Complete List Of Television Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Television was formed in New York City in 1973 by Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd on guitars, Richard Hell on bass, and Billy Ficca on drums. The band quickly became a staple of the burgeoning punk rock scene at CBGB, although their music was more complex and influenced by jazz and the Velvet Underground. After Richard Hell left the band in 1975, he was replaced by Fred Smith. Television’s lineup stabilized with Verlaine, Lloyd, Smith, and Ficca, and they released their debut album Marquee Moon in 1977. The album, known for its intricate guitar work and extended solos, received critical acclaim and reached number 28 on the UK Albums Chart.

Television released their second album, Adventure, in 1978, which showcased a more polished sound but did not achieve the same critical success as their debut. The band disbanded shortly after the release of Adventure due to internal tensions. They reunited briefly in 1992 to release a self-titled album, which was well-received but did not achieve significant commercial success. In addition to their three studio albums, Television has released several live albums, including The Blow-Up (1982), Live at the Academy, 1992 (2003), and Live at the Old Waldorf (2003). They have also released compilation albums like The Miller’s Tale: A Tom Verlaine Anthology (1996) and Television – The Complete Elektra Recordings (2003).

Although Television never achieved mainstream success, their influence on the punk and post-punk movements is significant. Their debut album, Marquee Moon, is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time and has inspired countless musicians. The band’s members, particularly Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, are celebrated for their innovative guitar techniques and have left a lasting legacy in the world of alternative rock.

Television Studio Albums

Marquee Moon

Released: February 8, 1977

Marquee Moon is the debut studio album by Television, recorded at A&R Studios in New York City in September 1976. The album was produced by Andy Johns and Tom Verlaine. Known for its intricate guitar work and innovative sound, Marquee Moon has been highly influential in the development of punk and post-punk music. The album reached number 28 on the UK Albums Chart and number 92 in Australia.

CD Track Listings:

“See No Evil” – 3:56
“Venus” – 3:51
“Friction” – 4:44
“Marquee Moon” – 10:40
“Elevation” – 5:07
“Guiding Light” – 5:36
“Prove It” – 5:00
“Torn Curtain” – 7:00

Adventure

Released: April 7, 1978

Adventure is Television’s second studio album, recorded at Soundmixers and Record Plant Studios in New York City from September 1977 to February 1978. The album was produced by John Jansen and Tom Verlaine. While not as critically acclaimed as their debut, Adventure continued to showcase the band’s distinctive sound and reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart.

CD Track Listings:

“Glory” – 3:11
“Days” – 3:15
“Foxhole” – 4:49
“Careful” – 3:19
“Carried Away” – 5:14
“The Fire” – 5:56
“Ain’t That Nothin'” – 4:53
“The Dream’s Dream” – 6:46

Television

Released: 1992

Television is the band’s third studio album, recorded at Sorcerer Sound and The Hit Factory in New York City in 1991. The album was produced by Television and features a more polished sound compared to their earlier work. Despite not charting as high as their previous albums, it was well-received by fans and critics alike.

CD Track Listings:

“1880 or So” – 3:41
“Shane, She Wrote This” – 4:21
“In World” – 4:13
“Call Mr. Lee” – 4:17
“Rhyme” – 4:48
“No Glamour for Willi” – 5:00
“Beauty Trip” – 4:22
“The Rocket” – 3:23
“This Tune” – 3:42
“Mars” – 4:56

Television Live Albums

The Blow-Up

Released: 1982

The Blow-Up is a live album by Television, recorded at the University of London Union on December 7, 1978, and at My Father’s Place in Roslyn, New York, on July 20, 1978. Released by ROIR, the album captures the band’s energetic live performances.

CD Track Listings:

“The Blow-Up” – 0:55
“See No Evil” – 4:21
“Prove It” – 5:20
“Elevation” – 4:36
“I Don’t Care” – 3:34
“Venus de Milo” – 3:45
“Foxhole” – 5:01
“Ain’t That Nothin'” – 6:13
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – 7:41
“Little Johnny Jewel” – 14:47
“Friction” – 5:12
“Marquee Moon” – 13:35
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – 5:20

Live at the Academy, 1992

Released: 2003

Live at the Academy, 1992 is a live album by Television, recorded at the Academy in New York City in 1992. Released by Oh Boy Records, this album captures one of the band’s reunion performances.

CD Track Listings:

“1880 or So” – 4:29
“This Tune” – 3:46
“Venus” – 4:00
“Call Mr. Lee” – 5:29
“Prove It” – 5:09
“No Glamour for Willi” – 5:33
“The Rocket” – 3:42
“Glory” – 5:01
“See No Evil” – 4:14
“Marquee Moon” – 15:14

Live at the Old Waldorf

Released: 2003

Live at the Old Waldorf is a live album by Television, recorded at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco on June 29, 1978. Released by Rhino Handmade/Elektra, this album is a testament to the band’s live performances during their peak years.