Television (1) (1973–2023)

Arguably the poorest follow-up to a classic debut album in the history of rock music, a couple of tracks excepted.

The post-punk band's debut album.

2.5/4 (Okay).

They have a hugely influential sound, and it's enjoyable to listen to. The songs themselves aren't actually very good, though - just the way they play them.

Televisions Over Manchester
See No Evil /Venus / Elevation / Foxhole / Little Johnny Jewel / Prove It / Friction / Knockin' On Heaven's Door (cuts) / Marquee Moon / Satisfaction / Psychotic Reaction

CDR from an audiotape of the May 26, 1977 show at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England on Television's first European tour

Product Details

* Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
* Number of Discs: 1
* Label: Elektra / Wea
* Catalog Number: 1098
* ASIN: B000005IRG
* Other Editions: Audio Cassette | LP Record
* Average Customer Review: based on 107 reviews. (Write a review.)
* Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,342 in Music (See Top Sellers in Music)
Yesterday: #49,646 in Music

Listen to Samples
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1. See No Evil Listen Listen
2. Venus Listen show more Listen
3. Friction Listen Listen
4. Marquee Moon Listen Listen
5. Elevation Listen Listen
6. Guiding Light Listen
7. Prove It Listen
8. Torn Curtain Listen

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A classic bit of punk rock from 1977, that classic year of punk. Whereas most of this New York City group's peers turned up the distortion, revved up the tempo, and stripped their songs down to tight three-chord anthems, Television did something startlingly different. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd allowed themselves the space to develop clean, powerful, unexpected guitar leads. To top it off, Verlaine's songs were thought-provoking, memorable, danceable, and unlike anything else going. "Prove It" was the hit in England, but independent radio stations wore the grooves down on the title cut, "See No Evil," and the stunningly brilliant "Friction." --Percy Keegan
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Full Moon, April 18, 2002
Reviewer: Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)
Marquee Moon is one of the great albums of the 70's from the overlooked band Television. Born out of the mid 70's New York rock scene that produced the Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie and others, the band was led by guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd. The band's sound was different from the others thanks in part to superb guitar interplay between Mr. Verlaine & Mr. Lloyd, but also they didn't pump out quick 3 minute songs, but had a jazzy edge. The title cut and "Torn Curtain" are both lengthy numbers (close to 10 minutes each) and show off the band's sharp musicianship. Mr. Verlaine is a sharp lyricist and his songs has a wry sense of humor. "Venus" is probably the best track on the album and contains a classic line "fell into the arms of Venus DeMilo". Television never gained the mass appeal of Blondie or the Heads or icon status of the Ramones, but Marquee Moon is better than any album to come out from that music scene and deserves to be heard by a wider audience. show less