Songs And Other Things
by Tom Verlaine
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Typically cryptic and loaded with tasty guitar, Songs and Other Things is an excellent return for Tom Verlaine.
  2. PopMatters
    80
    The most impressive thing about Songs and Other Things is that Verlaine’s singing has actually gotten stronger with time.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Tom Verlaine has delivered yet another beautiful creation to us.
  5. Uncut
    80
    The best tracks... are almost as good as Television's monumental Marquee Moon. [May 2006, p.100]
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  6. Under The Radar
    70
    Songs is the stronger effort, tight and focused where ['Around'] is sketchy. [#13, p.89]
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  7. Mojo
    70
    Business as usual. [May 2006, p.104]
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  8. The Wire
    70
    At first Songs And Other Things sounds simple to the point of throwaway, but gradually gives up its secrets after a number of plays. [#266, p.67]
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  9. Pitchfork
    66
    Songs' best moments occur when Verlaine complicates the pop formula with serious tension.
  10. Billboard
    60
    Those looking for "Marquee Moon"-style guitar heroics will be disappointed.
  11. musicOMH.com
    60
    The dynamic has more in common with Verlaine's best (known) work, even if the drama isn't as fully realised.
  12. The Guardian
    60
    Most of the 14 songs work as moments or hooks rather than as complete creations, suggesting the Verlaine coffee commercial may yet be upon us.
  13. Q Magazine
    60
    Mixes his distinctive whinny toothlessly low. [May 2006, p.131]
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  14. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    It doesn't seem the product of so revered an artist. [29 Apr 2006, p.37]
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  15. Prefix Magazine
    50
    Songs and Other Things' mid-tempo pop feels tossed-off, like Verlaine couldn't have been bothered to do more between walking the dog and a few dart games.
  16. Delusions of Adequacy
    40
    Whilst Songs and Other Things may still attract loyal aficionados of Verlaine’s idiosyncratic solo work, it’s certainly unlikely to win over any sceptics.
  17. Stylus Magazine
    33
    Fans of Verlaine's Television-era storytelling will be disappointed to hear him so simultaneously unchanged and unforthcoming.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. CHARLESM
    May 16, 2006
    8
    A. C.D. that repays repeated listening, some times irritating, occasionally sloppy but never boring. A welcome return from near oblivion for A. C.D. that repays repeated listening, some times irritating, occasionally sloppy but never boring. A welcome return from near oblivion for one of musics few originals. And nice to hear Tom looking for new sounds, moving forward, away from Marquee Moon, and Foxhole and Words from the Front and Call Mr Lee and into the more thoughtful, paced territory of a man in late middle age. I sure hope that he lives up to his promise to continue recording now that he has picked up on his career and that he makes some money out of it this time around… Full Review »
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