Television
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Television

Television formed in New York City in 1973, drawing from the Velvet Underground's experimental side and the minimalist approach of German bands like...

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Editor's note

Television's angular guitars and cryptic New York punk

The band that made 'Marquee Moon' defined a certain kind of downtown cool.

If you want to understand Television, start with 'Marquee Moon' and 'See No Evil.' That's where their particular tension lives.

Television's 1977 debut 'Marquee Moon' gave the New York punk scene something it didn't know it needed: seven-minute guitar explorations that felt both urgent and detached. Songs like 'Venus' and 'See No Evil' from that record captured their particular tension between punk's directness and something more atmospheric. They drew from the Velvet Underground's experimental side and Kraftwerk's minimalism, but ended up sounding like nobody else.

They formed in New York City in 1973 with members including Richard Hell and Billy Ficca. After 'Marquee Moon' in 1977 and 'Adventure' in 1978, the lineup shifted and they put out a few more records, including a self-titled one in 1992. But it's that first album that stuck.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 19
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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Television Television
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Television formed in New York City in 1973, drawing from the Velvet Underground's experimental side and the minimalist approach of German bands like Kraftwerk. Their sound settled into something built around angular guitar riffs and Tom Verlaine's cryptic lyrics, which set them apart in the city's punk scene.

Their 1977 debut album 'Marquee Moon' became their defining statement. The title track stretched past seven minutes, a winding exploration that felt both urgent and detached. Songs like 'Venus' and 'See No Evil' from that record captured their particular tension between punk's directness and something more atmospheric.

They released a second album, 'Adventure,' in 1978, but it didn't connect the same way. The band's lineup shifted over time, with Richard Hell and Billy Ficca among the early members. They put out a few more records, including a self-titled one in 1992, but it's that first album that stuck.

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Where should I start with Television on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Car 54, Foxhole, and Theme From Rawhide so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for Television?

LyroVerse currently has 47 visible lyric pages for Television.

Does Television have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 2 photos available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for Television?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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