and Cool" in 1992. Then, aside from occasional session work (noteably with old friend Patti Smith) it would be 14 years before Verlaine came back with two new compelling and mature solo albums.
Aside from Rhino's Television reissues, Verlaine's work is barely and rarely available. Collector's Choice - whose remastering efforts are inconsistent - issued the debut (replacing one track with an early demo instead of the final master by mistake on first pressings) and "Flashlight," the latter without any of the marvelous outtakes issued on 12-inch b-sides during 1987-88 that would only enhance what is already a killer set - and how hard could those tracks be to license? "Cover" was issued on a long-gone (deservedly so) CD that perversely deleted one song (?). The excellent, short-lived Infinite Zero imprint issued "Dreamtime" in 1994, with two bonus cuts, but this too is long out of print. Only "Warm and Cool" - in my opinion a strong instrumental set that remains somewhat minor and sketchy and is now vastly overshadowed by Verlaine's much more confident and cohesive new instrumental set - has been recently expanded/reissued by Thrill Jockey. As for "Words From The Front"? Forget the cheesy, drab-sounding German CD from 1989 or so (with the black band across the bottom of the front cover), and try to pick up a vinyl copy at a used record shop. As recently as this year I still saw copies in excellent condition going for under ten bucks, and once in awhile much less. Now, with all those different labels involved, who might be motivated and able to invest in a committed Verlaine reissue campaign, with a top remastering engineer, vault research for strong unissued material, and the numerous and rare non-lp singles all brought together on sonically state-of-the-art, expanded editions? After thirty years in the record biz, it's time Tom Verlaine gets some respect beyond his loyal fanbase, those of us who waited fourteen years to buy those two new gems, "Songs and Other Things" and "Around", available right here, nearby in Tom's cyber-bin.

Average customer rating: but, it IS tom verlaine! Earnest yet playful hands down the best Tom Veraline album It's Good to hear from the Television Man Hit and Miss

Songs and Other Things Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: Thrill Jockey ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Flash Light Living With War My Life in the Bush of Ghosts Rather Ripped Live at the Fillmore East ASIN: B000ELJ8WQ Release Date: 2006-04-25

Tracks:

1. A Parade In Littleton
2. Heavenly Charm
3. Orbit
4. Blue Light
5. From Her Fingers
6. Nice Actress
7. A Stroll
8. The Earth Is In The Sky
9. Lovebird Asylum Seeker
10. Documentary
11. Shingaling
12. All Weirded Out
13. The Day On You
14. Peace Piece

Album Description

Verlaine has truly shaped the sound of modern music, from his early days with the Neon Boys and Television, throughout his solo career, and most recently, as the guitarist in Patti Smith's band. Always ahead of the curve, Tom's influence is immeasurable throughout the rock world with bands as diverse as The Strokes and Dos. No one, however, has been able to replicate his sounds, from delicate lace-like details to soaring and singling lines. "Around" and "Songs And Other Things" are his first new releases since "Warm And Cool" in 1992. "Around" picks up where the last one left off ? varied tones move effortlessly from melody to rhythm and are at once panoramic, pastoral, and atmospheric. It's largely an improvised record and features Tom's old Neon Boys bandmate Billy Ficca on drums. "Songs" is his first vocal album in sixteen years and it includes instrumentation from Television bassist Fred Smith. This record finds Verlaine's songwriting at its most colorful. With so many years between this and his last vocal record, he's got a lot of storytelling to catch up on, which makes every track here a gem.

Customer Reviews:

but, it IS tom verlaine!.......2006-12-14

this is not tom verlaine, the punk guitar god of old ...
this is all very calm and VERY mellow ...
what saved this for me was IT IS tom verlaine!
you can hear the twang and that sound that's he!
so, how bad could it be?
couple of the songs actually jump out at you.
he sings a little better ... too.
but tom verlaine's a guitar player first and foremeost.
not THAT bad.

Earnest yet playful.......2006-08-03

The first time I listened to this I thought it was more of the somewhat disappointing eponymous third Television album which I found a little too subdued. With the chops that Mr. Verlaine has, you can't help hoping he'll let out the rock'n'roll hounds every so often. However, the more I listened to it the more it got under my skin, with its lyricism, combination of earnestness and playfulness, and subtle yet killer guitar licks. It's still on heavy rotation on my i-pod shuffle and I keep enjoying it more and more with every listen. In other words, buy it, give it a chance, and see the glory.

hands down the best Tom Veraline album .......2006-06-26

I have bought all Tome Verlaine records, and most Television albums. After listening intently to this album for the last month, I believe that it is hands down the best Tom Veraline album he has made, with the possible exception of his first solo record. The style is varied, yet consistent with his current vision. If anything, his song writing capabilities have improved over the past 30 years. It stands as one of my top five favourites so far this year.

It's Good to hear from the Television Man .......2006-06-17

But I'd have to agree with one review here with the title "Hit and miss". Verlaine has the knack for writing some killer catchy guitar driven songs. It's too bad he goes off the deep end with about half the songs here. The problem is they're just too oblique.

"Dreamtime", his self titled solo release, and "Cover" are more consistent albums. Hopefully, rykodisc or someone will take those great records, remaster them, and release them again, since as far as I can tell, they've never been released other than on vinyl.

Maybe the title is ironically appropriate. About half of the songs are really great on this CD, and then there's the "other things".

It's still great to hear new music from the reclusive Verlaine, and I wouldn't miss his live show for anything if he decided to tour.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a more active period. Please don't make us wait for 13 years between each time, Tom!

Hit and Miss.......2006-06-05

If you just played me the opening instrumental, and didn't tell me who it was, I would say, "Who's the schlocky smooth jazz band?" Tracks 2-4 just kinda sit there, wanting to be something but not sure what that something is. Tracks 5 and 6 are the album savers and are the two things that kept me from just sticking this right in my to-sell stack. From 7-14 there is nothing outstanding but nothing as bad as the opener. The overall feel is just what you'd expect from Tom Verlaine: spidery, understated art pop songs with spindly guitar, intelligent lyrics, and Verlaine's cool talking vocal style. This is a good album but what I keep thinking as I listen is he needs the rest of Television to go from okay to outstanding.

Average customer rating: An Essential CD The Magic of Tom Verlaine's Guitar good stuff Get it- Tom needs the royalties Criminally overlooked

The Miller's Tale: A Tom Verlaine Anthology Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tom Verlaine Alchemy Flash Light Words from the Front The Blow-Up ASIN: B0000075V6 Release Date: 1996-05-14

Tracks:

1. Kingdom Come
2. Souvenir From A Dream
3. Clear It Away
4. Always
5. Postcard From Waterloo
6. Penetration
7. Breakin' In My Heart
8. Marquee Moon
9. Days On The Mountain
10. Prove It

Tracks:

1. Venus
2. Glory
3. The Grip Of Love
4. Without A Word
5. Words From The Front
6. Let Go The Mansion
7. Lindi-Lu
8. O Foolish Heart
9. Anna
10. Sixteen Tulips
11. Call Me The
12. At 4a.m.
13. Stalingrad
14. Call Mr. Lee
15. No Glamour For Willi
16. The Revolution
17. No Glamour For Willi
18. The Revolution

Album Description

New two CD comp for one of THE founding fathers of modern rock. Disc 1 is 10 live tracks recorded at The Venue, London, June 3, 1982. Disc 2's 18 tracks include his best (both solo & with Television) plus 6 previously unavailable commercially. LIVE: Kingdom Come, Souvenir From A Dream, Clear It Away, Always, Postcard From Waterloo, Pene- tration, Breakin' In My Heart, Marquee Moon, Days On The Mountain & Prove It. HITS: Venus, Glory, The Grip Of Love, Without A Word, Words From The Front, Let Go The Mansion, O Foolish Heart, Lindi-Lu, Five Miles Of You, Anna, At 4 A.M.,

Album Details

Double Disc Collection of Songs from the Career of the Man who Fronted the New York Punk Band Television. The First Disc was Recorded Live in London at the Venue in 1982 and Includes a Cross Section of Songs from Television and Solo Material. More Cross Section Holds True for the Second Disc, but all the Tracks Are Studio Recordings Drawn from all the Record Labels that Verlaine Has Appeared On: Elektra, Warner Bros, Capitol, Fontana and Virgin.

Customer Reviews:

An Essential CD.......2005-07-14

This is one of a handful of essential CDS that capture the alternative era of the late 1970s and 1980s in perfect form. Tom Verlaine is a highly underrated musician and one that deserves much attention for not only his work in Television and with Richard Hell but also his exceptional solo work. On many of these songs, he re-invents rock guitar. Contrasting this with Eddie Van Halen, who appeared at roughly the same time and received much greater acclaim by innovating within the traditional structure and techniques of rock guitar, is a fascinating contrast. Verlaine uses the guitar in many new ways and without even a hint of what many would consider the rock and roll artifacts. The fact that '80s hair bands were getting all the airplay when real innovative music was coming from bands like Television should be classified as a felony. Get these CDs and open your mind. It is a true undiscovered classic. If the music isn't enough consider this: Tom is the one who convinced the owner of CBGBs in NYC to book rock and roll acts in the mid-1970s. For that alone, he deserves sainthood. Meanwhile, the OJays get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...

The Magic of Tom Verlaine's Guitar.......2001-06-13

The Miller's Tale contain two parts - a brilliant Live performance, and a selection of Studio recordings by Tom Verliane and Television. I doubt anyone here requires a lesson on who Tom Verlaine or Television are. So I'll go straight into the CDs.

The Live album is great. Most of the songs here are equal or superior to the studio originals, with the exceptions of the cuts of Verlaine's self titled first album, which is also one of the instances where everything worked in the Studio. the recording is of very high quality, which is a relief for those of us accustomed to the loust sound on 'The Blow Ups'.

The highlights of the First album include mad guitars on ALLWAYS, A superior version of POSTCARD FROM WATERLOO, a nice BREAKIN' IN MY HEART, annd great versions of two calssic Television songs, MARQUEE MOON and PROVE IT.

The only weak cut on it is KINGDOM COME, which is a great song (covered by Bowie on his Scary Monsters album), but which doesn't quite live up to the studio version.

The second CD, though, is a much more shaky business. Any 'Best Of' compilationist would disagree with anyone else, (For example, I think THE GRIP OF LOVE is a fairly mediocre Veraline song which doesn't belong there), but some things are, I think, objectively wrong here.

First, there are two many songs off 'Cover'. I realise it is a matter of the Recording company, and Cover is a great album, but brilliant cuts O FOOLISH HEART and LET GO THE MANSION RITA, are obviously superior to LINDI-LU and FIVE MILES OF YOU. And no matter how you look at it, it's impossible to have only one but from Television's Adventure, and about 5 cuts from Cover.

Also obviously missing is LITTLE JOHNNY JEWEL. I would have prefered the original version, bnecause the live version, although superior, is more readily available and the sound recording in it is weak. However, either way, some version of what is arguably Verlaine's best Track simply HAS to be in an anthology of his work.

Finally, the CD ends with THE REVOLUTION, a b-side in France. while it is a good song, I doubt anyone will ever claim this is anywhere near the top 10 Verlaine songs. To end the compilation with it is ending with a whimpher rather than with a bang. A more fitting conclusion would have been LITTLE JOHNNY JEWEL or CALL MR. LEE - which is clearly the best song of Television self titled third album, and the only cut off it which could have suited into Marquee Moon.

But for all the criticism, this is a hell of an album, containing great tracks, some of them I've mentioned before, and some I haven't. VENUS from 'Marquee Moon' contains some of the cleverest lyrics I've encountered 'I fell right into the Arms of Venus De Milo' (If you don't get it, look on line for a picture of Venus de Milo). WORDS FROM THE FRONT, the title track of Verlaine's third album, captures the essence of the First World War "John died last night/he had no chance/under the surgeon's drunken' hand" The guitar work here is sublime.

O FOOLISH HEART might just be Verlaine's most beautiful love song. I don't hear the Lou Reed resemblance people often talk of regarding this song, but it's a killer either way.

Other highlights include Verlaine solo efforts such as STALINGRAD, SIXTEEN TULLIPS and AT 4 AM, as well as brilliant TELEVISION tracks CALL MR. LEE and GLORY.

In short this is a must have CD for long time fans and people who are new to and unfamiliar with the magic of Tom Verlaine's Guitar.

good stuff.......2001-04-04

cd1 is all unreleased live stuff, which is cool. Some great solos, tight band etc. Way better than 'the blow up'. Disc2 has some televsion songs but mostly solo stuff. This stuff is not as good as television, but there are some good songs. Definitely worth getting

Get it- Tom needs the royalties.......2000-03-23

Although there's plenty of great, even brilliant songs on these two cds, it still doesn't make too much sense to get it. This compilation is NOT for someone who' never heard any of Tom Verlaine's music and wants a little introduction. The reason is that the first time user will get the wrong overall impression of what Verlaine's about. The best way too start listening to him is to either get the two albums Tom made with Television, or to start with his first solo self-titled album and the amazing "Dreamtime" one, and then see whether you can still listen to anything else anymore without thinking that you'd rather be listening to something by Verlaine instead. In that case you can try to spend some time (and money) to search out his other albums. Which brings me to why "The Miller's Tale" IS useful. See, it contains some of the best songs from Tom's other hard to find albums, and as far as I know has the only LEGALLY recorded live performance of a Verlaine concert that's available. So if you don't have the time, money, or enough desire to search out "Words From the Front", "Cover", etc., or some of Tom's bootleg(but better)live recordings, get this compilation. Otherwise, try E-bay, Gemm, European online stores, etc. Oh, and you can find "Dreamtime" at the Infinite Zero publications website. Get it today. It's time Verlaine got his well deserved royalties.

Criminally overlooked.......1999-05-02

This 2CD set does an adequate job of introducing Verlaine's genius. The live CD is just ferocious, as compelling as Television's "The Blow Up" but tighter. Just great. Amazing guitar work from both Verlaine and compatriot Jimmy Ripp, solid backing by Fred Smith and Jay Dee Daugherty.

The retrospective CD is good, though I wish they had chosen fewer tracks from "Cover" and more from the brilliant "Dreamtime" and "Flash Light". But since "Cover" is the only album Verlaine recorded for Virgin (the label behind this release) that's probably to be expected. Big plus - the inclusion of the wonderful Verlaine/Richard Lloyd "Call Mr. Lee," with Lloyd's Stratocaster moving sideways over the chorus like an angry crab.

Completists will complain but the uninitiated will enjoy this.

Average customer rating:

Warm and Cool Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000075V7 Release Date: 1992-03-20

Tracks:

1. Those Harbor Lights [Instrumental]
2. Sleepwalkin' [Instrumental]
3. Deep Dark Clouds [Instrumental]
4. Saucer Crash [Instrumental]
5. Depot (1951) [Instrumental]
6. Boulevard [Instrumental]
7. Harley Quinn [Instrumental]
8. Sor Juanna [Instrumental]
9. Depot (1957) [Instrumental]
10. Spiritual [Instrumental]
11. Little Dance [Instrumental]
12. Ore [Instrumental]
13. Depot (1958) [Instrumental]
14. Lore [Instrumental]

Album Description

Tom Verlaine borrows his name from the 19th century French symbolist poet Paul Verlaine, and nowhere in his 20-year catalog does Tom's music more closely follow his namesake's poetic philosophy than on "Warm And Cool". Unlike most of his work, this one is entirely instrumental, with guitars often filling the traditional role of a voice in the melody. Originally released in 1992 in the wake of a short-lived Television reunion and the rise of Nirvana into a musical environment that clearly favored loud guitars and walls of sound. The sparse soundscapes on "Warm And Cool" represent a clear rebellion from that. Now the record is being re-issued in the midst of another Television reunion and a music scene overstuffed with Television wannabes. It was originally available in the '80s on Ryko, but has been out of print for over ten years.

Average customer rating: This is the version they sell in Target!

Twelve (+1 Bonus Track) Patti Smith Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Similar Items: Garbage: Absolute Garbage ASIN: B000PSRW4O

Product Description

Limited Edition features Exclusive unreleased song "Everybody Hurts." TRACK LISTING: (1) Are You Experienced? (2) Everybody Wants To Rule The World (3) Helpless (4) Gimme Shelter (5) Within You Without You (6) White Rabbit (7) Changing Of The Guard (8) The Boy In The Bubble (9) Soul Kitchen (10) Smells Like Teen Spirit (11) Midnight Rider (12) Pastime Paradise BONUS TRACK: (13) Everybody Hurts

Customer Reviews:

This is the version they sell in Target!.......2007-07-09

Dont be ripped off, this is the Target edition, you can pick it up at normal price there!

Average customer rating: Very cool Excellent re-release of an unfortunately overlooked album

Warm and Cool Tom Verlaine Manufacturer: Thrill Jockey ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Flash Light Tom Verlaine Television The Blow-Up Words from the Front ASIN: B000A87KKU Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Those Harbor Lights [Instrumental]
2. Sleepwalkin' [Instrumental]
3. Deep Dark Clouds [Instrumental]
4. Saucer Crash [Instrumental]
5. Depot (1951) [Instrumental]
6. Boulevard [Instrumental]
7. Harley Quinn [Instrumental]
8. Sor Juanna [Instrumental]
9. Depot (1957) [Instrumental]
10. Spiritual [Instrumental]
11. Little Dance [Instrumental]
12. Ore [Instrumental]
13. Depot (1958) [Instrumental]
14. Lore [Instrumental]
15. Old Car [*][Instrumental]
16. Ancient [*][Instrumental]
17. Asmileyfallsapart [*][Instrumental]
18. Avanti [*][Instrumental]
19. Early Waltz [*][Instrumental]
20. Please Keep Going [*][Instrumental]
21. Tontootempo [*][Instrumental]
22. Film of Flowers [*][Instrumental]

Customer Reviews:

Very cool.......2006-04-19

This is one of those strange little albums that is hard to categorize, like the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, or Moondog. This is NOT a Television album, nor does it fit in with his works that include vocals. The tone of the guitar is more of a deep, Dick Dale or Duane Eddy sound, and it all has a noirish, film-score sound. You'll recognize several cuts as filler on public radio. Not the most amazing album ever recorded, but very good indeed.

Excellent re-release of an unfortunately overlooked album.......2005-11-25

Tom Verlaine is likely already cooler than most people will ever be in their lives. He entered the music scene as a member of the Neon Boys, and later helped write a couple classics as part of the band Television. Warm And Cool is a much different record than what one might expect from Verlaine, though, as it's not only instrumental, but also stylistically much different than the work he did with either of his other bands. Originally released back in 1992, it's one of those albums that seems oddly timeless, with a style that dips into rock and jazz without taking on the baggage of any particular era.

Verlaine is joined on the album by Television bandmates Fred Smith and Billy Ficca, as well as Jay Dee Daugherty (who played with The Church, the Patti Smith Band, and others), and interestingly enough, the album is largely improvised. In most cases, Verlaine would play a basic melody on his guitar beforehand, the players would talk about a beat or tempo, then they'd roll with it. The result is an album that's loose and inspired without being sloppy in the slightest. It's also more varied than one might guess.

The album starts with a slow-burner in "Those Harbor Lights" as Verlaine lays down some smokey coils of guitar over brushed drums while "Sleepwalkin'" shuffles with a healthy swagger while "The Deep Dark Clouds" gets downright atmospheric with sparse, reverbed guitar notes and distant rumbling percussion. A good portion of the opening section of the album actually feels like soundtrack work (a film adaptation of an Elmore Leonard book immediately comes to mind) as the musicians toy with dark alleys and smokey club themes.

Of course, then the release goes and throws you for a loop, with tracks like the downright bubbly "Boulevard" (which features some deliciously playful guitar from Verlaine) and the hooky warmth of "Little Dance." There are three different versions of the track "Depot" and each one feels like it's gradually cracking the basic elements apart even further. Heck, they even rock out on the more freestyle "Lore," which runs almost seven minutes and features some crashing cascades of cymbals and luscious guitar shredding. Eight bonus tracks not included on the original round out the release and range in variety much more than the actual release, but there are enough good tracks to warrant them. At twenty two tracks and almost seventy minutes total, Warm And Cool is just about what the title states in terms of musical content, and it's a great document of excellent musicians teaming up and falling into sync with one another.

(from almost cool music reviews)

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