Marquee Moon

I recognized there was something different about the improvisational structure of these songs but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Reading up about Television I saw they removed the blues element from their music and stuck to more lyrical rock / jazz lines. I agree with this; the album was pretty good.

It's one of the best rock albums of all time and you know it.

One of those albums which is held up as seminal, one of the greatest etc. I did use to own this as a vinyl album, I think because I thought I should. Whilst it’s a decent album, say it quietly, I never fully raved about it but always probably said the right things. I’ll listen again but it doesn’t make me swoon. It’s Kraftwerk done on guitars.

First listen

Not bad. Don’t recall ever hearing of this band before but this album has a cool, 70s groove. Enough so I’ll listen to more by them. 3+

Really like this album, didn't have too much that made it stand out, though. Really enjoyed the dynamic bass lines in all the songs, and that definitely bumps it up. My favorite song was Venus.

Have heard and loved the song Marquee Moon. Album reminds me a lot of Parquet Courts, which I realize came way after Television. Really liked — would definitely listen again.

I didnt need to listen to this whole album to give it five stars...but I did anyway. Like a tuneful Lou Reed and a source of inspiration to many bands, including Elastica, this is a New York feast for the ears. Great lyrics and melodies and wonderful album.

All right notes. All the right beats. So many feels for this one ⭐️

First time listening to this album. So good!

Fun sounds

Never heard of these guys before - this was fun! Like some kinda Venn diagram of Talking Heads, The Clash & idk someone else... maybe the Ramones? Liked a lot of the songs and the overall vibe. I guess my one quibble would be that Marquee Moon didn't need to be so long, but I still liked it.

despite somewhat annoying vocals at times, really enjoyed

✅✅✅ Marquee Moon ✅✅ Elevation Reminded me at points of Led Zeppelin, the Stones, and Sir Elton. Really like the lead vocals, the guitar riffs, and the pacing. Sandy sunset beach concert vibes.

This album ended up annoying me, but had some bright moments in spots.

It’s like punk rock David Byrne and I love it

Cool name, cool band, cool album - always hits

Now this is more like it, very decent sharp indie rock (I wouldn’t call it punk, and I wouldn’t call it rock and roll either) with beautiful melodies dispersed throughout. Really enjoyable, and it will definitely be listened to again!

I've had a copy of this for many years and never liked it as much as I thought I should. One thing is that I really dislike the artwork. Another thing is I always wanted or expected it to be more punk or more experimental. But it is a very good record. Nice brooding atmosphere, combined with a bit of Talking Heads style energy. A few standout tracks including the title track. 4*

A foundational text, a monolith, influential but never equalled.

I know Television is a band I should like in order to be a true music snob. This album is alright, I guess. The guy's voice reminds me of Violent Femmes.

Not too shabby, but also not super memorable :(

Fine, forgettable. See No Evil was my favourite track.

I've heard the title track way too many times and thought I was sick of it, but in context of the album it still rips. This album is great.

Un des monuments de Led Zep

Did not get into it. One or to cool songs though

The lead singer's voice is quite unpleasant. I couldn't fully enjoy it, even though the instrumentals were good.

Classic

Great album. Never listened to Television before, but reminded me of Talking Heads in the best way. The title song was particularly great!

Outstanding. I thought this was really interesting. The guitar style’s very different. Loved it.

Your favourite band's favourite band. This has been a long time staple in my rotation. This album still sounds fresh and unique in 2025 and it's fingerprints are everywhere. I can only imagine what it must have been like in 70's NYC with Television and Talking Heads out there flipping everything on it's head. Marquee Moon is obviously well known enough to make a list such as this, but I feel Television is a criminally under rated band. Perfection.

Pretty lame tbh

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this. I say surprisingly as it's not my usual go to and when the album started I wasn't feeling it but as the album went on and it grew on me I enjoyed the riffs and will definitely be having another listen.

very 80's type wail - almost hazel o'connor

me gusta las vocals y las guitarras pero que cada tema dure 5 minutos me pone de muy mal humor zzz

Really interesting listen. Was a treat for the ears. Solid 7.5 to 8/10

Had never heard of them, but I can see the appeal. I hear the influence of multiple artists in each song.

A few good tracks, nice listen

Another good album choice

Although the voice is practically unbearable, just like every other singer from the late punk era who shared the same tone, intent, and intentional off-key singing, the musical component of the band is extremely interesting, and the solutions hint at genres very different from the post-punk average, which makes this album particularly enjoyable even for me

Just another whatever

Yeah, artsy punk I guess. Except when they played for 10 MINUTES!!!! THATS NOT VERY PUNK

Gay

Such a classic album!!

Marquee Moon is the debut album from Television, a rock band from New York City. The album gathered critical acclaim, but found little commercial success. The band was short-lived; they broke up after a second studio album. Over time, the album has come to be regarded as among the very best of punk albums, and among the most influential albums of 70s rock. Television used complicated rhythms and technical guitar elements - with a near-jazz sound, at times - in songs with punk's raw energy. The title track may be the most recognizable of the bunch, but they are all interesting songs from a great, under-appreciated band.

Genial

5/10

This was awesome. Can hear the influence on many later bands. Feels very modern despite its age.

Devo-like

Late 70’s new wave feel

4/5? Great prog album. Enjoyed the wailing.

Awesome to hear two incredibly iconic sample on 'Elevation'. The end of 'Marquee Moon' was nice too.

Felt a little long at parts but otherwise pretty good!

Not bad, very psych esque classic rock sound. Elevation was probably my favorite.

Guitar forward album! Worked very often, highlights for me being Friction and Torn Curtain, however! I Did Not like the titular Marquee Moon, found the rhythm to monotonous and headache inducing.

Walking down the city street, boots on and hands in pockets. Not aimless, but with no direction. Thinking on the graffiti seen, glancing over overpasses and reading the inscription on benches past. Contemplation of people past and future, the feet that have or will have stepped where mine do now. Recognizing both connection and disconnection from them

Pretty good, though it probably would have been more impressive in its day before lots of imitators

Good album!

A keystone album during the first punk period but not really a punk album in my opinion. Has great moments on it.

Mostly fine but ultimately not for me.

Quite enjoyed it

Sounds like: Rolling Stones, Bowie, Brian Eno? Like the extended solos. Favourite track maybe Guiding Light

Never heard of the band before. Some nice songs here.

Ah marquee moon. The gaunt visage that has launched a thousand music nerds into post-punk hysteria. The grainy, almost horror-like image aside, I have heard one or two songs from this out of sheer curiosity over the years. It never sunk its teeth into me the way, say “Antiques Roadshow” or Speed Network staple “PassTime” did. God help those who under estimate the drag racing prowess of the modified Chevrolet Nova. I know nothing about cars. Take it away music nerds, another day in the rarified air of pretension. See No Evil - Kane stars as Jacob Goodnight in See No Evil. Next time, see Kane runs for governor of Tennessee under the republican ticket with the campaign slogan of “Now I’m Actually Evil.” This song is catchy, frantic and has an excellent riff as its spine, holding up the ball of nervous flesh that makes up the rest of the song. Venus - You can really hear the influence that this album had moving forward. It’s interesting to hear it at its origin. While the combination of television and Venus flashes the razor commercial from the early 2000s into my mind like Korea flashbacks, this song is fine. Friction - Ah, this is the one I’ve heard recently. Spotify loves two things: Underpaying artists, and playing the same songs repeatedly. If you sit through a song in an attempt to get its full experience, that means you LOVED it and only want to hear it forever. That and MF DOOM. Jokes on you Spotify, I actually do like this song, but a man has to mix it up. Marquee Moon - The titular track. A comment on the concept of celebrity culture? Where the names on the marquee glow so bright as to obscure that which truly guides our path?Maybe it’s about light pollution. Either way, another interesting piece of odd music. Bit just odd. This song is technically proficient and combines that with lyrics and timbres that are resonating emotionally. Add that funky break during the outro. What a monster. Elevation - Ironically, a de-escalation. Not a full on freefall, but certainly an extreme downgrade from the previous few tracks. I actually find the repeated chorus and main riff to be extremely grating here. This has set us back a whole day on our voyage to the summit. Guiding Light - Who sends these infamous gifts? Who thought it would be a good idea to frame and gift wrap that obviously AI produced image of Abe Lincoln playing in that alligator poker tournament? And why isnt he winning? We got to get this guy OUT of the secret Santa circuit. Not acceptable behaviour. This song kind of sounds like that one love song in Shrek. Couldn’t name it if you had a gun to my head, but I pulled a “Jacob Goodnight” reference out of my ass a few songs back. Just the way the microplastics flow baby. This song was another snooze. Prove It - Almost wrote “Probe it” ERRRRRRMM is it time for my physical already??? Ugh. Anyway. These songs are losing much of their lustre. Torn Curtain - Ladies and Gentlemen (updated to include non-binary audience members) it’s the world’s skinniest band!! Alright. This is barely a song. The guitarist just wanted to do more stuff. I’m not even getting the emotional weight anymore. No matter how many times you say “tears.” With Marquee Moon echoing its final strains through my short term memory banks, I feel conflicted. On one hand, I Ioved many of the first few tracks and found them to be supremely creative and musical. On the other hand, as time went on, I couldn’t tell if I was fatigued, or if the musicians themselves were in a stupor. What started so fresh, got stale, but with the sheer excellence exhibited in the early stages, I have to tip my proverbial novelty sombrero to the most angular fellas in album cover history. You guys would’ve loved being instagram influencers. Pass me that remote, I think I’ll watch a bit more of this Television. 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: See No Evil, Friction, Marquee Moon,

This album is just real clean, real mean. Television made some iconic & unique grooves here during a very contentious period in New York, genre-wise. To share space with the punk scene and make a clean album with no distortion and a song that is over ten minutes long is truly a give-no-fucks attitude. I've read that Tom Verlaine was even known as the "Jerry Garcia of punk" in some circles. This one occupies a real unique space and the riffs and overall guitar playing is so memorable. It's like a space inspired equally by krautrock and punk. Love it.

A good album, I liked Venus the most.

The lead singer's voice is not great, but I like this. They kind of remind me of Talking Heads. Marquee Moon is a good listen. I don't have a lot of thoughts on this album...it feels very average. I bet The Eels loved the song Guiding Light...something about it reminds me of their album. There's a similarity to the Clash I can't put my finger on with these guys. Torn Curtain is maybe the best song on the album, strong ending.

I liked this more as it went. I’m tempted with a 4 but it needs to age more. Good vibe. I hear a lot other bands in this album.

meh

This was ok. I didn’t finish it

Just interesting enough to keep my attention

Maybe I was in a good mood today but I liked this album. It had some late 70's jam to it with a bit of early 80's finish. Definitely worthy of another listen.

nice, upbeat rock. enjoyed it more once I read about the lyricism

Don’t really get the hype for this one, vocals were really difficult to make out and not particularly enjoyable in tone. The music is very dynamic though, with each role getting a chance to shine throughout the album. Guitar solos are the strongest parts. Listened to: walking around Brooklyn. Favorite tracks: Guiding Light, Torn Curtain

didnt listen too closely. too anxious today. pretty good commuting soundtrack though.

Es como the strokes de los 1979s

There some cool shit going on the with the guitar, but for the vast majority of this album it's the most annoying post punk voice you've ever heard wailing on and on and on. It's just so repetitive.

I love this, after a disappointing week last week I hope this is the start to more great albums.

Eh, honestly eh is all I have to say. Music is good but so similar to so many other artists of that era. Didn't stand out to me. 4.6/10

My first reaction to this was "oh, this is budget Talking Heads" but it turned out to be an enjoyable album. I especially liked the titular track Marquee Moon.

Very dissonant. The final track sounds like a bad Pink Floyd song.

I've listened to this before, but I don't remember much. Let's see. This era and this kind of rock bands never leave much of an impact on me, and that's true of most of the album, but the title track is really good, added it to my Liked playlist

It's ok. I just don't like this kind of rock. Specially the vocals. But I can appreciate their influence on many modern acts. It's ok for background music I guess.

Første gang jeg hørte det her album, jeg har nok været 17 eller 18, syntes jeg de lagde alle de gode numre i første halvdel. I dag er det en seriøs contender til mit favorit album på hele listen, det ene nummer er lige så godt som det næste og de er alle 10/10. Lowkey et af de bedste guitar albums nogensinde

Nem 5er. Sindssygt fedt guitar musik som er umuligt at smide i en genrekasse, hører det bare og tænker "hvordan fandt I på at I ville lyde sådan her??"

Started out alright, but it didn't catch my attention

A tale of two sides, or so many would point out. The A side is full of punk masterpieces, with the first three tracks being infectious guitar driven bangers that are essential pop songs with a punk edge, and capping it off with a 10-minute storytelling of epic proportions that details the nightlife of New York (but honestly, any town fits) with instrumental passages that avoke a lot of different feelings and that helped a lot of people like myself get over a tough period in life in a surrounding that didn't kindly treat the artistic kind (and still doesn't). Side B is where most people find the flaws of the thing, and beside the opener it's usually regarded as the lesser part of the album. While yes, I'd agree with the sentiment, it's not that bad. It's still a lot better than most stuff that is peddled under the post-punk umbrella. Sure, Torn Curtain is typical pansy-rock that is maybe too long for it's own good, but the rest is very good. Prove It keeps the infectious edge with its guitar work, and Guiding Light has that intimacy factor that really works in its favor. But still, even with all of its flaws, this is a very nice package of punk that I'd recommend to anyone, and am very proud to own. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I liked this. If I had been buying records in the 70s I probably would have bought this one. The singer sounds just like the singer from the Violent Femmes, by the way. I had to look it up to make sure it wasn't.

It’s like Violent Femmes meets The Pixies. Songs go on a bit too long with no evolution to warrant such a long song time. It’s crazy how much this lead singer sounds like the lead of Violent Femmes. If you asked me when this was recorded I would not have thought late 70s. Actually a really solid album. 8/10

Nothing against this album, the guitar was good, there were some neat kinda space-y sections that I liked, the vocals were alright, though I’m not sure I’d go back and listen to any of these songs on a whim. 5/10

I can’t imagine myself ever listening to this again

Звучит очень круто, свободолюбиво, легко, но в то же время насыщенно! Я прям вижу, как из этого альбома, растут ноги для многих моих любимых современных песен!

Interesting at points, but didn’t like it that much

It was life changing in 1986, when I found a cheap cassette in the re it’d store at the mall. I studied every riff on this record. Magical.

Oh I really hated the sound of the singers voice, like go touch grass or a girl or a man or an nb or something please

Love this album and this band.

It was fine. A decent listen, but I probably won’t repeat.

This was okay, I didn't really have strong feelings about it. I liked the title track. Rating: 3.

I can hear the influence this had on a ton of stuff that came after, but it’s not very exciting itself. I appreciate that they tried to stray from pentatonic rock riffing, but the result just doesn’t do it for me.

goed album

Also surprisingly really good. Would listen again

ya ben sıkıldım artık the smiths tarzı geleneksel rocktan ya folklöre kaçın böyle yemekleriniz gibi ingilizler baharatsız ve tatsız

Great classic art punk record. However as amazing as the whole thing is, the opening title track overshadows the rest of it and can never remember how any of the other songs go. I know I like them when I hear them, but that first track really is unbeatable. Key tracks: Marquee Moon

I rip on instrumental wankage a lot in this project. This album has a fair bit of it, but there is something different and more meaningful about the melodies and riffs that elevates it beyond "dudes playing solos". It evokes Neil Young and Built to Spill and so many melodic metal bands that I enjoy. This is a great album that I have somehow never listened to. Bravo!

Wierd

.

Catchy, repetitive guitar riffs, excellent drumming, subtle but great bass lines. The vocals weren’t immediately appealing to me but grew on me over the course of the album. This is a neat one, which is surprising coming from someone who has consistently given low ratings to punk-adjacent albums.

Listen-able but weak standouts

## In-Depth Review of *Marquee Moon* by Television Television's *Marquee Moon*, released on February 8, 1977, is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking albums in rock history. As the debut album of the New York-based band, it diverged from the raw simplicity of punk rock and introduced a more intricate, cerebral approach to music. Below is an in-depth analysis of its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and a balanced evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** Tom Verlaine's lyrics on *Marquee Moon* are poetic and impressionistic, blending urban and pastoral imagery to evoke themes of discovery, transcendence, and youthful exploration. Influenced by French poetry and Bohemian decadence, Verlaine often used puns and double entendres to create an atmospheric quality in his storytelling. For instance, "Venus" narrates a surreal experience with lines like "Broadway looks so medieval," capturing a psychedelic yet grounded sense of place[1][2]. The lyrics are rich in maritime metaphors, such as the "nice little boat made out of ocean" in "See No Evil," and references to docks and waves in "Prove It." These elements contribute to a sense of urban mythology, transforming mundane settings into legendary landscapes. Critics have noted that Verlaine's lyrical approach captures the confusion and intensity of youthful self-discovery[1][3]. While Verlaine himself admitted to not fully understanding the meaning behind some of his lyrics, their ambiguity allows listeners to project their interpretations, making the album feel both personal and universal[1]. --- ## **Music** Musically, *Marquee Moon* is a masterpiece of guitar interplay. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd abandoned punk's power chords in favor of intricate melodies, counter-melodies, and jazz-inspired improvisation. The album features extended instrumental sections that blend precision with spontaneity. Tracks like "Marquee Moon" (clocking in at nearly 11 minutes) showcase this dynamic interplay with interlocking guitar lines and snaking solos that build tension before resolving into climactic moments[1][2]. The rhythm section—Fred Smith on bass and Billy Ficca on drums—adds a syncopated foundation that complements the guitars' complexity. This tight yet fluid interplay creates a sound that is both cerebral and visceral. Songs like "Friction" and "Elevation" highlight this balance between structure and exploration[2]. The album's pacing is also noteworthy. The first half consists of shorter, hook-driven tracks like "See No Evil" and "Venus," while the latter half delves into longer, jam-oriented compositions like "Torn Curtain." This structure provides a sense of progression and variety[1]. --- ## **Production** Produced by Tom Verlaine alongside Andy Johns (known for his work with Led Zeppelin), *Marquee Moon* achieves a clean yet raw sound. Unlike many punk albums of its era, it avoids excessive compression or effects, allowing each instrument to shine distinctly within the mix. This uncluttered production style enhances the album's clarity and highlights the technical prowess of the musicians[1][3]. Johns' experience with classic rock bands likely influenced the album's polished yet organic feel. The guitars shimmer with a natural tone that contrasts sharply with the distorted aggression typical of punk rock at the time. Even during chaotic moments, such as the climactic section of "Marquee Moon," the production maintains a sense of balance and cohesion[2]. --- ## **Themes** Thematically, *Marquee Moon* explores adolescence as a period of discovery and transformation. Its lyrics often depict moments of revelation or transcendence within urban settings—particularly Lower Manhattan—which was central to Television's identity as part of New York's CBGB scene. The album also reflects Romantic ideals through its focus on perception and emotional intensity. Songs like "Venus" capture fleeting moments of clarity or euphoria that feel almost mystical. This thematic depth sets *Marquee Moon* apart from its contemporaries in the punk scene[1][3]. --- ## **Influence** *Marquee Moon* has had an enduring impact on rock music. It is often cited as a foundational work for post-punk, new wave, and indie rock movements. Bands like Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, R.E.M., and The Strokes have all drawn inspiration from its intricate guitar work and introspective tone[1][3]. The album's emphasis on melody over aggression was revolutionary for its time. It demonstrated that punk could be intellectually stimulating without sacrificing energy or immediacy. Critics have noted that its influence can be heard in everything from angular post-punk guitar riffs to modern indie rock's emphasis on atmosphere[2][3]. --- ## **Pros** 1. **Innovative Guitar Work**: The interplay between Verlaine and Lloyd is unparalleled, blending technical skill with emotional resonance. 2. **Lyrical Depth**: Verlaine's poetic approach adds layers of meaning to each song. 3. **Uncluttered Production**: Andy Johns' production allows every instrument to shine clearly. 4. **Cohesive Themes**: The album captures a sense of youthful discovery while maintaining an urban edge. 5. **Enduring Influence**: Its impact on post-punk and indie rock cannot be overstated. --- ## **Cons** 1. **Accessibility**: The album's complexity may alienate listeners expecting straightforward punk rock. 2. **Lengthy Tracks**: Songs like "Marquee Moon" may feel indulgent to those who prefer concise compositions. 3. **Vocals**: Verlaine's voice is an acquired taste; some may find it too nasal or detached. 4. **Lack of Groove**: Compared to other punk acts like The Ramones or Blondie, Television's music lacks rhythmic immediacy. 5. **Commercial Appeal**: Despite critical acclaim, *Marquee Moon* struggled commercially in the U.S., partly due to its unconventional sound. --- ## Conclusion *Marquee Moon* is a landmark album that redefined what punk rock could be by introducing elements of art rock, jazz improvisation, and poetic lyricism. Its intricate guitar work, introspective themes, and clean production set it apart from its peers in the New York punk scene. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its complexity and lack of immediate hooks, *Marquee Moon* remains a timeless work that continues to inspire musicians across genres. Its strengths far outweigh its minor flaws, making it essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of alternative rock.

Low expectations but I really liked this

Suprised by this one, thought they were from UK. Strong album this

Fun, weird 70s proto punk

Another blueprint album that has echoed down the decades. Polymath

Loved this! First listen to Television. Stripped down, guitar driven tunes. Very approachable and non-punky punk.

One of my all time favourites. Full of character and spirit, containing a unique mix of rock songs that don't sound like anything else released before or after it. All the pieces just seem to fall in place for this album, where every member of the band delivers an interesting performance to every track. The title track might just be one of the best songs ever written, and tracks like "Venus", "See No Evil" and "Torn Curtain" also hold a special place in my rotation. A consistently artistic piece which remains impressive even to this day.

everyone in the top reviews must be hearing something i'm not, because this was just... fine to me. a lot of songs that dragged on way too long. i wish i liked it as much as some of these other people!!

pretty neat album, i enjoyed it! definitely on the artier side of 70s rock and it stands out as a much more unique and creative album because of it. good stuff. favorites: see no evil, venus, marquee moon

I can't not like strange 70s rock.

Fantastic album, an album you can easily listen to it on loop! One of the easiest 5/5 on this project ;-)

The album was just okay. None of the songs really stood out to me, and they all kind of just sounded like knock off Rolling Stones. I didn’t hate it, but there’s better music with the same sound. 4/10

An influential band that aspects were dissected up and repurposed in other artists future works. It’s cool to be able to hear the origins of the inspiration of so many hugely successful musicians to come after.

THANK GOD

I liked it. Nice and fresh, unexpected rythms

Decent for forgettable for me

Not really my cup of tea, a little bit stranglers-ish but nothing catches

Cool - can hear a lot of the transition from angry non-technical punk to the songwriting angst of the early 80s alternative and even new wave.

5/10 A classic I’m sure, but didn’t massively do it for me. Punk-ish but more poppy art rock for me. 3 days later I can hardly remember anything to say something about it, not a great sign Best: Friction

Lots of reviews here about the excellence of this album, but I didn’t hear it. Some of the guitar work was pretty cool, but in the way that Moon Mist ice cream is so different but it’s also not ge me. There’s lots of 70s NYC rock that lights me up far more than this.

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.

After listen number 2 I think i get it. Its one to revise for sure. 4.5 round down

Every time I listen to Marquee Moon it sounds fresh and new. Amazing that the CBGB's scene spawned artists as strong, yet as singular, as The Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, Talking Heads and Television. This is possibly prog-punk, the intricately weaving, spiky yet melodic guitar lines, jazz-like drumming and solid bass surrounding Tom Verlaine's unmistakable voice, and the soloing is stunning - this album has influenced so many indie and art bands, few of whom ever come close to matching this. Nor did Television really. There isn't a low point on the record but the opener, See No Evil, Prove It and, especially, the 10 minute + title track, are superbly good. As much as I love those other bands from the New York Punk scene, Marquee Moon is the pinnacle.

Großartig

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.

Marquee Moon(the song) is an all time great:)

Often imitated but never bettered. You can hear its continuing influence in every week's new releases.

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

Great hooks and riffs. Vocals take a little getting used to but I think they really make the sound. Kind of a proto punk indie rock vibe.

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.

4.5

4.5

With a bullet

Great freakin album the title track if all kinds of great! Near perfect album.. But this may only be the third time I've heard it since the late aughts. If I had discovered this in the 80s, I probably would have been all over it. (9.88) ★★★★½

Don't love the vocals, but this is a grower. 4 stars

Excellent album. Great guitar work and it just has a cool art-punk vibe throughout. My favorites are the title track, "See No Evil", "Venus", and "Torn Curtain". Doesn't quite get to 5 stars, but it's very close. 4.5 stars.

2.5

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

Proto-Strokes, +1 Marquee Moon, -0.5 Tom Verlaine’s vocals

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.

Did not expect a band from the 70’s to have this sort of indie rock sound. Kind of giving off Strokes/Wilco vibes. Loved the title track. Nice pick for this sort of playlist. 4.5 ⭐️

post-punk? early new wave? post-glam? not sure what it is but i like a lot of it

Canción destacada: Marquee Moon

The album reminds me a lot of early Talking Heads, but the vocalist is more punk. I mean, that makes sense they were pretty much doing the same places and such. I think I had heard the title track before, although perhaps a single version (?). It sounds very familiar to me. The guitar solos were very angular, although I do not think of them as "creating a new guitar vocabulary." Just not seeing it. Regardless, I liked the side A quite a lot, the side B... was just okay. Definitely want to hear more about this band. Top tracks: "Marquee Moon," "See No Evil"

It sounds a bit like punk because those are the kind of limited vocals lead singer Tom Verlaine brings. But it's clearly more jangly and melodic - the direct precursor to 80's alternative sounds from bands like REM and the Replacements. It also has a distinct New York style, you can hear some Velvet Underground in it. Although the title track goes on a little long, it has some great guitar licks and opening hooks. So does See No Evil and Friction. This album is not perfect but it's cool. And it's definitely cool to learn about these guys and this album that helped move forward post-punk and alternative. I had never heard of either.

NOW we're talking. This is the kind of discovery I got into the 1001 for - I've heard of them and this album, but never listened to them. GREAT album. Love the song-writing, the guitar interplay, and the proto-new wave sound. And this is a rare case where I agree with Robert Christgau (asshole critic for the Village Voice who seems to hate almost every album that made the 1001) - he picked it as his favorite album of 1977. I wouldn't go that far - a lot of great albums came out that year, including Animals, Low, and Heroes - but it definitely deserves to be ranked toward the top of a great year of music. Outstanding. Favorite tracks: See No Evil (great guitar lines), Friction (awesome rocker), Marquee Moon (what a song - favorite line: "I spoke to a man down at the tracks / and I ask him how he don't go mad / He said 'Look here, junior / Don't you be so happy / and for heaven's sake don't you be so sad'"), Elevation (love the guitars again), Torn Curtain (strong, dramatic ending - what a great album!).

Did not like this even a little bit. It sounds like music the worst punks you’ve ever met listen to.

This was just an average album and I'm not entirely sure why it's included here. Vocals were weak and sound like a budget Mick Jagger. I did like the long guitar solo on Marquee Moon though. 4/10 (2/5)

There are moments that i can hear how they influenced the likes of Talking Heads and those that followed. A great album from this post punk indie group

Love love love this. Love the sneering vocals, the guitar tones, and the romance of it all. I remembering being underwhelmed coming to this after being a 90s altrock kid and then getting into rock n roll history. But over time this has become a more frequent player than the Stooges or the VU (two bands I adored in my early 20s).

1 stern

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

Some nice bits but overall forgettable

Pretty good, not what I was expecting

point9.

really good

I don't share the enthusiasm

Remarkably unremarkable

Heck yeah. This album kicks ass. The right mix of everything that I like in a record. Tight, well played, no skips. There's a reason this album is on so many 'best ever' lists. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 5 stars.

idk i don’t love

Cool shit. Been listening to this for years. It's definitely stood the test of time. The guitar playing is masterful. Slightly underrated I think. One of the best debut albums ever?

This album feels like if Rush tried to be less rocky and more new wavy and punk. Oh, and I guess with someone who wanted to sing a little more than Geddy. It was delightfully proggy at points, doesn't totally scratch my itch because I want it to be harder rocking, but I did enjoy it. Oozes theme, perfect for the fall or a haunted house if you actually wanted to play decent music. Think this is a solid 3.5, but since that's not there, I'll give it the 4 for trying to be different.

Ever since I can remember, this album has always been viewed by everyone as a punk album, which is funny because I would have put it under the umbrella of art rock or glam rock. Overall, I think it’s definitely a nice, mellow, chill album that just sort of jams out at its own pace. This is the kind of music I really enjoy playing while I’m working. It fits a nice, smooth, and steady baseline that keeps me in a good mood. Other than this album, I haven’t had the chance to listen to anything else from Television, but I definitely plan on working my way through their discography.

5 - mastapiece

pretty crazy. idk its just really good rock, i like it a lot. definitley will return to this, love the solos especially on the title track

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

8/10

Absolute classic CBGB stalwarts create a new sub genre of edgy guitar art pop.

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

Not a bad album, but it's so lackluster when I just listened to New York Dolls' self-titled debut. Television was a few years later and not as good. Vocals were meh. I enjoy that punk-y rock/new wave sound, but. I was just bored.

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.

Great, fun album with beautiful guitar

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.

Perfection. An all time favourite.

This album surprised me; caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting much and then was fully blown away. It doesn't really sound like a punk/rock album from the 70s. They've constructed this really unique sound through their instrumentation, melody lines, chord structure, and harmonic progressions. It's delicious. After every song, I was wondering how they would top it, until the album ended. Everything was great, and the more I listened to it, the more I loved it. Favorite Song(s): Friction, Marquee Moon, Guiding Light, Torn Curtain

surprised i knew some of it, 80s movie vibes

Surprisingly liked this! Seemed more similar to some things I’ve heard, than, say, Cuban jazz. Not a fan of screechy guitar but liked some songs. Similar vibes to Mae’s songs

Somehow captures a time and place, ie 70s manhattan by very vague feeling of course, I wasn't there, while sounding like nothing else. I wish guitarheads paid more attention to what Verlaine and Lloyd were up to, but they are to busy sweep picking or some shit. My brother put it best, the guitar solos on this album need lyric sheets. The playing is true poetry and the lyrics are too. Love Billy Ficcas drums. Bass is adequate. Joking, there are some nice riffs.

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.

Rock, 1977 -> 2

По мнению А: 4/5 По мнению С: 4/5 ИТОГОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА: 4/5 (23.02.2025)

The guitar is neat, but his voice is a bit annoying sometimes and the songs are long, though not necessarily dragging (average 5m45s). Specifically, the repetitive guitar and vocals get a bit old and whiny in See No Evil. For the most part, it is enjoyable though. Likes: Guiding Light, Torn Curtain

Nothing special.

One of the best albums ever!

Good, not great

Have listened to this album (and the band) a lot recently coincidently. This is some of the most ahead of its time music ever, I totally believe that if something like this was released today, people would still say ''this sounds like nothing else''. This seems like a pre-cursor to ''post-rock'' stuff, as it takes, on paper, very simple rhythm guitar parts experiments with song structures. Vocals perfectly suit the songs. I love the subtle piano parts on some songs. Everything just feels perfectly unique to them. Favourite songs: all of them (not in a lazy way, they are all just the best). However my absolute favourite could be torn curtain. Overall around 10/10

Great record. I love 70s punk and while I wouldn't really call this punk, it's fantastic. I had heard this album before but it's been ages and I kind of forget about Television in general. Listening to this album today has reminded me how great they were. I will definitely be going back through their catalogue and listening to their other albums. This is a great example of why I like this list - this wasn't really unknown to me, just forgotten, and having it come up for my listening today will make me re-explore. It's almost like finding a new band you really like. 5/5

An enjoyable listen, but nothing that reaches out and grabs me. Another 3.5, rounding up to a 4 just because I would play it again.

I can hear the foundation to so many bands mixed in here. Absolutely love the title song too.

This is actually way ahead of its time - like it’s from 77’ these guys sound like a mars Volta / the clash hybrid with like something else mixed in. It was weird knowing the whole time this was a band from late 70s. I enjoyed it , solid album

This is cool. I especially liked the title track and Torn Curtain.

A gem lf a record. Glad I got to see these guys live once, though they didn’t have a ton of material to draw from so spent a lot of time jamming which was a bit unimpressive.

Excellent guitars and sound. If you told me this was 2000s indie I'd absolutely believe it.

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

Another classic from 77! This album found its way into my rotation around the time I really got into The Dismemberment Plan, around 2005. I always associate the two bands for that reason although, in a way, they do share similar guitar and vocal stylings at times despite being separated by two decades. For 1977, the guitars are pretty ground breaking, the title track especially. For that reason along with their vocal approach I still hear a lot of Television’s influence on contemporary bands like Parquet Courts, Protomartyr, High Vis, Fontaines DC, IDELS and Wunderhorse. 4.5

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

I'd never heard of this band before. The music was cool sounding, but I just could not get into his voice.

Cet album est rentré directement dans mes favoris. Je crois qu'il n'y a pas grand chose à ajouter de plus pour dire combien j'ai aimé. Je connaissais le chef d'oeuvre qu'est la chanson éponyme, mais je n'avais jamais poussé plus loin. Quel tort ! J'ai découvert une réelle complexité musicale, à l'intersection du rock saturé et de la new wave, chanté par une voix si habitée qu'elle nous happe de bout en bout. De la bombe !

—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.

7/10. This is a revolutionary album. I really wish that I liked it more than I really do. Perhaps it will eventually grow on me someday. I'll give it four stars. :)

OK, not their best record

Nothing rock. Not bad, just bland.

Didn't like it at first, but it grew on me as it progressed.

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

It was ok

This sucked.

< talking heads > strokes

Trash

What an outstanding album, especially all the intricate guitar work. Brilliant.

An essential listen.

Like listening to Post Punk merging into Indie Rock before your very ears

It's ight

ok, i know, this is a classic. AND INDEED, IT IS AWESOME! 5/5

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

very chill very cool

Great album, one of the best

Good solid rock

I felt like I had heard all of these songs before but I realised that a bunch modern bands have been very very influenced by this!

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

Great stuff. I was not aware of this band.

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

Banda y obra esencial. Precursores del (Post)Punk, tardaron varios años en grabar esta joya. Lo hicieron en directo y del tirón, sin ayudas ni otros músicos. Las canciones son todas soberbias, más allá de ese clásico imperecedero que es Marquee Moon. Se las sabían de memoria, llevaban años tocando en garitos (fueron los pioneros en tocar en el CBGB, escena que en realidad no existió como ellos mismos afirmaron). Su influencia es inabarcable: desde las más obvias como Yo la tengo, Dire Straits, Lloyd Cole o Triffids, hasta Nick Cave, Pavement, Nacha Pop, Franz Ferdinand, y todo el indie a partir de los años 80 hasta hoy en día. Continuaron esa línea que comienza con The Byrds-The velvet Undergorund y sigue brillando hoy en día. Su continuación no desmerece en absoluto, y su tercera y última tampoco. No lograron el éxito que su calidad y reconocimiento tuvo (tampoco la VU), pero tampoco lo perseguían. 5/5

strong 4.

Never heard of this group but I really liked it. Nice mix of genres, great sound, totally surprised and happy to find a great new group from the 1001 project. 5/5

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

Nothin really stood out to me, but it’s not bad necessarily just n9t my vibe.

Ik weet niet.. Dit voelt als een album dat ik al een keer of 10 heb geluisterd? Er is niet zoveel dat er nu echt uitspringt. Wat me opvalt zijn de zware nadruk op gitaren en de lange nummers/solos. Die schelen wel, zorgen in elk geval voor wat interessants dat de aandacht er bij houdt, maar ik heb nu niet het idee van "Goh wat ben ik gelukkig dat ik dit album heb geluisterd" Het staat op de lijst, ik heb het geluisterd, vond 2 nummers interessant en mooi en ben nu weer toe aan een volgend album want ik ben nu de rest al weer vergeten. FAVO: Marquee Moon, Torn curtain

aye brav wayon wvee mak dis alm laik na bri ish mans bat wveer mak it n her bruv wayon wfee do nat

Best combination of punk attitude and musicianship

I'm a big fan of the guitars on the titular song. Torn Curtain has a hauntingly beautiful vibe, which is incredibly fitting for the phrase "holding back the tears" phrase that's repeated multiple times throughout. It's always interesting to hear the stark differences between these early alternative/punk bands and the more traditional 70s rock & roll/hard rock of the time. It's also easy to hear the influences bands such as Television have had on later music. Some parts have a punk sound, some songs have a new wave sound, some sound like they're straight from a 2010 indie recording studio. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. This album wouldn't sound too out of place today, which really shows how revolutionary it was.

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.

Belle petite découverte sortie de nulle part !

Long songs are the absolute best

Ei mitään, mitä haluaisi kuunnella uudelleen koskaan ikinä.

I don’t have patience for this

Enjoyed it

This was a pleasant surprise. I'd never heard of the band but really enjoyed the album. The guitars made the album for me. Progressions were a bit unusual but didn't feel weird at all. Albums almost 50 years old but doesn't sound dated at all. Friction and Torn Curtains were my favorites.

I have been waiting for this album to pop up. Tom Verlaine is the worst singer on the planet but I love this album. I have it on vinyl. My first time listening to Marquee Moon I liked it but I didn’t totally GET it, then I remember one day I was driving by the lake and I looked over and the sun was shining on the water and that dreamy high pitched dreamy guitar on the title track starts and it just hit me. Friction and Marquee Moon are probably my favorite tracks

An excellent album from a band I was aware of but had never listened to before.

Guitars throughout are awesome. 70s punk banger I was completely unaware of and enjoyed thoroughly

I fucking love this album. Venus, Friction and Guiding light were my top tracks

Alex Turner just wanted to be one of The Strokes, but The Strokes just wanted to be part of the Television. Now that we have an obvious The Strokes reference out of the way, I really like the album. It's solid, engaging, a bit slow on the parts, but damn is it emotional, and Torn Curtain just goes into a perfect sad spiral. The only issue is that when you loop the album it goes into See No Evil a bit too eagerly. But the sad chords, riffs on Torn Curtain are perfect, and the style engages throughout the record.

This album is an easy win, nearly perfect and even better for the places it isn't. A friend of mine formed a Television cover band and did this whole album live once and revealed the 70s boogie that lies inside those icy guitar lines, which only made me love it more.

Really enjoyed this - kind of sounded like a melodic punk Rolling Stones kind of thing. Liked it more than expected.

lots of guitar solos

Great album, finally an old guitar album on this list that actually feels like it deserves to be here. Great performances, interesting and catchy songwriting, and incredibly influential on virtually every post-punk band to follow.

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!

I have always loved this record, but it’s been a long time since I’ve listened to it all the way through. While the production and mix can feel a bit sloppy, there’s a part of me that dismisses that and says that makes it even more punk. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd trading off guitar parts has always been such a cool dynamic for the band’s sound. Marquee Moon stands above others as sort of the quintessential CBGB era new wave, artsy, post punk album. Venus is my favorite song on the record because it has such an obvious Velvet Underground influence, but the lead guitar on Friction is better than I remember as well. I love this album and will 100000% listen again and again. I’d probably give a 4.5 but I’m overdue for a 5. Let’s round up, baby!

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.

one of those albums that wears its influences on its sleeve while still breaking boundaries in the genre. amazing amazing guitar work, really love this one!!

Interesting album. "Marquee Moon" was a bit long though.

Can‘t live without ( the title track)!

When I first listened to this it felt like a second-rate Clash. Listenable but fairly forgettable. I played it a couple of times and forgot about it. Then on Monday morning I woke up with the "See No Evil" riff in my head. I listened to it all again. And it's great. Not brilliant (this is no 5* album) but I know I'll be listening to this again.

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

I put this on while cooking and I forgot it was on within 15 minutes, it just turned into rock white noise, it doesnt help when you have Marquee Moon, a 10 minute song that just kinda meanders around, but what shook me out of it was Elevation right after, because I thought it was Lovefool by The Cardigans, then got bummed when I realized I had several tracks left. Just not for me, their peers are better.

Maybe I was just in a bad mood today but I did not like this album. Just shitty long guitar solos that go nowhere, boring lyrics and boring vocals in general. Like a shittier Rolling Stones somehow

straight up just one of the best albums ever made

A bit of a discovery. Really clever prog rock (I think) worth listening to with some focus. It's really well made musically with great drums, functional bass and excellent guitars (I'd say good virtuosity but always functional). Could be a 5 but I'll stick with a 4 because the vocals are quite same'ish and I keep the fives to the absolute greatest (to me). Great album, I'll definitely explore the band.

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

Decent jam on a Sunday!

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

Ha! Once again another 1977 album, but this time… damn, I wouldn’t imagine I would ever get this disappointed with a release from that decade, seriously. I will give my 2 cents but in summary I mostly hated it. I don’t think I should rate this one as more than 1.5/5, but I since the the mix wasn’t bad and the instrumental is fairly ok (and mostly because I can only do whole starts for the rating here) I will give it 2 out of 5, reluctantly. Highlights (sort of): the main riff of `Marquee Moon`, even though I quickly grew tired of it once the song started repeating itself pretty early on (within the first couple of minutes, and the song is over 10 minutes long!). I also liked the instrumental section between 8:42 and 9:12. the “intention” of the track `Friction`, the vibe of the track `Torn Curtain`. Skippable: pretty much the entire album tbh The biggest complaint is with the vocals. Never heard of the band before and honestly might never hear again. 1. See No Evil - 3:52 song starts, I start feeling the vibe during the first 15 seconds and then the vocals come in, and holy crap, it totally ruined it for me. I tried keeping it together and let it play, waiting until things make some kind of sense again, but then some minutes later the album was over and I couldn’t stand any more of these vocals and desperately went to play anything else instead of giving Spotify the chance to randomly play anything else by them. oh, I forgot to talk about the song… yeah, unremarkable 2. Venus - 3:49 chord progression is better than the previous song, and the raw vintage drum sound matches nicely those guitar lines. bass sounds good and could be a bit louder. hated the vocals. also quite repetitive 3. Friction - 4:43 I recorded a few indie bands that write riffs like this one in particular, and I totally get the “DIY” nature and glimpse into what the band’s approach to making music looks like. that being said, I remember thinking about “trying not to be too harsh on the review” from this point forward (but spoiler alert: the empathy wears off after a few more tracks). So far, these are the “least bad” vocals of the album, but I had no hopes it would be any different from the previous tracks. 4. Marquee Moon - 10:38 I liked the push/pull motion of the riff, but only after the drums started playing and I realized I my counting was on the offbeat and the riff is actually syncopated. this is by far the most creative thing on the entire album and probably the only reason I decided to round the rating up instead of down. like I mentioned before on the highlights section, I grew tired of the repetitiveness and had to withstand several more minutes of this song. the only reward was the short interlude excerpt from 8:42 and 9:12, which was really cool. the improvised solo before it has a chaotic nature and it reminds a bit of the cool effect of “not-ocidental” music genres breaking barriers and influencing ocidental music in general. hated the vocals. 5. Elevation - 5:05 super repetitive riff and and I got tired of the chord progression rather quickly. I liked the lead guitar fills between the sections (specifically into pre-chorusses and also the stuff before and after the chorus). the vocals aren’t so terrible on this one, but I still don’t like this style. I get the idea, i just don’t like this kind of singing, thus my incessant complains regarding this topic throughout the whole record. 6. Guiding Light - 5:32 at around this point I remember feeling like I was already too numb to clearly make any judgement on what was going on, and I was kinda counting how long until the album finally ended. this one probably beats the opener on the unremarkable category. I must say the outro was the best part, it felt good to think it was almost over. 7. Prove It - 5:00 the band plays a look with rests and groovier riffs, more movement going on. the drum sound caught my attention once more and I compliment the recording and mixing of the drums on the record, because despite all the points made, the drums are very consistent and match the style very properly, if not to say they elevate the whole thing. the section between 2:45 and 3:16 was the best part of this track and I think the performance imperfections are what makes it work for me. hated the vocals, but I was much more used to it at this point that most of the album had already played. 8. Torn Curtain - 6:56 cool idea for the intro, another showcase to highlight how the drum sounds match the style perfectly. the riff idea for this one sounded fresh in comparison to rest of the album. the dramatic vibe was cool and is what makes the track work for me. I like the strange chords at the end and shifting melodies that seem to indicate key changes that doesn’t really happen. I head piano on some other track, but only on this one it was memorable enough for me to point it out. outro seemed too long, but it could be me anxiously waiting for the end so I could play anything else (preferably with good vocals).

Se eu fosse resumir o álbum em poucas palavras eu diria: caos ordenado. Mais um disco aqui que, conforme a sua época original de lançamento, era pensado em dois lados que, como consequência, abre margem para duas temáticas. Resumindo os dois lados eu diria que: Lado A (faixas 1-4): caos e diversão Lado B (faixas 5-8): caos e melancolia A impressão que tive sobre Marquee Moon, logo na primeira música foi um "Rolling Stones wannabe". E isso se mostrou verdade ao longo do disco. As portas se abrem com "See No Evil", que é uma bela entrada para quem nunca ouviu a banda. Eu mesmo não conhecia e já me senti cativado, como se estivesse sendo convidado a me divertir. É bem curioso que é uma música muito característica de sua época. A cozinha (vulgo baixo e bateria) são um show à parte não somente aqui, mas durante o disco todo. Outro ponto, ainda sobre "See No Evil", é que o traquejo/trejeito vocal quando o vocalista canta essa parte foi algo que me fez dar risada na primeira música, porém, ao decorrer do disco isso, me incomodou por ser algo muito frequente. Por esse mesmo motivo não gosto muito de escutar Rolling Stones por tanto tempo seguido. Já com a música "Venus", ainda senti a diversão no ar, sendo até uma ótima continuação, porém não me agarrou tanto quanto a primeira. Os trejeitos vocais também estão bem presentes aqui. Com isso percebi que seria a forma de Tom Verlaine (vocalista) seguir durante o disco todo. O grande destaque para mim foi a forma como baixo e bateria conduziram a música. Agora, quando se inicia “Friction”, a guitarra fez sua introdução como se fosse uma criança que estava pronta para fazer alguma arte e, realmente, foi esse o tom que senti durante a música inteira: uma criança aprontando altas e boas. O solo de guitarra, em um primeiro momento, me pareceu todo desconexo, mas de alguma forma se conectou maravilhosamente com o que estava sendo contado, voltando depois para o riff que introduziu a música. O caos e a diversão foram muito bem guiados pela presença eminente do contrabaixo. Chegamos na última música do Lado A, que é a música que traz nome ao disco. A maior do disco, com quase 11 minutos de duração. A conversa entre as duas guitarras na introdução, o baixo trazendo uma linha diferente (e acompanhando a batida da bateria) arrepiou demais. Acredito que Kings of Leon, com seus arranjos onde cada instrumento faz algo diferente que se conecta, se inspirou bastante aqui. É bem legal que essa “desconexão” da música se “conserta” durante as passagens instrumentais entre estrofe e refrão (seria uma ponte, talvez?). O solo, que leva a maior parte da música, começa bem divertido, segurando uma nota por um tempo bom, enquanto o baixo e bateria vão dando o ritmo. Achei um pouco longo e, logo quando comecei a me cansar, a música tomou seu rumo final. Algo que me chamou muita atenção nesta primeira parte é que NENHUMA das músicas tiveram o recurso de fade-out para encerramento, comum na época, e isso só pude observar em duas músicas durante a obra inteira. Agora entramos em “Elevation”, mostrando que essa segunda parte do disco é menos sobre diversão. A introdução é muito bem trabalhada com cada um dos instrumentos se encaixando. Uma das guitarras trouxe uma mesma nota e batida durante a introdução e seguiu com isso durante a estrofe. Pra mim foi um elemento bem curioso que combinou bem. O baixo também, muito marcante e sendo uma ótima condução na música (eu já falei sobre o baixo? rs). Agora, a condução durante o refrão (elevation, don’t go to my head) me deu uma estranheza, chegando até parecer que eles queriam fazer algo mais ‘progressivo’ na música. Seguimos para “Guiding Light”, a primeira música com fade-out. Começa com a guitarra fazendo um arranjo bem suave e belo, seguido na sequência por um baixo marcante (pra variar) e com um piano (?) aparecendo vez ou outra, tornado essa a mais bela abertura musical do disco. O baixo dança pela música com uma das progressões que mais gostei aqui. A forma como a música cresce e decresce durante o refrão também foi algo bem gostoso de se ouvir. Quando “Prove It” começa, já começo a pensar em surf music, e a bateria usando o aro só corrobora essa impressão, mas aqui já puxa mais para uma baladinha (que era necessária) para os casais dançarem na pista. Ironicamente (ou não), por ser a música onde o baixo foi menos marcante (se comparado com todas as outras anteriores), foi a música que menos me chamou atenção. E, por fim, terminamos com “Torn Curtain”, a segunda é última música com fade-out. Quando começou com os “rolling drums”, eu fui totalmente pego de surpresa com a forma como os outros instrumentos entraram. TEVE ATÉ TRÍTONO! Essa música é a melhor representação do que disse sobre o lado B: melancolia. O ‘crescendo’ que aparece no refrão é de tirar o fôlego, seguindo da “martelada” nas frases “years, tears” traz um peso emocional na música. A guitarra parece chorar com a tristeza, principalmente depois da conclusão do primeiro solo (que mais uma vez foi aquela “desconexão” que se combina). Agora, se no primeiro solo a guitarra parecia que estava chorando, no segundo ela realmente chorou, assinando a dramaticidade do encerramento da música e, consequentemente, lado B. Esse disco foi uma descoberta bem interessante. Ouvirei outras vezes, porém não tão próximas, porque a voz combina com a proposta das músicas, mas ouvir ela muito tempo me irritou. Como já tinha comentado acima, me lembra muito o que Rolling Stones, e senti essa irritação várias vezes quando ouvi a discografia deles. Talvez por esse elemento vocal, esse disco fica com uma nota 4 (sem mimimi de ficar arredondando), porque o instrumental, principalmente baixo e bateria, fazem com que o disco seja sensacional. As favoritas são: See No Evil, Marquee Moon e Torn Curtain.

1.5 Stars, rounded down because there were no songs I genuinely enjoyed. Really would not sit down to listen to it again. It feels raw, but not in a look-how-anarchist-and-anti-stabilishment-we-are kind of way. It's like they're too polished to be punk but not polished enough to be technical, so they live in this weird place that I don't like. I felt like the ideas weren't landing. I can see how its ideas went on to influence other bands, but this album is not for me. See No Evil - I don't fuck with the vocalist's voice. Also the fact there are no embellishments and it's just the same riff playing over and over in all instruments makes the thing feel stiff and not raw. Lyrics are alright. Venus - Guitar work is better (the solo is underwhelming) but... this man's voice is just eh. Also, Americans pronounce Venus de Milo funny. Friction - The intro riff sounds like a beginner guitarist being told to improvise something but he's not very confident. Marquee Moon - The intro feels like a weirdly overlaid loop. Maybe repetition doesn't always legitimize lmao. There's something off about the whole song, I can't quite put a finger on why. I can't believe the whole song is ten minutes of the same 2 or 3 ideas. The solo felt underwhelming too. Elevation - Probably the best guitar work so far in the Album. Guiding Light - Good bassline. Probably the best song in the album thus far. Seems Prove it - The bass is so repetitive and mechanical. Really did not like any of it. Torn Curtain - The intro is so good! Really didn't feel like the rest of the album. The song feels fuller. The lyrics are good. I still dislike the vocalist's delivery and overall tone, but this is a song I'd enjoy as a cover by another band.

++*: Friction ++: See No Evil, Venus, Marque Moon, Guiding Light, Prove It, Torn Curtain +: Elevation 9,7/10

Eh, it wasn't so bad. I like Venus.

Short-lived but incredibly influential band. I guess you can say that about a lot of acts (Nirvana, Velvet Underground). This album is so good. Proto-punk/alternative. A great album.

a revelation yet frequently annoying, a contradiction existing within it in much the same way it exists in a lot of the downtown new york rock canon

nice!! i like it

I didn’t mind this

4/5

Better than expected, an interesting album!

Nice mix of feels. cool instrumental tracks

Great Album

Took a few listens to click for me, but it's the kind of music I generally love, so I decided to stick with it. Might turn into a 5* album after a few more listens.

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

Highlights: See No Evil, Friction, Torn Curtain. In a nutshell: the birth of post-punk 1977 was a bumper year for music: Animals, Pink Flag, Rumours, Aja, Exodus, Out of The Blue, Bat Out of Hell, Lust For Life, Low... and Television's debut Marquee Moon. It's unlike anything heard of before at the time. Punk rock guitars, jazz drums, experimenting with melody and counter melody. The critics frothed (and probably climaxed repeatedly) over this album, issuing high ratings across the board. It struggled in sales and on the charts. Didn't chart well in the U.S. Gained some traction in the UK. Not a commercial success overall but it's one of the most influential pieces of music from the late 70s. This the source text (or cheat sheet depending which band we’re talking about) of 90s indie rock and early 00's garage rock revival. In 1977, this was a new sound in the making: post-punk… And it was bloody wonderful to listen to. Go find a copy NOW. Overall: 9/10