Marquee Moon

I bought this album a decade ago because I read how great it was and totally underwhelmed. I have to admit I liked it better this time when I just let it play. Don’t love his voice but definitely more intricate than a lot of 70s punk.

I find it incredibly bland. It's OK, I guess, but it's just boring. To be completely fair and transparent, I'm in a very bad mood today and this just isn't what I want to be listening to, so I can't be arsed to listen to it again. It *probably* deserves a 2.5, and I want to give it 2 stars because everything sucks but I'll give it a 3 out of an abundance of fairness that it may not deserve.

It started strong and I was like maybe the overall review was right. However the longer the album went it just became more middle of the road. I would give 3.5 if I could.

Eh. I guess I can appreciate their impact but the dude's voice is bleh. Musically it was fine but the songs kinda drag for quite a while.

don't care for the vocals, but was an ok listen. wouldn't seek out to listen to again tho

I really enjoy some of the guitar riffs and bass lines. They seem very ahead of their time. Although their sound is unique, the music gets a little repetitive after awhile for me.

A band truly with faces for radio. Or in the frontman’s case maybe a morgue. Cart the singer away and you have a pretty cool, angular n scrawly guitar hero album.

solid

Pretty wild, I'm not ever sure how I feel about it honestly. It's interesting and there's cool parts, but I didn't love it by any means. I don't think I cared for the vocals and that what was giving me trouble putting it all together.

Canción destacada: Marquee Moon

I expected more given how well this album is spoken about.

Pretty good, not what I was expecting

really good

I don't share the enthusiasm

Remarkably unremarkable

idk i don’t love

Hay algo que atrae entre las guitarras y la conección parece real en adentrarse en un mismo camino y crecer

First time listening and they are the sound of the 70’s good album.

Never heard of these guys. Not too bad.

Funky. I dig it Sounds a bit like old Blue Oyster Cult. Especially “Friction.” Listened to the album 5 times

New band and album to me. Wow, these guys were already setting the foundation for new wave and post-punk before the punk era was even over. I was actually pretty impressed by this album from that perspective. On a basis purely about the songs, nothing hit hard enough for me to LOVE this album, but yeah. Definitely enjoyed it, at least.

3/5

Kul skiva för mig, inget fantastiskt men bra och intressant. Tycker det är ganska annorlunda och splittrat stilistiskt med inslag av klassisk rock, progressiv rock och typ psych-rock. Särskilt gitarrspelet och de melodivalen som görs tycker jag är intressant och "eget". Samtidigt gör den splittringen att man inte riktigt får en känsla för helheten tycker jag. Kanske behöver det fler lyssningar för att det verkligen ska landa. För mig ligger det någonstans mellan en 3a och en 4a. Det blir en 3 av 5 just nu.

I can appreciate how this would have influenced the new wave and alt/indie bands that followed.

I know it’s important but I never really liked it. Sounds like almost Patti Smith. Almost Talking Heads. Just doesn’t work for me brother.

Good, not great

Very modern sounding, had to double check it was from 2007

Again with the terrible vocals. I like the music, especially on Friction and the title track. Anthony Bourdain has mentioned these guys in one of his books, so I know they were an influential band amongst 70's and 80's NYC kitchen staff and heroin addicts, which makes them cool in my book. The vocals bring this down to a 3.

I knew nothing about this band, but this was a cool listen. It was intricate with a lot of elements weaving in and out, but it had a punk spontaneity and looseness. It felt intelligent and experimental but not snobby...maybe a bit indulgent, but I was along for the ride to explore these soundscapes. The singer's voice was kinda odd but it seemed to fit for me. This doesn't seem to fall neatly within any genre, but I can hear a lot of other genres' influences. 3.5

—Heard Before: N/A —Would Download: See No Evil, Venus, Guiding Light, Prove it, Torn Curtain —Favorite Track: See No Evil —Thoughts: I’m surprised I haven’t heard of this band before. Perhaps because they’re classified as Punk and Alternative. The Tom Verlaine’s voice is both off-putting and interesting. It will take awhile before I get used to it. However I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the album. The music is fun and feels familiar with a twist and the lyrics are interesting to listen to—like there’s actual thought out into them! Well done to Tom Verlaine, what a songwriter! The album is cohesive and the kept me listening.

Just Fine. The part I liked was that it felt very talking heads.

OK, not their best record

Honestly didnt even realize I was listening to anything 3/5

It's ight

Kinda liked some of it. Was different, so I like that. Not my favorite singing voice. got a bit tiresome toward the end

Good solid rock

Proto indie rock/ punk album. Not bad will listen again

Surprising! Really decent album. I had never heard of these folks.

Odd combo of sounds, like a post punk pseudo prog rock thing

As the marquee moon reflects off of the television, I see and hear beams of surf rock, garage rock, and punk rock. I’m sure this record was very fresh and unique for its time. However, it didn’t quite blow me away - I did have fun listening to a handful of these songs though. FWIW, the lead singer’s vocals remind me alot of Talking Heads… Favorites: See No Evil, Marquee Moon, Guiding Light

Strange one. I mean the music was there, but I didn’t really experience any particular emotions listening. I was just…existing.

I don’t have patience for this

Enjoyed it

no detailed notes but i was in a foul mood beginning this n ended in a less foul mood. nothing wrong w it. i cant remember much bc i was doing shit + need to revisit this but it felt solid!

The bedrock of post punk to come in the middle of the fertile NY scene. And an album I just hadn’t gotten to spend a lot of time with. “See No Evil” is a great album starter and sets the tone that a) yeah it’s a rock album but b) it’s gonna be so much weirder than that. I’m not a huge fan of Verlaine’s vocals here but he more than makes up for it in his guitar, which is as precise as it is wildly unique. The band has a fully formed sound and that’s always a good sign. “Venus” is a great take on 50’s and 60’s rock, mixing in all sorts of angular rhythm around a pop song. It’s like they’re dismantling sounds and rearranging them altogether. “Friction” isn’t my favorite but it’s fun listening to these art dorks try to be a cock rock band and failing in the best way. “Marquee Moon” is the absolute highlight here, a sprawling, cinematic piece that has jazz, math rock, post-punk, and drama for days. It’s continually building on itself and echoes all the great post-punk jams to come. A real show-stopper that could have easily been the album closer. “Elevation” is a bit of a letdown after that, though it’s a solid song. In fact I can say this - even if I don’t love the song, you can tell this is a band that’s operating on its own level of skill. They’re a fully formed band, reminding me of Wire in just how tightly coiled they are, ready to pounce. “Guiding Light” seems like their attempt at a deconstructed ballad, which is…ok. It’s plodding along a bit and with Tom Verlaine just howling through it doesn’t quite work. I do have to say - a different singer would work sooooo much better. I just am not a fan of his vocals. Hate to say it because his guitar playing is phenomenal. “Prove It” is definitely better, might have been a better Side B starter to be honest to keep the momentum. I can also get some Pavement vibes from this, though it’s also harkening back to Verlaine’s days with Richard Hell. This one grows on you with its blend of angular riffs and swing beat. Lastly we have “Torn Curtain”, which sits firmly between a torch song and rock anthem. This one’s another bit of a letdown, at least as an album closer. The musical power of Side A feels like it fizzles on the other side, dragging a bit. It’s undoubtedly a solid album and Television is a great band, but there’s a lot I wish they had done differently. I’d do 3.5/5 but 3 feels right for a thoroughly uneven album.

post punk is not my fav genre but its one where i can appreciate the art, this is apparent here as the guitar solos and the talent comes through .. the vocals are not my fav and the album not dynamic enough for me. The art rock component i did enjoy as my ears are warming up more and more to the experimental sides but it wasnt GREAT enough for me to justify the top tier

Decent new wave era album. I can see if you were alive then and part of this scene how it could have a following.

It’s a classic but not really all that memorable to me tbh

Like it! It’s a bit melancholic overall, but I still like marquee moon the same as years ago! Didn’t realise it was so long!!

Solid album and a good listen.

Cool punk

Really can’t stand his voice

This was good. If the lead singer of Violent Femmes put together a band inspired by Talking Heads, this would be it.

nice!! i like it

I didn’t mind this

Better than expected, an interesting album!

Did NOT sound like 1977, sounded a lot more modern, in a good way.

I don't dislike it, but it doesn't bring a whole lot that is interesting or unique to the table.

Not bad, bad definitely in the classic rock era

I was familiar with the title track coming into this listen and knew that I liked it. The lyrics have a poetic and evocative quality. The two guitars are the driving force of the song and they have a very interesting conservational aspect to their back-and-forth. Over its nearly 11 minute run the song ranges from pretty simple, straightforward rock to much more complex sections that I suppose can’t be considered as anything other than rock music of some form, but feel quite different. I start with my thoughts on the title track because it is the best track on the album and for the most part, the things I said about “Marquee Moon” I’d say about the album more generally. I do like the album. It has a very New York City, CBGB vibe and I was unsurprised to read after mostly finishing this review that Television did a residency there shortly before recording this album. It’s sorta somewhere in between Lou Reed and the Strokes and then a few steps in some other direction. My biggest complaint is that the guy’s voice is kind of annoying. This is another album I suspect my opinion of would change with repeated listening, but I’m not sure in which direction. At the moment I feel it’s a solid 6.5/10.

This being the first album suggested to me, it's hard for me to rate this without a benchmark. So far, it's solid 70's rock... good guitar riffs and bass lines. Guitar tone is solid. Can't say that the songs are "speaking" to me in anyway or that I would be inclined to revisit this album regularly. Can definitely hear how this album influenced future music though, especially The Killers.

I really like their slower, more pensive songs on this album. I don't think the lead singer's voice fits as well with the faster/happier tracks. Torn Curtain is a great song. Very solid album, just not my favorite - probably worth a re-listen if it's got me yapping about it.

Another one of those ‘influential’ bands/albums that I was intrigued to listen to. Didn’t really live up to my expectations and I struggled to get into it. Musically pretty good but I think the vocals grated on me a bit by the end.

Another band that I am well aware of, but never really listened to, so was looking forward to this. Some solid songs on here without really being amazing. Bang average.

Haven't heard of this band before, but their style is pretty interesting. I especially liked the two guitars and their lean towards jazz, instead of blues, which is unusual.

Durchschnittsware!

I won't call it derivative or generic because it had robust influences. I hear a lot of Mark Bolan and T Rex on here, some Genesis and flairs of Talking Heads and other progressive/new wave acts. But, the delivery and end product was overall lackluster. I wanted it to be more than it was.

✔️

Only enjoyed the title track “Marquee Moon”.

Kinda groovy? Inoffensive.

This was fine; kind of like background rock music. Nothing jumped out at me though I thought they were pretty solid. 6/10.

The title track is excellent. Rest of the album is good too 3/5

3.5 I like it, I see why it’s extremely influential, some songs are bops, I don’t love it.

Easy dinner cooking music

Started off enjoying in this, but by the end I was glad it was over

This was alright background music whilst cleaning. Not amazing not bad. At some point the album finished, other music started, and I didn't notice.

This was alright, a nice way to pass some time whilst at work.

Upon my first listen I hated the album. Unremarkable songs, weak vocals and not much to enjoy about it. Which still rings true to the first three tracks. But then the title track kicks in and the album shifts. From subpar new wave to some kind of a (paradoxically) catchy prog. Even though the title track is much to long, it is hypnotising, with a great lick and awesome playing from the band. Elevation is the highlight of the album, and it ends on a really high note. The weak start still means it’s only a 3, but a strong one

why do ppl like the rolling stones. television is right here??? whatever. i was into it at first but as the record dragged on i felt more & more detached from it. it's okay.

Ok I meant to give these guys a 3... My review is under the talking heads unfortunately 🤷🏻‍♂️😫

Harsh edges but a good listen. Never heard of Television but definitely hear their influence in later one hit wonders and a couple main stays.

This surprised me. I enjoyed it

Glad it was over

nice album would put it on while cleaning! the song "marquee moon" is my favorite of the album, the guitar is *chefs kiss* the rest of the album is okay, not very special for me.

Never heard of them before. Kinda made me think of the Pixies.

Overall pretty good but only a few particular songs stuck with me, particularly the title track

7/10. Solid, tight instrumentation. Vocals are not my fav but the band formed a cohesive sound. Seems like a basis for the alternative punk movement of the 80s/90s. Sounds almost like a punky talking heads

3+ Stars (9/15)

I didn't find this album very compelling. At the same time, it wasn't bad either. It did have some decent tracks, namely "See No Evil", "Friction", "Marquee Moon", and "Torn Curtain".

i don’t like his voice 🫣

nm

01) See No Evil - 6,5 02) Venus - 6,0 03) Friction - 6,5 04) Marquee Moon - 6,5 05) Elevation - 6,5 06) Guiding Light - 7,0 07) Prove It - 7,0 08) Torn Curtain - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,56 (66/100) Current ranking: 272/369

It was good. I liked it but nothing really stood out to me. I probably have to give it another listen to be sure. After hearing it for the first time that's my impression. Good music but not as ear catching as the other albums I have checked out.

Three stars.

it was fine. I can see how it was foundational for alt rock. but likely won't listen again.

Better listen than I thought it would be. Easy sound. In the age of punk it isn't, but I don't know where to put it. 3.5

It was fine. Marquee Moon is a good song. Overall the album sounds like a generic rock album.

Got pretty samey, vocals I found a bit irritating as the playthrough went on. Was alright

This was new to me but I must say I enjoyed it. I didn't sit and listen though, I put it on Alexa on all devices and listened as I moved from room to room doing shit. Although this was 70s I could hear some new wave 80s style vibes come through along with some Punk and even Glam Rock at times. I'm surprised this band and this album didn't achieve greater success

Pretty cool enough

Not bad, but I'm not really a fan of punk

Good album, but slightly overrated. "Marquee Moon" is indeed an amazing song, but the rest of the album doesn't quite live up to the expectations when you read about this one on musical publications.

Nice surprise. These people are talented.

It's good but not memorable (Marquee Moon innocent)

Indie inglês...gostei vou ouvir mais

I liked this one more than I thought I would, but no songs made it on to my liked songs playlist.

Looks like it was a groundbreaking album. It’s fine, but I couldn’t really get into it.

Interesting entry to the punk scene. Probably not a re-listen, but liked the original take on the genre.

It wasn't bad. worth a revisit.

I've never heard this band before. Kind of reminds me of early David Bowie and even some Grand Funk in there. Interesting listen.

Inoffensive, really. Guitars were really subdued and there wasn't really track that gripped me.

A solid, very listenable classic. This doesn't grab me the way some of these albums have, but I wouldn't kick this out of bed for eatin' crackers.

нормик для 10 минутных песен

Okay

Catchy, really good guitar album.

The guitar layering really adds to Television's sound. It's interesting music, but I'm not into it. Having said that, I definitely see how Television influenced those who came after them.

Nothing really stood out to me as being amazing. The album was okay.Just nothing that went me made me go wow

I have tried repeatedly to enjoy this album. The title track is really good. It's not bad in any way but as an album it is more important for being influential than it is good

Can never get into this 70s New York punk, but this album is probably the best example of that sound. If your into this its up there as one of the best otherwise 3.5*

God, this was so generic. The singer's voice was super weird, and I couldn't even understand what he was singing. Supposedly it was something super witty, but the random mumbling that I heard was nonsensical. The songs were kind of bland and definitely not innovative or creative. 'Marquee Moon' is apparently the highlight, but I don't get what so many people like about 10 minutes of annoying meandering.

The longer it went on the more o started to like it which is extraordinary because most of the time it's the opposite

I respect the indie style of the time, but this one just didn’t grab me. Still a few fun tracks and I’m glad I listened

-never been a massive fan of this genre but this is definitely one of the better / more cohesive punk-adjacent albums I’ve heard. Interesting vocals and experimentation, I was under the impression this came out in the 80s at first. Feels ahead of its time -Favorites are See No Evil, Friction, and Torn Curtain

This didn't meet the expectations that have been set for it. It's quite good, but music nerds treat it like the mona lisa. They're basically just a less eccentric Talking Heads, where's the fun in that?

decently cool vibes

Aye.

Some were good, some weren't as good. Always thought this album was going to be better than it actually was. But still a nice album to listen to on vinyl on an autumnal evening.

I can see why the guitar solos are notable, but I don’t like the vocals. Not my cup of tea, but not bad I guess

A 20 second chunk of every song on the album is a joy, the other 4 minutes a drag. Had they brought this album in at under 3 minutes it could have been a masterpiece.

It's basically the Rolling Stones

Fun mix between NY punk and sort of a rolling stones sound. I dig it. See No Evil is a good tune.

"Marquee Moon" song was really good, the rest of the album was okay

It’s pretty good.

Not bad. Maybe punk for people who don't like punk. A bit like the talking heads.

Really like what the band is doing. Vocals…not so much. 3.5

Ha! This is one of those albums I've already heard in this collection (from before listening as a group), so here's my initial review/impression (accompanied by 3 stars), which got me quite a bit of grief back on my first listen: "I got Television's 'Marquee Moon', which has me a bit...meh feeling. I'm probably exposing my general musical illiteracy, but I've never heard of them before this, and even looking at the Wikipedia intro that YouTube Music provides for the albums, I'm still not much more the wiser, except to know that 'Marquee Moon' was a big departure from their earlier punk album(s). I feel badly saying this...but there's literally nothing exceptional-sounding in 'Marquee Moon' (but maybe that's because they were so influential that everything after has been influenced by them?). I did learn that the band's vocalist/guitarist Tom Verlaine dated Patti Smith, though!" I will likely get more grief from my group, but I'm sticking with the 3 star rating and general impression, although I *did* find the title track more engaging the second time around, as well as the dueling guitar work throughout. (And "Elevation" is such a weird song, sounding in some ways like Pink Floyd and clearly being an inspiration for the Cardigans' "Lovefool".) Interesting how Tom Verlaine and Frank Black sound remarkably similar; also interesting that they rejected Brian Eno (who is everywhere) as a producer. Kudos to them for being so influential, but just not really my thing.

Kind of bland but nonetheless pretty good album. Didn't really feel like it's anything special but a nice background album for sure.

Udemærket men ikke nogen standouts

The title track has the best lick and instrumental and solo section. Prove It is catchy. Torn Curtain also stands out. Doesn't sound like an album released 50 years ago. Great guitar work throughout. Easy 3. A collection of OK to good songs. A few of highlights but overall, just decent.

A solid record aside from the occasionally bothersome lead vocals. I like a lot of the guitar solos and riffs as well, but there’s nothing ground breaking here.

If I were a musician in 1977, I can see how this may have been inspiring to the punk genre. As a listener in 2924, however, it hit me as mostly uninteresting.

I kinda liked this album. Not entirely sure why, though. Singer seemed like a mix of David Byrne and whoever the singer is for the Violent Femmes. Definitely didn't seem like punk to me, though. 3.5*

Started off not to strong, but marquee moon and torn curtain are great. 3/5

Nice classic rock feel. I should listen to these guys more.

Not bad, could listen to again while working.

A Three Star ranking is such an unhelpful grading. (Yes, all gradings are subjective, and thus probably unhelpful, but stay with me for a moment.) Two Star is no thank you, Four Star yes please. One Star and Five Star are self explanatory - what fresh hell is this, and my life is now complete. But Three Star? Milquetoast, quotidian, sound but dull; but also hmm, must explore more. And also it’s ok but it’s not for me. And competent but not inspirational. And so on and so on. Ok, on to this album (and you can guess the grade I’m giving it, if not why): Halfway through the title track, it struck me that popular music has always been the same. Very few instrumentalists or vocalists are virtuosos or exceptional in their craft. But most of the successful ones share a…I’m going to call it curiosity, a curiosity that pushes them to use their imagination and do strange and unusual and unexpected things in their lyrics or arrangements or even choice of instrument. They go searching outside the reservation, in short. Marquee Moon (the song) is eight and a half minutes long, never wanders far from its basic key and refrain, and yet doesn’t bore (this) listener at all.

Album started pretty strong, if you like 70s music. I thought Venus and Friction set a great tone for being upbeat and inventive / creative, but the album took a sharp downward turn with the song of the album’s namesake, marquee moon. 10 minutes of bleh with a repetitive guitar hook that they clearly really liked, but didn’t do it for me. This stretch of the album really didn’t do any favors for the voice of the lead singer, and I seriously was unimpressed with his commitment to that articulation style on guiding light. The album makes a small comeback on the song torn curtains, but I could’ve used one more banger to turn this thing around. Overall the band sounds great and they have some mildly creative guitar solos (the cat meow guitar solo @4:25ish on torn curtains will stick with me) and key changes, but overall it was too much highlighting of the main singer who I did not enjoy, and a bit too simple on the melodies for me. Fun album though, especially if you like that singing style.

Nice guitar sound, too much lyrics for background music

Hienoa rokkia. Vähän tulee psyke fiilis. Parhaat: Marque Moon, Elevation, Venus

Talking Heads-y

Couldn't connect with the singer or the music 🥲

This was fine. 2.7

Really good guitar work. Easy to listen to, not mindless like I feel about some late punkish music. I will listen to this again.

Classic. Influential. But not my favorite thing. 3.5

I knew a few songs beforehand so it felt akin to a movie preview that shows the only interesting parts of the film to get you to watch. Not bad but not amazing.

Some great. Some okay.

Lyrics are hard to make sense of but I think that fits the time. People on drugs just singing whatever is in their hearts. It might not seem like it has any meaning but it’s what they’re feeling and they’re trying to use a unique way to express it. Almost purposefully being “misunderstood”. Solid instrumentals.

A difficult one as I know it well and have a fondness for it but I'm not sure objectively I would rate it 4/5 stars. So I have plumped down the middle.

I gave this album a couple of chances, but I just don't get the hype. It's decent, but gets monotonous pretty easily. I see their influence on post-punk and garage rock, but this album alone didn't knock my socks off. Best Songs: Friction, Marquee Moon Worst Songs: Elevation

Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: 🤒🤒🤒🤒 Mix: 🧏‍♂️📏🤷‍♂️ Musik: 🔝🤯😐 Wertung: 📺📺📺/5

I actually enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Judging the book by its cover, I was expecting some weird synth-electronica album and got quite the opposite. Some of the longer songs could drag on too much, but overall I had fun with this album and enjoyed the musicianship overall. Despite being an album from the 70’s, it even sounded a bit more modern (90’s -esque). Wouldn’t mind if it was on again.

Overall average, but not unenjoyable. I don't think I'll some back to this, though.

Some good punky tracks.

Maybe on another day there would have been something more special about this album but today it was just fine.

Not bad

Pretty good, fun

Lots of hype. Was really just OK for me. Great guitar work and a pleasing sound but nothing I wanted to hear again.

Was ok. I can see where the early punk scene could have come from?

Trendy choice, given the East Coast bias about literally everything. At the end of the day, this album is average at best.

Wow! Facevano proprio cantare chiunque😭 Peccato perché è carino in certi punti ma la voce mi strideva

Blind album and artist. As great as it sounds, it wish I could give it a 4 or 5. It was original in many ways and I will give it credit, but the score isn't beyond a 3.

I really hoped I would see something more than I did with this because I know Television was very influential for a lot of bands I love. This isn’t the first time I’ve sat with this album, either. Makes me feel like I’m missing something, but I just don’t get what’s so special about them. Maybe you had to be there to get it. I don’t dislike it, it’s just ok. The extended - was it a solo? - on the title track should have been cut to make it a solid 4 or 5 minute song. Instead it sounds like he just did warm ups and finger exercises for several minutes to stretch it out. There were a few other moments Ike it, too, but I found that to be rather egregious.

I really enjoyed the instrumentals on this album, it was a cool, fun energy. I just didn't really feel like the vocals stood out to me particularly.

Decent album but forgettable

Chill rock, great guitarists too i think thats my highlight 3.3

Very mediocre

Not bad

70s rock. nothing special

I’d love to blast this through the car speakers while driving along the coast. Reminds me of The Strokes. 3.5/5, closer to a 4 than a 3.

The brits are invading again, and they did a good job.

I like this a lot! Don't love the vocals but some really good songs.

From the moment I saw the cover, I got a feeling about this band. I felt like they’d be not to dissimilar to Talking Heads, given they were contemporaries and the cover could’ve been a Talking Heads cover. And I was right - Television does a have late 70’s New Wave kind of sound. This was an interesting one. It could be quite hard at times, but still contemplative and progressive at others. It could have longer tracks that take their time, or shorter ones that just hit you in the face. Overall, I liked the music enough, but I don’t know if I loved it. But I can appreciate it for its creativity and its originality. This gets three stars. Standout Tracks: See No Evil, Venus, Torn Curtain

Rock que parece pop. Ni fu ni fa.

Not a bad listen. Kind of pre punk punk vibes?

Good music, some songs are surprisingly long

Yes : )

Television's Marquee Moon is a landmark album that defies easy categorization. While it shares some elements with punk rock, its complex guitar work and extended instrumental jams set it apart. The interplay between Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd's guitars is truly captivating, but some listeners might find the lack of catchy hooks and slower tempos a drag. Overall, it's a challenging but rewarding listen for those who appreciate adventurous rock music. 3 out of 5 stars.

reallllly impressive guitar skills damn. I wasn't blown away by the album as a whole, but especially in Marquee Moon and Prove It, that guitar went so hard. Allllmost reminiscent of Pink Floyd in a way, those long guitar strokes and honestly a little bit of the vocals sounds similar with the echoing band in the background.

I only liked it at the end. The instrumentals were really good but I don’t like their voices

Pleasant enough but nothing worth saving to a playlist IMHO

This started out as an unexpectedly fun album that had somehow slipped my notice for many years. About halfway through, the shtick seemed to have run its course, though.

A really tricky one for me. I enjoyed the construction of the songs but the lead singer's voice is just so... weird! It's of its time, I guess. Favourite tracks: Venus, Guiding Light

Wow! Facevano proprio cantare chiunque😭 Peccato perché è carino in certi punti ma la voce mi strideva

Op zich wel een paar goede nummers, maar ook best veel van hetzelfde, en wat matige.

Nothing too surprising of phenomenal, but it is good. Very 70s and I really like the guitar and the drums are great too. I can’t stand the vocals sometimes, idk why. But in general I get why it might be loved by many people, I just think there are albums that are alike and could be better.

I like it, but I don’t love it, not surprisingly it’s like the Television album I have on vinyl. I see the pre-punk importance but I thought I would be more interested than I am at the end of the day. Good album, nice background music while I’m doing other things, but probably not something I’m going to find myself listening to on heavy rotation.

Has some interesting tracks. Marquee Moon kinda brings it down though. Too long without much interesting buildup.

I spent a lot of time with this album last year. There is a great episode of Bandsplain on Television. A few pretty good songs here.

Ca groove. Po pire!

Marquee Moon, the album's shining star, swooped in like a superhero in a vinyl cape to save the day! It's like the gourmet truffle in a bag of chips, unexpectedly elevating the whole snacking experience. And let's be honest, in the grand punk rock concert of life, who wouldn't want a performance that's more 'encore' than 'oh no'? With its standout tracks, Marquee Moon turns an average listening party into a rock odyssey worthy of a solid three out of five stars! Rock on! 🎸

Good music, little too repetitive sounding.

This was just OK.

Notable tracks: Marquee Moon, Guiding Light, Torn Curtain, See No Evil, Venus, Friction

Some clever lyrics. Nice rock album. Never heard of them.

Really great guitar / interesting jazzy drums. Sounds very modern and you can hear future influences for sure!

Unremarkable but yay for new music

Kind of meh on my first playthrough. After a second listen, I really started to enjoy it. It really doesn't sound like a 70s album, more late 90s/early 00s.

Solid British Rock album.

The infusion of more complex chords, rhythms, and depth to punk brought about so much development and genres breaking out. A big step that while some of the biggest punks are getting notoriety for their way, that they changed the formula to mixed reviews. Worth a re-listen, 3.5/5

Title track is enjoyable. Spotify calls this post-punk but definitely doesn't feel like that to me.

I don't remember anything about the album as being worth listening to.

I'm not sure how I have unintentionally avoided all of Television's songs/content until now, but that's the case. While Tom Verlaine's vocal delivery took a bit to get used to, it ended up working really well with the expert guitar work that is present on every track. What stands out to me most are the super melodic solos -- the nearly 10-minute "Marquee Moon" took me for a freakin' *ride.* Awesome song! I struggled to really vibe with this entire album as a whole, but respect the trail it blazed for a lot of indie rock bands, in particular, that have a very similar sound to what's on display in expert fashion on Marquee Moon. If I could give this 3.5/5 I would, but can't justify a 4 so we'll go with a 3. 3 stars: I see why this is on the list, something worth revisiting. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *(Television frontman Tom) Verlaine's lyrics on Marquee Moon combine urban and pastoral imagery. Although it is not a concept album, many of its songs make geographical references to Lower Manhattan. *Among the most influential records from the 1970s, the album has also been cited by critics as a cornerstone of alternative rock. It heavily influenced the indie rock movement of the 1980s, while post-punk acts appropriated the album's uncluttered production, introspective tone, and meticulously performed instrumentation. Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *[On "Marquee Moon"]: Running 9:58, this is Television's magnum opus, renowned for the inventive interplay between guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd. It's the title track to their 1977 debut album, but the song was years in the making. It started as an acoustic ballad Verlaine put together; the band started playing it in 1974 when they were regulars at the club CBGB in New York City (Television was the first to emerge from that club, which later provided a home base for Blondie, the Ramones, and the Talking Heads). They honed the song through live performance and diligent rehearsal, so when they recorded the album in 1976, they had perfected it. The entire album was recorded and mixed in just three weeks...When the Marquee Moon album was released in February 1977, the title track was clearly the standout, but not something that could garner radio play in America. It was also a tough sell because the band wasn't known outside of New York, and it didn't adhere to a particular genre: "pop" doesn't do justice to the song's complexity, and it's far from "punk." The album never made the charts in the US, but was later hailed as a classic in a number of surveys...The UK was more welcoming: The single charted at #30 and the band made the cover of New Musical Express. Critical acclaim for Television was most robust in Britain. Standout Tracks: See No Evil, Venus, Marquee Moon

Hmm. Will give it more of a chance. But the kind of album I’ve heard enough of on this list. Maybe this one deserves it and the others didn’t.

not bad at all. Between rock, pop and punk. 3 stars

OK!

Exactly middle.

nothing interesting but not bad either

6/10

Marquee Moon

Surprised this was from the 70s, sounds way later than that. Must've been some trend setters. Pretty good

This was ok. 3.5

It's good until it's not. I enjoyed the first 3 or 4 songs then the guitar twang and the shrill vocals just started to get to me

Decent enough. Sounds very 70s rock. Like if The Clash and Rolling Stones had a less talented baby. Some moments do sound a little like inspo for the Strokes

I had never heard of this band and this record was surprisingly enjoyable.

Muy bueno.

Hey I’ve heard this one before. The dial goes unmoved for Television

This album has grown on me over the years. Love Marquee Moon especially. RIP Tom Verlaine.

I can see how this album inspired futures albums. I had the impression in one song to be listening to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, in another one, it sounded like a Guns and Roses. This kind of rock might not be my preferred, but the instrumental part is great. Highlight to the introduction of Marquee Moon

A good album I have never heard of! I enjoyed it but only only enough to put it on an occasionally repeat! I thought it would be better based on community reviews

Enjoyable - guitar was excellent! I think I’ll come back for a relisten sometime and I think I could get into it with a few repeats. Nothing really stuck out, but pretty solid album overall

Hmmh. Talking Heads, Stones … and sone more.

That's not my taste in musik. But ok

Patti Smith vibes. Can hear where Razorlight got their sound.

I enjoyed some of the musical riffs, but much of the album didn't catch me. Also not a huge fan of the lead singer's voice. Enjoyable listen overall, though.

meh

I have their one song, Marquee Moon on a playlist somewhere and for a hot minute I enjoyed it. Now it's a hard skip whenever it comes on. That's some bands - for one bright moment they enter a point of becoming somewhat interesting but then the honeymoon is over. And that's this album. It's fine, it exists, but it just feels a little under-produced and strained. Oh and it commits the all too common sin of having perfunctory, obfuscated lyrics. Just such an aggressively mid album all around.

I know it's a recognised classic, but other than the centrepiece, it's a tiny bit... Boring?

Who’s writing this list?

- reminded me pf the cardigans a bit (or the cardigans are like television i guess) - idk what else

This is an easy 4-star album for the musicians and instrumentation; sub 1-star for the vocals. What awful garbage fronted this really neat band. The guitar players in particular wrote some really neat diddies and riffs. The droning and crooning of the singer brought the whole thing down so much. Fav tracks: Marquee Moon, Friction

Um álbum interessante, com alguns lampejos de genialidade, mas no geral é mediano.

Very different

listened 1x. 2.6

Very Talking Heads-ish sound of the same period. Guess America didn't need two bands with that sound?

I didn't mind at all. Never heard of them and probably won't listen again but I didn't not enjoy it.

This one hit me more as clinical appreciation rather than true love. I can see why it gets much love, especially for it’s legacy as artistic inspiration for bands to come, but that’s about it for how it hit me.

Great surprise! This band looks like a punk rock band but sounds nothing like it. Perhaps maybe the vocals lean towards the genre but it's not as annoying. Very experimental and an art-rock vibe. The guitar work in this record is very good. Some great solos, and some great riffs and progressions. The vocals lack hard. Definitely a punk inspiration behind them.. Which is a shame. I was unimpressed with the vocals and thought that they'd ultimately sway this record. To a degree, they did. But if they had a great singer, I'd argue a 4/5 or at least a strong 3. Im being generous right now, but I also do enjoy this record - vocals aside.

After listening to this I think that it's fairly overrated. I don't see what's the big deal or where the wow factor is. The title track is the best song.

Little too slow

I think placing the album during the time that it was released would add to how innovative it was, but it’s hard to understand that in hindsight without the full appreciate for the history of punk rock

Some good instrumental and sound.

I didn’t love it or hate it. I liked the title track, it has good guitar work and overall vibe. “Elevation” sounded like a skipping LP at times, but I guess that was the point and it was cool the way it settled back into the groove. Outside of those it was ok. I would probably revisit. Average 2.5/5 rounded up.

Rape me

Good stuff, I like the vibe!

its aight

Changing the channel.

It’s a really, really competent and super nice 3. I think, ultimately, my big thing with the album is that most of its tracks, while technically and instrumentally incredibly solid, with a great sound, and foundationally good to listen to, don’t do enough to stay memorable past those moments of bliss. Vocally, I find Tom Verlaine to be… I don’t know, just not the right fit for the great instrumentation on this album. He’s not bad, necessarily, but it feels more like a bit of Bob Dylan mixed with David Byrne to me, and that just doesn’t vibe well with these instruments. In that sense, if you can’t keep me engaged with all the parts of your soundscape, it’s harder to hook me into the songs, and most of them never fully hooked me. The guitar work on this album would get a 5/5 if we were going only by that, but as an entire package, I just don’t think there are that many memorable songs to return to that would justify giving this any higher than a 3, but I could be completely wrong.

Tasty alt-rock goodness

I'd never heard of this band before which usually doesn't fare well for stuff I've heard on this site but I actually enjoyed this album despite(?) the vocals.

Prove It // Torn Curtain

Not heard of this - punk album from 1977. Not bad but not my thing either. Low 3.

3+

3.5/5, pretty good early punk album

Good listen. Some stuff not to keen on. Overall is good with some nice highs Will I listen to again: 40%

Some nice bass lines. Interesting stuff.

Love the hit; kinda like the other stuff.

I will have to listen a few more times to this one in order to appreciate it.

Didn't love it, didn't hate it.

I've unwilling listened to this album dozens of times thanks to a pizzeria I used to work at. Marquee Moon has no business being over ten minutes long - tedious. Eh, this is ok.

Average. Of it’s time

Proggy, not as unabashedly stupid fun as King Crimson, honestly just sort of boring.

Reminded me of The Killers mixed with Talking Heads.

Decent! Unfortunately, not memorable enough to warrant a higher score, but still interesting and unique, especially given the time period.

Totally understandable that it was no hit at arrival but has garnered a big following down the years. Personally I am just lukewarm. They feel a bit like a less fun Talking Heads with more guitar wankery. Still kind of a unique sound for the time.

Not bad! Classic

very close to 4 stars

3,5 *

Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Very 70s rock vibes

I don't think that they are bad or unskilled, just not for me.

Хочется сказать, что это что-то крутое, вот только непонятно, что хвалить? Голос посредственный, гитара неплоха, но не более, тексты обычные. Может, сейчас альбом не впечатляет, а в 1977 был прорывом? Может быть, но мне что с того?

vibey 70s music good working music

Again. not my kind of music. At least it wasn't offensive like yesterday.

Egentligt ret fint. Følelsen af at have hørt det hele før, så noget velkendt og behageligt. Nok ikke noget jeg vender tilbage til foreløbigt, men det var en fin oplevelse. 👌

Well, this was a nice listening experience. It's not the usual punk rock power chords strumming, but something more complex without losing its connection to its roots.

I've been aware of this album for a long time but never listened to it. It had a very familiar sound to it since so many bands I love were influenced by this.

Not bad not amazing.

I enjoyed it. Verlaine makes it sound like an early version of the Talking Heads, which in a way it was, as they were floating in some of the same circles when this was released. Worth another listen, but just a 3 for me today.

It was okay. I listened to the whole album, but nothing really popped for me.

It was okay, liked a few songs a lot

Fine

nice 70s vibes, me gusta

a difficult one to rate. this was more musical than i was expecting, and when it worked it worked well. but other songs were a little shakier and i found the album dragged at different points. but the influence this album has had on so much music i love was obvious. i'll give this a 3.5 rounded down to 3.

This album was pretty average. There wasn't really anything I haven't heard done by other 70s rock groups, but I didn't hate it. I thought that "Torn Curtain" was particularly good, but the rest were just fine: not bad, but not amazing.

total unknown for me, enjoyed it just fine. 3.5

Inoffensive and enjoyable, but not compelling to me personally

I have listened to this a few times on recommendations. It’s good.

Second listen. I don’t really get this, even though I feel like I should.

Not my favorite type of music but I did enjoy some of the songs!

Never heard of 'em. Liked the sound but not the singer's voice.

I listened 3 times and it was pleasant but didn't stick