My god, these guys were cool. And even if they weren't born in the city, Television's Marquee Moon represents a distinctively progressive New York sound. They were the first rock group to perform at heyday-era CBGB's during the rise of Blondie, Talking Heads and The Ramones–and yet they were totally unique. Even today, the sound is special, different and unsurpassed.
If you haven't heard of them it might be because they only developed a cult following and never really “made it” like their peers here in America, though they were quickly and lovingly accepted in Europe. But time has been very good to this record and a new generation has become devoted fans of their interweaving guitars and snotty vocals.
This is another great album where every song is exceptional and it can be played from beginning to end on repeat. My favorites, if I was forced to choose, are Marquee Moon, Venus, See No Evil, and Guiding Light. You can listen to Venus and the phenomenal titular track in the music player linked at the top of the page.
But what do you think?