Tom Verlaine/Dreamtime

This timely re-release ('Dreamtime' has long been out of print) contains by far the best of Tom Verlaine's solo projects - they were his first - and it's arguable which of the two comes out on top. I don't even have a consistent preference myself: sometimes it's one, sometimes it's the other. What is unarguable is that he's on absolutely peak form here. The quality, and range, of the writing is staggering, especially on 'Tom Verlaine' ('Dreamtime' has a more consistent, and rockier, feel), which contains, besides Kingdom Come, covered by David Bowie, everything from power-ballads (Souvenir from a Dream) through astonishing guitar workouts (Breakin' in my Heart) to comedy (Yonki Time). 'Dreamtime' ups the ante as far as melody is concerned - almost every track becomes earworm material. And throughout both albums there is Tom's trademark strangled howl, his chiming guitar (he's one of the most graceful players you'll ever hear) and spot-on playing from his familiar crew, which includes Fred Smith, from Television, and Jay Dee Daugherty, perhaps better known as Patti Smith's drummer. That Verlaine is now something of a forgotten genius, reduced to hauling Television round for nostalgia gigs and bit-part appearances on other people's albums, is not far from tragic when you consider what he once could do. The two albums are on the one disc; even played right through, there's not a slack moment.

these were the first sole releases from tom Verlaine, fresh from marquee moon and adventure. Apparently a few of these tracks were around in the television days and they do have a similar feel and sound. Tom verlaines solo stuff has never been easy listening so can take a bit of effort but are worth the time and I rate these quite highly. It would be great to hear some new stuff whether under the television banner or solo. I managed to see television live a couple of years ago and a couple of new tracks were aired . If you are already a fan then im sure you will enjoy these and the new edition is welcomed as previously his solo stuff has been difficult to get a hold of. Not sure if this is the start of a rerelease campaign, we shall wait and see.

Well, I had to buy this to find out precisely what it is. I've known these albums for years - and I'd say this is merely "okay".Firstly, the debut album is presented here in the rejected, original,mix. This is NOT the mix used for the original Vinyl, and to my ears it's inferior.Secondly, the DR numbers aren't impressive. Tom Verlaine (Debut) gets a DR of 10. Dreamtime here gets a DR of 8.It sounds very ordinary. The booklet is also a little weird. Overall it's far better than any other release of these titles I've seen, but the article - which is quite long - jumps all over the place. It also includes the lyrics to Dreamtime.Overall a 3.

tv man at its best.