"I'm not aware of drawing on anything. The thing I'm aware of when writing a song is talking to somebody."Tom Verlaine
Television were the least commericially succesful major band to come out of the punk scene that they help create at CBGB's in New York City. But their greatest achievement was their debut album Marquee Moon. It was as good if not better than Patti Smith's Horses or Talking Head's debut.
After going from label to label , they signed on to Elektra Records in 1976. Television at the time had no bassist because Richard Hell left to form the Heartbreakers with Johnny Thunders. Bassist Fred Smith stepped in and was a perfect fit.
The result was a guitar album like no other! It left the bluesy sound that was dominatng rock guitar since the 60s. Television created something that was quite different. Tracks like "See No Evil" with Verlaine and Richard Lloyd tangle their guitar leads into a sprial of street culture. The title track, which is 11 minutes long, led to some to compare it to a hippie song but it had nothing to do with flower power, just power! It is highly considered one of the first albums in the post punk scene.
Marquee Moon received so-so reviews from the public but was hailed by critics all over. One of them was Nick Kent who worked for NME and he enthusiastically wrote, "the songs are some of the greatest ever."
I highly and implore you to get a copyof this album. It sounds fresh today as it did back in 1977.
Personnel
Tom Verlaine - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
Richard Lloyd - guitar, vocals
Fred Smith - bass, vocals
Billy Ficca - drums
Release Date
February 8, 1977
Tracklisting
1. See No Evil
2. Venus
3. Friction
4. Marquee Moon
5. Elevation
6. Guiding Light
7. Prove It
8. Torn Curtain
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