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Bit of a let-down...

Lypo Suck | Hades, United States | 07/11/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have yet to find a single bad review of this album. Everyone praises Verlaine's debut to the skies, calling it a perfect continuation of his seminal work with Television. Well, I'm going to beg to differ, and while I'm not exactly gonna roast this puppy on the fire, I do think it contains flaws that can't be overlooked. Before I dive in, I should stress that I'm a longtime Television obsessive, and I find both "Marquee Moon" and "Adventure" hugely important. Their brilliantly woven guitar textures, heartfelt songwriting, soaring melodies, and infectious energy cannot be overstated.



Things get off to a bad start with the 1st song, a constipated, dull, repetitive mess that never gets off the ground. No matter, we just skip to the next one - "Souvenir from a Dream". This is a good song, and what's immediately striking is how New Wave it sounds - and I'm talking New Wave in an artsy, almost New Romantic way, with its somber melodies, synth textures, and hazy atmosphere; like something you'd expect on a Lene Lovich or Fixx album, (which I actually think is cool).



Next track - "Kingdome Come" - a pretty song with catchy chord progressions. But frustratingly, David Bowie covered it a year later on his "Scary Monsters" album, and he did it BETTER, giving it the kick, life, and color that it lacked with Verlaine. Bowie mucks up the end with overzealous drumming and bombastic backing vocals, but before the messy ending, he realizes the song's potential that was left unfulfilled by Verlaine (and ironically, adds a particularly Verlaine-esque, sustained guitar melody in the verses, not on the original).



"Yonki Time" is silly tripe that bands with better judgment would reserve for b-sides. Of the remaining 4 tunes, "Flash Lightning" is quite good and rather pretty, but the other 3 lack energy, hooks, and melodies, and drag under an oppressive weight. It's like routine rock, without the inventiveness or beauty brought to old Television classics like "Marquee Moon" or "Days." And that's weird, considering some of these tunes, like "Breakin' in my Heart," are old Television live staples.



Call me crazy, but this album doesn't quite live up to its praise. Although it contains several great songs, it's hampered by inconsistent material and dampened playing. Verlaine would've benefited from the involvement of his former band, making their break-up all the more regrettable."

Essential Tom

Brooklyn Music Lover | Brooklyn, NY United States | 03/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Glad to see this is back in print. Tom's first solo album is very satisfying. The last song "Breaking My Heart" alone is worth the price of admission. If you have this, Flashlight and Cover you have the best of Mr. Verlaine."