the verlaines: hallelujah all the way home

After a series of singles and an EP, the band released their first full-length album Hallelujah - All the Way Home in 1985. Just like their early releases, at the heart of these songs were tales of drunkards and romantics all punctuated by guitar blasts and instrumental flourishes. It was the perfect debut for a band that would continue on for over 30-years to a career, filled with constantly building intensity, all the while refusing to stick to one pitch or tone. Even the more straightforward songs can't help but take unexpected turns, and it is no wonder that tracks such as "The Ballad of Harry Noryb" and "Phil Too?" rapidly became highlights of any Verlaines' show.