The way I think all music should be written. Every song should be approached like something new, not trying to be influenced by or be derivative of anything else. But it's hard.
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.
Never been able to really get into this album...Talking Heads first album appeals to me much more (I just thought about this record while listening to this song)
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.
Such a voluminous canon for the only living Elvis, amazingly spanning at least half-a-dozen clearly-defined genres. Justin could, figuratively speaking, drop the needle anywhere on his 45-year career, and hit paydirt.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 .
I was just thinking about Costello! Melodic great hooks and yes, those acerbic, clever lyrics that reward repeat plays 40 years later. 'She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake'...
@@itchyvinyl I agree on the first five albums but the following ones are far from being neglected although I am not particularly attracted by Almost Blue which is only composed of Country covers, but Imperial Bedroom and Punch the Clock are very good albums! Ok Goodbye Cruel World is completely ruined by its horribly dated production and although King of America and Blood & Chocolate raise the bar slightly, it is already less interesting and successful than the albums made from 1977 to 1983. My favorites remain This Year's Model, Armed Forces and Get Happy !!
@@a.k.1740 I agree with every word you said. I got to see Elvis/Attractions on the Imperial Bedroom tour - my very first concert, age 11. It left a mark.
... and New Amsterdam, Beyond Belief, Let Him Dangle, The Other Side Of Summer (not to mention the melancholic God's Comic and After The Fall). Such a great artist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@thannaske5371 Little Johnny Jewel was only about 7 minutes, but it's still amazing. I often wonder if most people never hear it since it didn't make it to their full albums (though, it's on the remastered Marquee Moon CD). I'd also recommend finding the live bootleg, The Blow Up. They do 15 minute versions of Marquee Moon and Little Johnny Jewel with amazing guitar solos, and they also cover Bob Dylan's Knocking at Heaven's Door and The Rolling Stones' Satisfaction. Audio quality isn't fantastic since it's a bootleg from 1979, but it's still worth a listen, imo.
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
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.
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.
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....
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 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
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!
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.
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.
Good point - it seemed to be equally a matter of style and strong personality in their live acts. Blondie, B-52s, Talking Heads and The Ramones are examples of this.
Keep in mind the rock press weren't the front-line promo agents for records....each label, of course, had merch and promo departments. But, you're right....Television (and Verlaine) were cited for years following their two Elektra albums, as being the vanguard then, influencing many to follow in the '80s and '90s in alt, indie, grunge, post-punk, etc. Television was part of the first wave of punk and new wave in the flurry of label signings during the punk wave of '75/'76 and following. Every US label was elbowing each other out of the way to find the next big punk/new wave thing, and what wasn't scooped up out of the UK (Pistols, Gen X, Sham 69, Buzzcocks, The Jam, Stranglers), labels sent A&R cats to CBGB and the clubs in LA with contracts sticking out of their stuffed briefcases. Reminiscent of most trends (disco a year or two earlier, but bleeding through the end of the '70s, along with punk, and the Urban Cowboy craze during the same time frame), the first ones signed usually are the better acts with longer staying power, with newer acts sprouting and being signed after the first lot is signed after the second "wave" sees various degrees of success with their predecessors!
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.
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.
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 !
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).
I think the whole post punk and new wave scene is a different beast , a different ethos of music. You have to get in into it to appreciate it. I love it, but it has been taken a while. Bye
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?
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.
Television wasn't Post Punk, they were one of the original bands from Ground Zero - CBGB'S. Most people think of the Ramones and they sound as "Punk". BUt it was much more than that, it was a DIY reaction to prog and corporate rock, which at the time, was stifling new and fresh ideas. Just saying...
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 have a buddy that would play and sing Johnathon Richman songs with his wife all the time. I loved them. UFO man and the beach is the best (cruddy sugar lemonade and I like people when they are on parade).
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!
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.
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.
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
On TV we are watching hockey, news and Superstore (okay maybe that is Netflix). Some songs gets better the more you hear them. This might be one. It is rock but I don't know that I would call it punk or prog though maybe it contains some of those elements. For a near punk experience I tend to listen to the Weakerthans "A Cat Name Virtute" or "The Reasons" or "Aside" or "This is a fire door never leave open".
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.
It is hard to imagine that they were one of the first bands (if not the first) to play at CBGB along with The Ramones, and Richard Hell and the Voidoids.
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!
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.
@@JustJP Justified is fantatistic. Lilyhammer is something else. It stars Steven Van Zandt from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and the Sopranos. It's about a member of the Mafia that moved to Norway in a witness protection program and proceeds to make his new home a place to practice his Mafia lifestyle. Strange premise, but very entertaining.
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
He seems to be playing the guitar like a sitar in the instrumental portion. I'd say we're on the jump from glam to punk - kinda like the NY Dolls, but more artsy.
You should check out some Waterboys stuff, like Fisherman’s Blues, To Close to heaven, A Church not made with hands, This is the sea, A Pagan Place, Savage Earth Heart, there’s so many.
If you'd played the central guitar riff for me I would recognize it but I never would have been able to remember the lyrics, largely due to the vocal style, a sticking point in my life long love affair with rock n roll. This song, for instance, has intelligent, poetic lyrics that are are almost as incomprehensible as Louie Louie.
Love The Expanse! I do like Television and this song , but I think I like Tom Verlaines solo albums a bit more. In particular “ Words from the Front” from 1982. If I can drag you kicking and Screaming into 2021 might I suggest Shame- Snow Day.
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.
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.
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A song that is impossible to categorize. And I mean that as high compliment.
The way I think all music should be written. Every song should be approached like something new, not trying to be influenced by or be derivative of anything else. But it's hard.
Television is one of those rare babds that can never be imitated. They're definitely the successor to the Velvets.
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.
Verlaine is well-regarded, if not well-known.
Never been able to really get into this album...Talking Heads first album appeals to me much more (I just thought about this record while listening to this song)
YES!!!
I would recommend trying "Venus"; it's got the atmospheric guitar interplay in a much smaller package.
One of the best, if not THE best, guitar solos in rock history. Timeless.
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.
Not to mention the Voidoids.
A prime example of the fact that punk is an attitude, not a musical style, 'cause this IS punk.
100% ACCURATE!
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.
I second the suggestion of Elvis Costello. Great songwriter who has so much variety to his stellar career
Such a voluminous canon for the only living Elvis, amazingly spanning at least half-a-dozen clearly-defined genres. Justin could, figuratively speaking, drop the needle anywhere on his 45-year career, and hit paydirt.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 .
First 5 albums are great. Armed Forces is my fave though.
I was just thinking about Costello! Melodic great hooks and yes, those acerbic, clever lyrics that reward repeat plays 40 years later. 'She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake'...
@@itchyvinyl I agree on the first five albums but the following ones are far from being neglected although I am not particularly attracted by Almost Blue which is only composed of Country covers, but Imperial Bedroom and Punch the Clock are very good albums!
Ok Goodbye Cruel World is completely ruined by its horribly dated production and although King of America and Blood & Chocolate raise the bar slightly, it is already less interesting and successful than the albums made from 1977 to 1983.
My favorites remain This Year's Model, Armed Forces and Get Happy !!
@@a.k.1740 I agree with every word you said. I got to see Elvis/Attractions on the Imperial Bedroom tour - my very first concert, age 11. It left a mark.
... and New Amsterdam, Beyond Belief, Let Him Dangle, The Other Side Of Summer (not to mention the melancholic God's Comic and After The Fall). Such a great artist.
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.
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.
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.
First time ever hearing Television. Wow! Thank you Justin for opening my eyes to this group!
Definitely! Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
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.
Nice! Hope you enjoy Expanse, its a good one!
RIP Tom. A magician with the guitar.
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.
I got to see Lloyd perform on that tour!!! Small club in the midwest. He rocked out!
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.
Strangely I never listened Television ! This was great. Gives the envy to get more. Thanks Justin.
Great band, great album, great song. Great shirt!
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.
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.
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.
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.
How about "Johnny Jewel?"
@@thannaske5371 Little Johnny Jewel was only about 7 minutes, but it's still amazing. I often wonder if most people never hear it since it didn't make it to their full albums (though, it's on the remastered Marquee Moon CD).
I'd also recommend finding the live bootleg, The Blow Up. They do 15 minute versions of Marquee Moon and Little Johnny Jewel with amazing guitar solos, and they also cover Bob Dylan's Knocking at Heaven's Door and The Rolling Stones' Satisfaction. Audio quality isn't fantastic since it's a bootleg from 1979, but it's still worth a listen, imo.
@@endlessdissent640 I was thinking about the version on "The Blow Up!"😀
1977 was one of those *great* years for new music (Like 72, 0r 67~~) So much going on~~~~
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
I like the DS idea but I am rooting for "The Bridge".
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!
Great band great music very good music great very costly album
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.
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.
A brilliant show to watch is Kingdom.. Hidden gem
This album is a grower, not a shower.
I find the best albums are like that. The more you listen, the more you discover and appreciate.
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....
Ahh, the 70's. This is what I call "good music" when people ask me what do I listen to!
Top10 rock album of all time .
Yes
A cornerstone of artpunk. Full album reaction please!
If you're headed this direction, check out the Modern Dance by Pere Ubu. Another cornerstone.
For a brief moment, Akron ruled the world.
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 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
Little Johnny Jewel wasn't on the album when it was originally released.
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!
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.
i was blown away by this song.. long long time ago
I met and shook Hands with Tom Verlaine, after a solo gig in Manchester (England) gig. Love this song so much.
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.
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.
Good point - it seemed to be equally a matter of style and strong personality in their live acts. Blondie, B-52s, Talking Heads and The Ramones are examples of this.
@@bobholtzmann I remember back in the 1980's a local music critic tried to make The Jesus and Mary Chain happen, but no one was listening.
Keep in mind the rock press weren't the front-line promo agents for records....each label, of course, had merch and promo departments. But, you're right....Television (and Verlaine) were cited for years following their two Elektra albums, as being the vanguard then, influencing many to follow in the '80s and '90s in alt, indie, grunge, post-punk, etc.
Television was part of the first wave of punk and new wave in the flurry of label signings during the punk wave of '75/'76 and following. Every US label was elbowing each other out of the way to find the next big punk/new wave thing, and what wasn't scooped up out of the UK (Pistols, Gen X, Sham 69, Buzzcocks, The Jam, Stranglers), labels sent A&R cats to CBGB and the clubs in LA with contracts sticking out of their stuffed briefcases.
Reminiscent of most trends (disco a year or two earlier, but bleeding through the end of the '70s, along with punk, and the Urban Cowboy craze during the same time frame), the first ones signed usually are the better acts with longer staying power, with newer acts sprouting and being signed after the first lot is signed after the second "wave" sees various degrees of success with their predecessors!
You weren't cool in the 80s college music scene if you didnt know this album, seriously
You're my television, Justin. Other than basketball, no programs catching my attention these days.
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.
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.
you can definitely hear the influence on the strokes with how the guitar sections are written
I absolutely loved 🥰 this track!!!
Whole album is amazing
The record is pure gold.
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 !
Just gutted at the news Tom Verlaine passed... R.I.P., Tom.
The Song Friction by them is fantastic
Richard mother bleeping Lloyd! (Often shouted at a Television show)
This is so ahead of its time.. Gets better and better
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.
Whoa!!! This is a bit good.. Gonna check there catalogue now.. Thanks JP! 👍
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).
Love the Crane Wife from Decemberists!
I thought you'd like it more than you did. Thanks for listening to my suggestion though!
Thanks for the suggestion, it's in my top albums of all time and for good reason. Thank you!
I think the whole post punk and new wave scene is a different beast , a different ethos of music. You have to get in into it to appreciate it. I love it, but it has been taken a while. Bye
Always happy to listen to something new!
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.
"Impossible Germany" is a ridiculously good song. Nels Cline is a friggin' genius guitar player.
Nels Cline actually plays part of Marquee Moon in Handshake Drugs live
There's an interview where he said it and I never noticed it before.
Just a thought I had - I wonder what your reaction would be to "Frankie Teardrop" by Suicide.
Hmmm . . .
I used to dj at a college radio station. We used to throw this song on to grab a smoke.
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?
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.
Television wasn't Post Punk, they were one of the original bands from Ground Zero - CBGB'S. Most people think of the Ramones and they sound as "Punk". BUt it was much more than that, it was a DIY reaction to prog and corporate rock, which at the time, was stifling new and fresh ideas. Just saying...
They were THE original CBGB band. Convinced the owner Hilly to let them play there in 1974. That's when Richard Hell was in the band.
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 have a buddy that would play and sing Johnathon Richman songs with his wife all the time. I loved them. UFO man and the beach is the best (cruddy sugar lemonade and I like people when they are on parade).
One of the best American songs ever!
Three great Television tunes: See No Evil, Glory, 1880 or So. Currently watching: Pennyworth, Harlots, Portlandia.
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!
Ty! Working on Rainbow!
"See no evil" is the magnum opus from this album. Don't forget to listen to it.
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.
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.
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
On TV we are watching hockey, news and Superstore (okay maybe that is Netflix).
Some songs gets better the more you hear them. This might be one. It is rock but I don't know that I would call it punk or prog though maybe it contains some of those elements. For a near punk experience I tend to listen to the Weakerthans "A Cat Name Virtute" or "The Reasons" or "Aside" or "This is a fire door never leave open".
The whole "Marquee Moon" album is one of the all-time greats!
Pick any song next: "Friction," "Venus," "Little Johnny Jewel." The guitar-weave is what Television was all about!
I remember reading online somewhere that this recording was a first take.
I'll continue to wish for "Neurosis - Stones from the Sky" Talk about atmosphere and emotion!
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.
It is hard to imagine that they were one of the first bands (if not the first) to play at CBGB along with The Ramones, and Richard Hell and the Voidoids.
Klaatu - Hope, the albun.
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!
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.
Nice! I watched the first season of Killing Eve and forgot to watch the next lol. I liked it, I just actually forgot
@@JustJP Justified is fantatistic. Lilyhammer is something else. It stars Steven Van Zandt from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and the Sopranos. It's about a member of the Mafia that moved to Norway in a witness protection program and proceeds to make his new home a place to practice his Mafia lifestyle. Strange premise, but very entertaining.
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
Ty Paul! I'm definitely open to try more 😃
He seems to be playing the guitar like a sitar in the instrumental portion. I'd say we're on the jump from glam to punk - kinda like the NY Dolls, but more artsy.
You should check out some Waterboys stuff, like Fisherman’s Blues, To Close to heaven, A Church not made with hands, This is the sea, A Pagan Place, Savage Earth Heart, there’s so many.
If you'd played the central guitar riff for me I would recognize it but I never would have been able to remember the lyrics, largely due to the vocal style, a sticking point in my life long love affair with rock n roll. This song, for instance, has intelligent, poetic lyrics that are are almost as incomprehensible as Louie Louie.
Very good song! though Venus by Television is my favourite one.
Love The Expanse! I do like Television and this song , but I think I like Tom Verlaines solo albums a bit more. In particular “ Words from the Front” from 1982.
If I can drag you kicking and Screaming into 2021 might I suggest Shame- Snow Day.
Tom Verlaine's voice reminds me of Michael Hutchence of INXS, RIP.
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.
Luna is a great band. Seen them a couple times. I think influenced by Television
i haven't managed to see them live, but do love their music! Glad you've seen them!
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 think Gordon of Violent Femmes yoinked their vocal style.
I like listening to this on repeat. I never want it to end.
nice, this is an essential.
Another band to explore would be The Smithereens.
"A Girl Like You" and "Only Memory" might be good starts.