Television was one of the more intriguing bands to emerge from the New York punk and new wave scene of the mid- to late-‘70s. I don’t know how most folks classify Television, actually, but to me they feel post-punk almost before punk even happened. They take some of punk’s energy and irreverence and push the music forward in intriguing directions.
In an abrasively nasal voice, Tom Verlaine sings of urban paranoia and bad acid trips in surreal, impressionistic lyrics. Meanwhile, guitarist Richard Lloyd’s guitar lines bend and veer off in unusual directions, with ascending and descending scales and arpeggios, and odd little flourishes that bounce off the lyrics. It’s some of the most off-puttingly beautiful guitar playing I’ve ever heard, thoroughly entrancing.
Television only had three albums, the first of which, Marquee Moon (1977), is an absolute classic. Here’s a healthy sampling, chronological except for the final track, their very first single, from 1975.
Cover Art:
- Marquee Moon: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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