Tom Verlaine

For over a decade, Verlaine has only played the guitar, but here, he brings his vocals (which now fall somewhere between early David Byrne and even earlier Lloyd Cole) back to the fold. It's not surprising that the musician still sounds great -- he's always sounded great. But these songs are more sharply written than some of his past efforts and he seems more engaged and energetic. Also check out Verlaine's instrumental LP, Around, which he also released in 2006.

Crazy like a guru--funny like one too ("From Her Fingers," "All Weirded Out"). (Grade - **)