Label: Collector’s Choice
Rating:

Originally released in 1981, Tom Verlaine’s Dreamtime stands as a great guitar statement, a great New York City record and a first-rate collection of songs. The once and former Television guitarist and singer had already demonstrated a knack for the sort of droll, slightly detached tunes that composed Marquee Moon and Adventure, while his “Kingdom Come” (from his 1979 self-titled solo debut) would be covered by David Bowie. Using a band that comprised drummer Jay Dee Daugherty and guitarist Richie Fliegler, Verlaine turned Dreamtime into dense, addictive night music. Dreamtime is a logical extension of Jimi Hendrix’s later work, such as “Dolly Dagger” and “Room Full of Mirrors.” Every song gives up a verbal phrase (”twenty miles of hallways of burning glass”) and a perfectly turned guitar lick. Verlaine never overdoes it, and displays a songwriter’s ear for the just-right accompaniment. Words from the Front, from 1982, is a lesser record, but “Present Arrived” hints at the obsessiveness that characterized Dreamtime. And the gorgeous “Postcard from Waterloo” is an eminently coverable gem.