Television’s Marquee Moon was a landmark album in music history despite receiving little in the way of commercial popularity, similar in that sense to Beach Boys 1966 album Pet Sounds. Its influence on the musical direction that would follow in the 1980’s is vast and wide-ranging– the stripped-down production of the album that gave clear space to each instrument would be copied ad nauseum by the post punk movement, complex jazz-chord progressions would steer the direction of New Wave guitarists for a decade, the syncopated rhythm section of drummer Billy Ficca and bassist Fred Smith would remain a cornerstone of alternative rock for generations, and the melodic components of Richard Lloyd’s vocals would go on to influence legions of Indie Rock singers. Put another way this was your favorite band’s favorite band, the muse that inspired their own creativity. I think Red Hot Chili Peppers legendary guitarist John Frusciante said it best when he said (in describing Marquee Moon’s guitar melodies) “It’s a reminder that none of those things that are happening in the physical dimension mean anything, whether it’s what kind of guitar you play or how your amp’s set up. It’s just ideas and emotion.”
Marque Moon would unfortunately go on to sell only 80,000 copies in the United States, leading to the band crumbling under the pressure missing their commercial expectations and breaking up the following year. But much like The Stone Roses self-titled debut that came out a decade later, its influence on the industry was undeniable. And it is still felt to this day.
Standout Songs: “Friction”, “Venus”, “Marquee Moon”, “Prove It”
