Marquee Moon Review: Guitars Like Lightning
9.5/10 — Television - Marquee Moon (1977)
Pros
- Interlocking guitar brilliance
- 'Marquee Moon' title track
- Taut, inventive songs
Cons
- Acquired-taste vocals
- Cerebral tone
Television emerged from New York’s CBGB scene with a sound that was brainy and spiky rather than basic punk. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd’s guitars weave around one another throughout.
What works
The ten-minute title track is a thrilling, improvisatory highlight, and ‘See No Evil’ and ‘Venus’ are taut and exciting. The rhythm section keeps everything propulsive, and Verlaine’s high, strange voice suits the songs.
Where it falters
Verlaine’s vocals are an acquired taste, and it’s a cool, cerebral album.
Verdict
A dazzling, influential post-punk debut.
