Television Tom Verlaine: A Deep Dive into His First Four Solo Albums

The recent “Souvenir From a Dream: The Tom Verlaine Albums (1979-1984)” box set from Rhino offers a comprehensive look at the influential guitarist/vocalist’s early solo career after his groundbreaking work with the iconic CBGB-era band Television. This 4LP collection provides a timely opportunity to revisit Verlaine’s unique musical vision across four distinct albums.

This article delves into each album included in the box set – Tom Verlaine (1979), Dreamtime (1981), Words From the Front (1982), and Cover (1984) – analyzing their musical and sonic qualities, and comparing the new remasters to the original pressings. The scarcity of original pressings in good condition makes this collection particularly valuable for collectors and fans of Television Tom Verlaine.

The Importance of “Souvenir From a Dream”

While Verlaine’s early solo work was seemingly accessible during its initial release, finding these albums in good condition on the vintage vinyl market has become increasingly difficult. A quick search on platforms like Discogs reveals a limited supply of near-mint copies, highlighting the importance of this reissue. “Souvenir From a Dream” brings these albums together in one well-mastered package, making them readily available to a new generation of listeners and collectors.

Inside the Box Set: Remastering Details and Packaging

Remastered by Chris Bellman with Bill Inglot at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original analog tapes, each album in the “Souvenir From a Dream” box set is pressed on clear vinyl. The set includes a booklet featuring tributes to Verlaine from fellow musicians and collaborators, providing further context to his artistic journey. While the album art and labels aren’t entirely period-accurate, the overall quality of the packaging is high. Initially a Record Store Day exclusive, the box set’s future availability remains uncertain.

Album by Album: A Critical Listening Experience

• Tom Verlaine (1979): Often considered his strongest solo effort, this debut showcases Verlaine’s signature guitar work and songwriting prowess. The remaster allows for greater dynamic range compared to the original, enhancing the listening experience. Notably, this album features the original recording of “Kingdom Come,” later covered by David Bowie.

• Dreamtime (1981): This album features some of Verlaine’s most energetic guitar playing since his Television days. While the remaster is slightly brighter than the original, it remains an enjoyable listen.

• Words From the Front (1982): A consistently strong album, the remastering on this release highlights the brightness of the original recording. While some pressing issues were noted in one review copy, the music itself remains compelling.

• Cover (1984): This album showcases Verlaine’s experimental side, incorporating elements of the mid-1980s production aesthetic. The remaster opens up the soundstage, revealing greater detail compared to the original.

Conclusion: A Worthy Investment for Fans of Television Tom Verlaine

“Souvenir From a Dream” provides a valuable opportunity to experience the evolution of Television Tom Verlaine’s solo career. The box set’s high-quality remastering and comprehensive collection of his early work make it a worthwhile investment for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike. While individual preferences for specific albums and remastering choices may vary, the collection as a whole offers a compelling listening experience that showcases Verlaine’s unique talent and lasting influence on music.