Wow, after nearly 15 years without releasing a new album, one of the founding fathers of Punk Rock - at the center, along with Pattti Smith and Richard Hell, of the Romantic sect of the Church of Punk -- Tom Verlaine has just released two at once. Around is a purely instrumental LP and may be seen as a sequel to his last solo work, Warm and Cool, while Songs and Other Things is a bit of a rocker and is more in line with the 1992's Television reunion LP. While we will be the first to admit that this and other late work by Verlaine is an acquired taste, it is completely original and unique work that has influenced many performers over the years. Unlike the vast majority of contemporary pop, the music on these two records improves with repeated listenings, the subtleties and humor gradually emerge, allowing for an equally gradual increase in appreciation. If you're willing to take a chance, these two LPs are worth the risk. Of course, it goes without saying that, for long time Verlaine fans, their release is a cause for celebration. And not only that, those of us in Pittsburgh will get a chance to see him perform on Saturday, June 10 at this summer's Three Rivers Arts Festival. Don't forget to mark your calendars!

Wow, after nearly 15 years without releasing a new album, one of the founding fathers of Punk Rock - at the center, along with Pattti Smith and Richard Hell, of the Romantic sect of the Church of Punk -- Tom Verlaine has just released two at once. Around is a purely instrumental LP and may be seen as a sequel to his last solo work, Warm and Cool, while Songs and Other Things is a bit of a rocker and is more in line with the 1992's Television reunion LP. While we will be the first to admit that this and other late work by Verlaine is an acquired taste, it is completely original and unique work that has influenced many performers over the years. Unlike the vast majority of contemporary pop, the music on these two records improves with repeated listenings, the subtleties and humor gradually emerge, allowing for an equally gradual increase in appreciation. If you're willing to take a chance, these two LPs are worth the risk. Of course, it goes without saying that, for long time Verlaine fans, their release is a cause for celebration. And not only that, those of us in Pittsburgh will get a chance to see him perform on Saturday, June 10 at this summer's Three Rivers Arts Festival. Don't forget to mark your calendars!