19th
Souvenir From A Dream
Repost from the archives …
While Tom Verlaine’s peak as a songwriter/record maker was most certainly in the 70s, Verlaine onstage in the 80s was a force to be reckoned with. Patti Smith’s drummer Jay Dee Daugherty was behind the kit, Television’s Fred Smith was on bass, and Jimmy Ripp filled in ably on second guitar. This recording from their 1987 European tour doesn’t sound like a solo artist with backing band — it sounds like a cohesive unit, maybe as good as Television ever was. Strong words, I know! But take a listen. The first half of this show is focused on tighter-than-tight rhythmic interplay — guitar riffs bouncing off one another, bass and drums locked in a death grip. Verlaine’s guitar sounds gorgeous here — much more melodic and lyrical than the Television days. The second half sees the Verlaine Band loosening up a bit, stretching out on “Kingdom Come” and the old warhorse “Marquee Moon.” Verlaine’s solo on the latter is something to behold! Things finish off with blazing renditions of “Glory,” “Psychotic Reaction,” and “Red Leaves.”
Download (New link, Jan. 2012)
