#107 Television, 'Marquee Moon' (1977)

Previously #130

This album was a major highlight for me last time around. Television’s Post-Punk debut albumwas a landmark in alternative music. The band had spent the early-to-mid-‘70s kicking around the New York music scene. Having gained a cult following and decent reputation, they were being courted by multiple major labels, including Island Records, with whom they had recorded demos produced by Brian Eno. The band abandoned them as they felt Eno’s sound wasn’t the right fit for them. The band would go on to share a residency at the famous CBGB with Patti Smith, who was iinstrumental in eventually getting them signed.

The music on the album is quite varied. It’s Post-Punk at heart, yet it’s filled with Jazz and Rock ‘n Roll influences. It’s a New York record through and through, with many references to Manhattan throughout. The album is a solid listen from start to finish, but there are some standouts on the record for me, including opening track, ‘See No Evil,’ and the title track, a 10 and a half minute masterpiece. This record would go on to influence artists such as Pixies, U2, R.E.M. and Sonic Youth, amongst others. The Edge admitted to wanting to sound like them and that the title track changed the way he through about guitar. The song that would play a major part in influencing his sound and therefore U2’s sound as a whole. It was also a major influence on Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante. Still such a fantastic record.

#rs500albums