MusicFreaks

Tag: Slint

  • Television icon Tom Verlaine’s huge personal record collection to go on sale

    A Lifetime in Vinyl: The Iconography of Tom Verlaine’s Record Collection Goes Public

    The world of music is celebrating a significant milestone this week as the extensive personal record collection of Television frontman Tom Verlaine is being released to the public. Following his passing in January 2023 at the age of 73, this archive offers fans a unique and intimate glimpse into the eclectic musical tastes of the trailblazing New York artist.

    Spanning an astonishing four thousand records, Verlaine’s collection is far more than just music; it is a physical map of a lifetime spent immersed in the art form. The first batch of these treasured items is now available for purchase through Discogs, with further titles slated for sale in person at Academy Records’ location in Brooklyn later this summer.

    What makes this collection particularly compelling is its sheer diversity. It pulls from the rich tapestry of musical history, encompassing jazz, avant-garde, garage rock, psychedelia, and experimental sounds. This breadth perfectly mirrors Verlaine’s own adventurous spirit as a musician and collector.

    Among the treasures within are personal copies of Television’s foundational work, including their debut single Little Johnny Jewel and their landmark 1977 album, Marquee Moon. Beyond his own band, the collection features records by a wide array of influential artists, such as The 13th Floor Elevators, Nico, Albert Ayler, The Sonics, Love, and Slint.

    This archive doesn’t just document Verlaine’s musical interests; it illuminates his constant engagement with the wider world of music. As one observer noted, the collection acts less like a mirror and more like an X-ray, revealing an active pursuit of discovery rather than simply chasing established masterpieces.

    The importance of this legacy is underscored by the tributes that followed his passing. Legendary artists across the spectrum paid homage to Verlaine’s impact, including Michael Stipe, Flea, Kim Gordon, and Steve Albini. Patti Smith also shared a heartfelt reflection on his unique presence, noting, “There was no one like Tom. The love in his eyes and his turtle laugh.”

    Television remains one of the defining voices of the 1970s New York punk scene, emerging from the gritty atmosphere of CBGB alongside contemporaries like Patti Smith, Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads. Their debut album, Marquee Moon, remains a touchstone for influential guitar music of that era.

    The release of this collection is a powerful testament to Tom Verlaine’s enduring influence—a reminder that the pursuit of music is an endless journey, filled with adventure and discovery. His 4,000 records offer not just artifacts, but a vibrant chronicle of a remarkable artistic life.

    Credit: NME

  • How Violet Grohl Unearthed A Squirrel Bait Classic

    The echoes of the 1980s punk scene often linger in unexpected places, proving that some foundational sounds possess a durability far beyond their initial context. This is the story of Squirrel Bait and how a forgotten group from Louisville managed to ripple through generations of musicians, shaping sonic landscapes long after their heyday.

    The connection between this obscure band and contemporary music is more profound than most realize. Recently, Violet Grohl and her band brought the impact of Squirrel Bait‘s influential track “Sun God” to New York’s Pier 17. While this moment might seem niche to casual listeners, it highlights a fascinating chain of influence that connects underground rock history to modern artistry.

    The lineage is rich with history. Violet Grohl’s father, Dave Grohl, has long championed Squirrel Bait as one of his most formative underground influences. This deep-seated appreciation extends across decades, even finding nods in major acts; Peter Searcy, the band’s vocalist, shared the track with Dave Grohl during a Foo Fighters performance in Birmingham, Alabama, thirty years after Squirrel Bait disbanded.

    Beyond those famous moments, Squirrel Bait’s influence became foundational for numerous subsequent musical outfits. Members of the band went on to form groups like Slint, Gastr Del Sol, Bastro, Papa M, and the For Carnation, transforming their Reagan-era aggression into more esoteric and complex sonic explorations.

    This lineage is clearly feeding into the current generation of artists. Violet herself noted that Squirrel Bait was among her favorite, criminally underrated bands, and their sound was circulating among her peers while she was developing her own guitar-heavy debut. This connection became a subtle thread in the fabric of modern indie music.

    The influence is so deep that it touches even those working in avant-garde spaces. Guitarist David Grubbs, a figure who has carved out a career teaching music technology and composition, remains connected to the legacy. He continues to explore this history through collaborations, including work on the album Somewhere in the Wind with Loren Connors.

    The enduring spirit of these underground sounds encourages reflection on how we consume and value music. It prompts questions about nostalgia, performance, and the passage of time. The realization that a band from four decades ago continues to resonate demonstrates the power of authentic, raw musical energy.

    This historical thread reminds us that even seemingly obscure acts leave an indelible mark. They remind us that sometimes the most impactful music doesn’t make it into the mainstream immediately, but quietly filters down, shaping the tastes and creativity of those who follow.

    Credit: Spin

  • Tom Verlaine’s vinyl collection to be sold through Discogs & NYC’s Academy Records

    The world of music is constantly evolving, but sometimes the greatest treasures are quietly being offered up for public enjoyment. Now, a fascinating chapter in rock history is opening its doors as the extensive record collection of late television frontman Tom Verlaine begins its journey into the marketplace.

    This isn’t just a simple sale; it’s an invitation to explore the deep, passionate world of one of rock’s most influential figures. Starting Friday, June 26, fans can begin acquiring pieces from this remarkable collection of nearly 4000 LPs through Discogs and NYC’s Academy Records.

    The story behind the sale is steeped in trust and shared musical history. Academy Records founder Mike Davis recalls how his connection with Verlaine deepened over two decades, eventually leading to a unique arrangement for Verlaine’s records. It was a transaction built on mutual respect, turning personal memory into public treasure.

    Verlaine’s collection is more than just vinyl; it is an X-Ray of a constant, active engagement with music, mapping a lifetime of discovery rather than simply holding static artifacts. As one observer noted, the collection reflects a spirit of adventure and exploration, showing how music moves through time and between hands.

    What is on offer ranges from iconic debut singles like Television’s Little Johnny Jewel and Marquee Moon, to essential deep cuts such as The 13th Floor Elevators’ Easter Everywhere, and foundational works from artists like Nico and Albert Ayler. Among the treasures available are tracks from Love’s self-titled debut, Slint’s Spiderland, and much more.

    The appeal of this trove lies in its accessibility. While some pieces command high prices, others are available at accessible rates, with many records priced between $10 and $50, while rare items can reach up to $1000. This ensures that a fan doesn’t need to be a wealthy collector to own a piece of Verlaine’s musical history.

    The process for acquiring these works is structured and transparent. The initial release begins online on Discogs, followed by in-person opportunities at Academy Records Annex in Brooklyn. A subsequent drop will also occur on Discogs, ensuring that collectors can engage with this legacy both digitally and physically.

    Every purchase made through Discogs will come with a certificate of authenticity, verifying that the record originated directly from Tom Verlaine’s personal collection. It is a vibrant opportunity for music lovers everywhere to connect with an incredible musical journey, ensuring that these stories and sounds continue to circulate in the world.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Tom Verlaine’s Record Collection Up For Sale

    Tom Verlaine at the Breekend Festival in Bree, Belgium, in 1985 (photo: Gie Knaeps / Getty Images).

    The sonic landscape of a truly singular musical mind is often best preserved in the silence after the final note. Three years after the passing of guitarist, singer, and poet Tom Verlaine, his famously discerning ear is finally being opened to the public. Fans and collectors are now getting a chance to explore the restless curiosity that defined his work by accessing his personal vinyl archive.

    This carefully curated collection, amassed over decades, offers another profound glimpse into the downtown New York milieu from which Television emerged. It’s more than just music; it’s an artifact of a cultural moment, reflecting the eclectic tastes that shaped Verlaine’s unique sound.

    The opportunity to delve into this hidden world begins Friday, June 26, as records from Verlaine’s private collection become available for purchase through Discogs. For those seeking an immersive experience, a curated in-person selection will also land at Brooklyn institution Academy Records on July 10 and 11.

    Verlaine’s library is a stunning cross-section of musical history, spanning jazz, avant-garde, garage rock, psychedelia, experimental music, and underground classics. It paints a vivid portrait of the era that birthed Television, showcasing diverse influences alongside the groundbreaking sounds that defined his career.

    Among the treasures awaiting discovery are Verlaine’s own copies of Television‘s debut single Little Johnny Jewel and its towering 1977 album Marquee Moon. The archive also includes rare releases by influential acts such as the 13th Floor Elevators, Nico, Albert Ayler, the Sonics, Love, and Slint.

    Purchases made via Discogs come complete with certificates of authenticity confirming provenance, ensuring that these treasures are handled with the respect they deserve. Unsold inventory will return to the marketplace for a final round starting July 31.

    The connection between the collection and the record world is deeply personal. As one participant noted, Verlaine’s trust in certain shops paved the way for this incredible release. He had known Academy Records owners Mike and Cory Feierman for two decades, sharing an undeniable passion for records that spanned their entire lives.

    Another observer noted that Verlaine approached his buying with a spirit of adventure rather than simply chasing established rock idols. This sense of discovery is what makes this archive so compelling—a true testament to the beautiful, trusting nature of record culture itself. The legacy of Tom Verlaine continues to resonate, now available for anyone ready to listen and explore the depth of his musical journey.

    Credit: Spin