Television- Marquee Moon (First Listen) 

A song that is impossible to categorize. And I mean that as high compliment.

One of the best, if not THE best, guitar solos in rock history. Timeless.

I was happy to see this in my feed. This is a band that’s not as well known as a lot of the other CBGB bands if that era, but a very important one. And awfully good as well.

Others may have mentioned this, but... Billy Ficca thought that this was a practice take, and he gave it his all. This song was recorded as a single take. The engineer suggested they might do another take and Tom Verlaine said "no, we're done". This is music that transcends.

Legendary! 'Marquee Moon' is a MUST for any music collection. I've often wondered what direction their sound would have taken had Richard Hell not left the band and him and Tom Verlaine had reconciled their differences. Then again, if that had happened, then we probably wouldn't have had the amazing Heartbreakers. And since I've been a huge New York Dolls fan since the mid-seventies, I'm glad the Heartbreakers had existed.

YES!!! I would recommend trying "Venus"; it's got the atmospheric guitar interplay in a much smaller package.

I second the suggestion of Elvis Costello. Great songwriter who has so much variety to his stellar career

A prime example of the fact that punk is an attitude, not a musical style, 'cause this IS punk.

Words cannot express how much I love this song. So I'm not going to say anything else. Great pick, JP. One of my all-time faves.

RIP Tom. A magician with the guitar.

I thought this would be a good introduction to them, kind of their most famous song. Would love to see a full album reaction, because the whole album is good. My other favorites are Venus De Milo and Guiding Light. They actually only did one other album in their original run and then a reunion a few years later. I like it all. Tom Verlaine has a bunch of solo work.

Another great wake up for me! Yay Jp! A stellar album. Venus is sublime. This album was so revered that ( I lived in this college town known for alternatve music) when they did a reunion in the 90s, people in the crowd kneeled. Thank you for this!

Saw this and couldn't click fast enough. Wow! Television! Such a brilliant album; so little known (except in certain circles). There seemed to be such a burst of bands from the US at that time, all linked to CBGB's; Talking Heads, Blondie, The Ramones, Television (are you detecting a trend here?); and although some went on to huge worldwide acclaim; for me Tom Verlaine and Television were the standout. The music seems so simple; yet somehow it isn't. Deeply atmospheric, angsty, and it still sounds as fresh over 40 years later. The lyrics of this song could be straight out of a Poe novel. The song is longer than you heard. You must listen to Venus or Torn Curtain. Thank you so much for reacting to this mate.

Time for Elvis Costello and the Attractions - so much to choose from and you can listen to almost 4 tracks in the time it took you to experience this track from Television . Cool arrangements , catchy beats and clever / dark lyrics . Can start with : Watching the Detectives , What's so Funny 'Bout Peace Love and Understanding , Pump it Up , Goon Squad , Chemistry Class ....... Hey , just take Armed Forces or This Year's Model , close your eyes and pick one to get started .

JP - thanks for the honest review. You don't have to love and gush over everything. This was Punk, before the Ramones. Original NYC Punk was a DIY reaction to the stifling formats corporate record companies were promoting at the time. Bands like Television existed on the peripherals out of necessity. I have to admit, I wasn't in love with it when it first came out, but it grew on me, fast. Again, thanks for the honesty, that's one of the reasons I watch you!

As someone who recommeded this I understand your reaction. Definetly something which grows with relistening. The first section you played down, for me, only fully works because and when you know what is coming after. The whole is so much better than all the parts.

In a 1979 interview, Robert Fripp said "I recently tried to persuade Television to regroup with me as a third guitarist.". Imagine that! Tom Verlaine is pretty much the "star" of the band, but I liked how you mentioned Billy Ficca first. Awesome drumming.

1977 was one of those *great* years for new music (Like 72, 0r 67~~) So much going on~~~~

When I was 17-18, I started working at a record store, branching out musically from the nu-metal/grunge I had been listening to. So much of what you're going through is what I was getting into. Television, Costello, classic rock, new wave, power pop. It's an excellent journey, and still some of my favorite music to go back to.

Great band great music very good music great very costly album

This is what we used to call New Wave back in the day. It came along with punk but didn't have the 'rough & readiness' of punk. You can see their influence on later bands like The Strokes of Franz Ferdinand.

Great band, great album, great song. Great shirt!

Keep in mind there are two guitarists here. Tom Verlaine is playing the more angular leads and lines. Richard Lloyd plays the more direct "rock" leads. Speaking of Richard, his 1986 release "Fields Of Fire" is worth checking out. The title song is powerful and speaks to the strength he found to kick his heroin addiction.

First time ever hearing Television. Wow! Thank you Justin for opening my eyes to this group!

Hi, JP. Dave from a gloomy London. I Think It's Going To Rain Today. I share most of your likes and dislikes of this song. Television is a band a friend of mine introduced me to in the 80s, and I went to see them live with him. Great show. I am really into guitarists and Tom Verlaine's playing is what I like about them most. Very distinctive, very brittle and emotionally charged; maybe a little like Neil Young. TV shows I am watching? From the UK, I am enjoying Line of Duty (police corruption drama) and The Last Kingdom (King Alfred and Vikings), and from the States I like Yellowstone with Kevin Costner (love the Montana scenery - brings back memories of a fantastic road trip around the US national parks). I have The Expanse on Amazon Prime so I shall dip into that.

Ahh, the 70's. This is what I call "good music" when people ask me what do I listen to!

An astonishing track that is on a level with early Bowie and Marc Bolan......I used to hear this when i was 12 yrs old and my sister played it in the bedroom....

Strangely I never listened Television ! This was great. Gives the envy to get more. Thanks Justin.

Mr. Verlaine's voice can be an acquired taste and after listening to Television for awhile, his voice stops becoming a voice and becomes a unique instrument one understands how to hear and at that point, the lightbulb goes off and one "gets" Television.

i was blown away by this song.. long long time ago

RIP to Tom Verlaine of Television. I'd forgotten you'd reacted to a song by them. Watching this video amd then going to Guiding Light. Which is my favorite by them.

A cornerstone of artpunk. Full album reaction please!

The section after the guitar jam and before the last verse. Where do I start? One of the most beautiful moments in rock music to me. On a good day, I'll flat out burst into tears of joy during that part. ..and don't get me started on Billy's drumming. The hihat part is a big hook. Not only was this song recorded in one take, this was the practice run through.

I grew up with new wave so this feels like coming home for me. As Jerry Petrillo says in the comments below, try Elvis Costello next - same new wave energy, more melodic, great hooks and acerbic, clever lyrics which still reward repeat listens 40 years later.

If you're headed this direction, check out the Modern Dance by Pere Ubu. Another cornerstone.

I used to dj at a college radio station. We used to throw this song on to grab a smoke.

I was a DJ at our college radio station circa 1979-81, and I played this song and album A LOT! Nice job as usual Justin!

This what makes this channel so important to me. I actually dug it more than in the past and the fact, it’s one take is brilliant. I have their first two cassettes and I have tried here and there to like them more than I did or could. They were ok to me. Tom’s singing was part of it. Then on some fateful day in some no name pawnshop I bought another Television CD. Thought I’d give them another go. From the first track to the last, it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s the eponymous 1992 reunion album. I love it. Tom sounds more mature, the band gives more space and breath, he and Richard Lloyd intertwine deliciously. Just one of my favorite albums, I’m going to play it today at work. I hope you can give this under appreciated album a try. Side story: a coworker and I were having small issues here and there that became nothing because we both liked a couple of the same bands... Cotton Mather and Television. Now she didn’t know of the reunion album and was very surprised how good it was and that she hadn’t heard about it. She has since left and it’s a little sad no one knows these bands at work. Television ,1992 album Cotton Mather , Kontiki (think neo Beatles) Two great albums for consideration and David Sancious’s Transformation (Speed of Love) Peace and Music

A critical favorite with few fans. Not every New York band of the 1970's could break out, no matter how much promotion journalists gave them.

The whole Marquee Moon album is great. In particular, I think side 1 of the album is one of the best album sides ever, and the back half is no slouch! I believe this song is pretty representative of their sound and style, even though there's nothing else like it - they never did another "epic" 11 minute track with a long multi-part instrumental section, but they always wove great instrumental interplay into their shorter songs as well. I'd also cite "The Fire" from their next album Adventure as a standout.

I was a little underwhelmed the first time i heard marquee moon, it didn't really click for me. This album as a whole really grows on you, need to give it a full listen through. Little Johnny Jewel is probably my favourite track on this album

A brilliant show to watch is Kingdom.. Hidden gem

You're my television, Justin. Other than basketball, no programs catching my attention these days.

The record is pure gold.

I would normally say television takes a trained ear to appreciate but , the first time I heard them back in the 70s I was immediately hooked.

Just gutted at the news Tom Verlaine passed... R.I.P., Tom.

Right up my alley and somehow I only heard this for the first time myself last spring. Goes to show you should never stop listening to “new to you” stuff.

These guys were in on the ground floor of punk, playing CBGB's in the early 70s. Interesting to hear punk with such fine musicianship and funk grooves. The twin guitar assault of Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine is amazing. I think you would enjoy their songs Little Johnny Jewel and Venus De Milo. Lightning struck itself.

I love the drumming on this, and on the whole LP. He's like a jazz drummer playing rock, lots of things like hi hit triplets, or slowing down within a break - things that could confuse the rest of the group if they weren't so good.

Top10 rock album of all time .

Just a thought I had - I wonder what your reaction would be to "Frankie Teardrop" by Suicide. Hmmm . . .

Hey J from Ned in Spain. Now that you've heard the rest of this seminal LP has your opinion changed about this incredible track ? For me it's a forever fresh masterpiece of a group at their height as everyone contributes and supports beautifully. As a drummer Billy Ficca is someone who needs more notice. Thanks

I absolutely loved 🥰 this track!!!

you can definitely hear the influence on the strokes with how the guitar sections are written

This album is a grower, not a shower.

The Song Friction by them is fantastic

I agree with your review. I find this song a little bit repetitive. My favourite tracks of the album are "Friction" and "See no evil". Television's first two albums were a landmark for the years to come. By the way, I love what you're doing: alternate prog with new wave. It's a brilliant move that will help you to keep old viewers and acquire new ones. Next step: dig more into new millenium stuff. A couple of suggestions that may appeal to your audience: Decemberists' "The wanting comes in waves/Repaid" from the 2010 record The Hazard Of Love, a Prog-Americana-Folk concept album, and Rosalie Cunningham's A Yarn From The Wheel, 2019 (Psychedelic Prog).

One of the best American songs ever!

Thank you. This album was a staple at parties for college radio folk. It's a sort of one album wonder, but what a wonder! Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine made magic. They were more than the sum of their parts. Never get tired of this album even after 35 years.

Watched this just to see the look on your face when that insanely pretty bit comes in after that mid section instrumental build up. Wish I could hear it again for the first time

Whoa!!! This is a bit good.. Gonna check there catalogue now.. Thanks JP! 👍

If you like that piano/guitar bit at the end for its atmospheric nature, you'd probably like "The Dream's Dream" off their Adventure album.

Pick any song next: "Friction," "Venus," "Little Johnny Jewel." The guitar-weave is what Television was all about!

"See no evil" is the magnum opus from this album. Don't forget to listen to it.

Listen to it more. It grows on you. The guitar is awesome. My highest recommendation for a full album review is Elvis Costello and the Attractions album "This Years Model" from 1978. It's incredible and I think his best. Very first album they did together. They did many great albums after that you should check out as well. Just great passionate music, played with world class skill!

This is so ahead of its time.. Gets better and better

my reaction to this song was the same as yours. I gave this album about 10 spins and it never blew me away. But it is an influence on some bands I like.

I met and shook Hands with Tom Verlaine, after a solo gig in Manchester (England) gig. Love this song so much.

I don't watch much T.V. But I am happy you got full color instead of black and white! Television must be seen and heard at its best,that's when I tune in,Peace and pixels.

Richard mother bleeping Lloyd! (Often shouted at a Television show)

I thought you'd like it more than you did. Thanks for listening to my suggestion though!

nice, this is an essential.

Hey, Justin... Based on the tone of a section you highlighted (something you dug as pure ear-candy) let me recommend a very underrated 1972 concept album: "Remember the Future" by Nektar. Great flow from one song to the next, across the entire album.

No way! One of my top 10 songs, all time! A good follow up would be Impossible Germany by Wilco, which has a similar dual guitar vibe.

Luna recently did a fantastic cover of Marquee Moon. I like Dean Wareham's vocal style much better. Something you might want to listen to for comparison.

Hey JP ! That was a surprise when I saw the notification, and a pretty good one at that ! I'm not sure anyone I know reacted to this song. I love this album. I read once a critic stating "Here, the frail punk skiff reaches the confines of the sublime" (hope this translation makes any sense, the original statement is in French...). I think it neatly captures the essence of this album : Television is a proto-punk band (out of the CBGB, prefering live performances to pure studio works - hence the one-take version of the songs -, and with a clear "do it yourself" attitude), and still, they managed to create an epic music like this. It really makes me feel like I'm on board of a cheap and tiny ship, threatening to sink at any time, and en route to the world's end with recklessness and impatience... I'd advise "Venus" or "Guiding light" for more songs with a vibe like this on the same album. Have a nice day !

Love this album! This track is my favorite from the album; great dynamics and melodies. I'd suggest Talk Talk's "The Rainbow" or "New Grass"; both of them are great songs, being my favorites from their respective albums, as well. Great video, as always!

Always have to play this song twice before I listen to the rest of the album. Lightning in a bottle. I fell in love with this song when I first heard it...punks that jam.

I love this song. I don’t know why he doesn’t like the riff , but to each his own. What I appreciate about this review is that he mentioned the drummer Billy Ficca first. He’s amazing in this song , his drumming during the solo is so jazz like, he adds so much feel. Television were a band that was a little off putting to most because they really sounded like no one else, the vocals were almost an afterthought and they couldn’t be categorized. I hear bits of The Stooges, Pink Floyd,Quicksilver Messenger Service and of course the Grateful Dead in their music. This whole album is fantastic, one of my favorites of all time

Classic album

I've occasionally tried to get into Television myself, mostly because it's one of those post-punk bands that music critics and rock historians keep praising.

Another band to explore would be The Smithereens.

One of the best songs from one of the best debuts of all time! Such a classic. Hope you get to the rest of the songs on the album. Also, is it possible to react to some more Fiona Apple soon?

The whole "Marquee Moon" album is one of the all-time greats!

do we ever get the feelin we've been cheated? Today's questions? Why does this song repeat the same same same cycle 3 times and then fade out... if it does indeed fade out after ?+ minutes of rambling effectual soloing and drum clatter- i'm guessing it does just that, although i hope it will end with a flourish and a crescendo.... Does it take this song to make me realise how blinkered and altogether deaf i was to music and bands that did not conform to a certain specific image, (when i was a teenager that is ).. I have finally had the patience required to get thru this whole song and yes i was rewarded for my effort... This should have been Pat Travers Band singing New Age Music in 1981 but it was Television in 1977... Now if it was it was Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers in 1977 i would be a whoopin and a hollerin because of the JOYOUS NATURE of that song this is a more subtle anti-rock opera and yes it works and it inspired a hundred REMs and Franz Ferdinands... Is this all we do is repeat the stuff of life day after day in the sun and the rain? Is the guitar riff annoying u too out there in JP land? It ended with a crescendo. It won't get better than this Justin. They influenced the new wave guitar bands for the next 40 years. My cat is nappin in the Sun . On my Lap. Enough said. Many Thanks. TV? I gave up on TV Shows after LOST- having got the feelin that I'd Been Cheated! Sex Pistols please- Pretty Vacant Diolch.

I think the first two songs from the same side are more representative, but that’s their crown jewel.

Klaatu - Hope, the albun.

Excellent! New to me.

Dude , Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd paints with their guitars guitar . He doesn’t sit there and play pentatonic Guitar Jock or poser . Marquee Moon is a true original and Marquee Moon particularly the title track was and is a timeless mold breaking Classic .

Yep, you're great

We got rid of cable years ago and replaced it with Roku. Hulu and Netflix more than pick up the slack. Justified, Peaky Blinders, Killing Eve, and Lillyhammer are a few of the series we watched every episode made. Watch the first episode of Justified and you will be hooked. Same with the other shows I listed. As for this band and song, I was introduced to this album back in the early 80s by a woman I was dating. We both worked at Tower Records and had an unlimited selection of music to listen to. Good times. I like the band, by the way.

It's a classic.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Very good!

RIP Tom Verlaine God Bless

Well I didn’t recommend this but I should have! This was one of the New Wave bands that really gripped me. It’s NW not rock - the lines are simple, the recording quality is basic and stripped down, the vocals are sung by the Nerd not the Jock and there’s no big fuzz tone solos or synthesisers! What there is is a real return to classy guitar playing, a directness in the delivery and a few tasty chords to boot. This is a great Album and all guitarists should hear it. Oh and I’ll continue to wish for more Focus (Eruption), Simon Warner and perhaps Patrick Moraz’s Story of i.

I'll continue to wish for "Neurosis - Stones from the Sky" Talk about atmosphere and emotion!

I remember reading online somewhere that this recording was a first take.

TV watching: Tonight AFL Carlton v Collingwood, start of 2021 round 2.

Interesting time for new trends in popular music. That minimalist guitar riff perhaps takes a cue from Devo, who performed entirely in a quirky, minimalist style.

You really should dive into some New York Dolls imo. If we're going for early CBGB's bands, you'll find they hit the spot. Nice to see you've found Television in the mean time! Nice one Justin!