Tom Verlaine
New York punk/new wave trailblazersTelevisionrecorded only two albums before frontman Tom Verlaine set off on a solo career that began with this 1979 release. As a guitarist, Verlaine produces a range of styles and textures, much like he did with his old band. His sneering vocals serve up straight-ahead rock songs ("Grip of Love") as well as funnier, stranger visions ("Mr. Bingo"). The accompaniment is stark; Television's bassist Fred Smith appears throughout andB-52'sguitarist Ricky Wilson makes an appearance. A simple beat and minimalist backing fit Verlaine's corkscrews and riffs perfectly. This set hasn't aged as well as its follow-up,Dreamtime, but the thinness here brings Verlaine's voice in close, where it casts an unmistakable light on the onset of everything from theViolent Femmesto emo-core.--Andrew Bartlett