Around

From his early days with the Neon Boys and Television, throughout his solo career, and most recently as the guitarist in Patti Smith's band, Tom Verlaine has truly shaped the sound of modern music. His influence on the rock world is immeasurable with bands as diverse as The Strokes and Dos claiming him as an influence. No one, however, has been able to replicate his sounds, from delicate lace-like details to soaring and singling lines. It's hard to describe without a slew of superlatives.

Thrill Jockey's simultaneous release of 'Around' and 'Songs and Other Things' are the first new releases by Tom Verlaine since 'Warm and Cool' in 1992.

'Around' continues where 'Warm and Cool' left off, using many of the same musicians. Billy Ficca's mostly-improvised drumming shares the spotlight with Verlaine's guitar, whose varied tones move effortlessly from melody to rhythm and are at once panoramic, pastoral and atmospheric. The influence of Verlaine's love of jazz saxophone is manifested in sustained single-note melodies and his expert finesse is rousing.