Evan Laffer, musician and member of the band Television, discusses the influence of Television on the New York punk scene and their innovative approach to rock music. Topics include the band's poetic connections, the internal dynamics, and tensions within the band, their use of TV screens as stage design, and the impact of Richard Hell's departure. The podcast also explores the cultural placement of punk, the influence of feedback on artists, and the lasting legacy of Television's album 'Marquee Moon'.
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Quick takeaways
Television's influence and impact on the punk scene was notable, with their distinct sound and creative vision setting them apart from other bands.
The complicated relationship between Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, with creative clashes and power struggles, shaped the vision of the band.
Richard Hell's haircut, influenced by rock hairstyles, marked his role as a visionary and forefather of the punk aesthetic.
Television faced lineup changes and creative tensions, leading to the replacement of Richard Hell with Fred Smith.
Television's sound was characterized by long, intricate songs, virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of punk and non-punk influences.
Adventure, the second album by Television, represented a departure from their debut, showcasing a more introspective and less complex sound.
Deep dives
The Formation of Television
Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, two aspiring poets-turned-musicians, formed the band Television after being inspired by the New York Dolls. Richard Hell joined as a bassist, and Richard Lloyd, a talented guitarist, joined soon after. The dynamic between Verlaine and Hell was complicated, with contrasting artistic temperaments and conflicting ideas. They chose their stage names, Richard Hell and Tom Verlaine, to create a new identity for themselves.
The Clash of Personalities
Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell had a complicated relationship, with creative clashes and power struggles. Hell often felt overshadowed by Verlaine and played bass as a convenience rather than a passion. Verlaine was the primary songwriter and creator of the guitar parts, while Hell brought a distinctive vision and poetic sensibility. Richard Lloyd, with his unique talents, further emphasized the creative tension between Verlaine and Hell. Their individual strengths and differences ultimately shaped the vision of the band.
Nominative Determinism and the Band's Haircuts
Richard Hell's meticulous analysis of rock hairstyles influenced his decision to cut his and Tom Verlaine's long hair. Hell's rationale behind the haircut was based on the cultural significance and symbolism of Elvis Presley's ducktail and The Beatles' bowl cut. The haircut represented aspects of defiance, innocence, criminality, and perversion, which resonated with Hell's artistic intentions. The haircut also marked Hell's role as a visionary and forefather of the punk aesthetic. Richard Lloyd, on the other hand, adopted a no-thoughts-just-vibes approach, with his unique guitar prowess perfectly complementing Verlaine's musical direction.
Television's early struggles and lineup changes
Television faced challenges and lineup changes during their early years. Richard Hell, a founding member, left the band due to creative differences and Tom Verlaine's increasing influence. The band replaced Hell with Fred Smith, formerly of Blondie, and continued to play shows at CBGB's. They gained attention and received a positive review from Interview magazine. However, tensions within the band grew, with Verlaine asserting control over the direction of the band. They resisted signing with major record labels such as Sire and eventually signed with Elektra Records.
Evaluating Television's sound and Tom Verlaine's vision
Television's sound was characterized by long, intricate songs, virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of punk and non-punk influences. Verlaine's vision as the band's frontman embodied a conspiratorial and intense persona. His singing style was often described as having a distinctive quality, with elements of defiance, tension, and a whisper-like quality. The band's music was seen as distinct from other punk bands of the time, with Verlaine's songwriting being praised for its poetic and esoteric nature.
Television's influence and their unique position in the punk scene
Television's impact on the punk scene was notable, with their shows attracting a fervent audience and their music being described as transcending the punk genre. Their music embodied a sense of ambition and complexity, with their improvisational live performances and longer songs setting them apart from other bands. While some critics and observers saw similarities between Television and other influential bands like the Velvet Underground or the Grateful Dead, their distinctive sound and creative vision remained unique and captivating.
Main Idea 1
Adventure, the second album by Television, is a departure from their debut album, Marquee Moon. Tom Verlaine's songwriting takes a more introspective and less complex turn on this record, resulting in a collection of sunny and less intricate songs. While some critics praised the album for its relaxed and dreamy quality, others found it lacking the visceral intensity of Marquee Moon.
Main Idea 2
The production of Adventure, handled by John Jansen, is deemed less sophisticated and compelling than their debut. Richard Lloyd, the band's guitarist, expressed his disappointment with the album, citing the inclusion of what he considered silly songs and throwaway lyrics. However, Adventure found success in England and Europe, where it sold more copies than in the United States.
Main Idea 3
Tom Verlaine's influences during the making of Adventure included diverse sources such as the Twilight Zone soundtrack, dervish music, modern jazz, and rockabilly. Despite mixed reviews, Adventure represents a departure from the more complex musical style of Marquee Moon, opting for a sunnier and less intricate sound. While some tracks received praise, others were criticized for their perceived lack of depth and substance compared to their debut album.
Television's Impact on Music
Television, particularly their album Marquee Moon, is considered one of the most significant bands and works in modern music. They introduced a new wave of music and inspired many artists. Their unique blend of attitude, musicality, and poetry created a distinct sound that combined elements of punk, jazz, and blues. Television's influence on the music scene, especially in New York City during the 1970s, is profound and continues to resonate with fans today.
Tom Verlaine's Musical Journey
Tom Verlaine, the driving force behind Television, embarked on a musical journey that showcased his conceptual restlessness and force of personality. From the groundbreaking Marquee Moon to their self-titled album, Verlaine pushed boundaries and experimented with different styles and sounds. His ability to create intimate and strange music that felt detached yet captivating set Television apart from other bands. Verlaine's passion for exploring new territories and his distinct musical vision continue to make their work compelling and timeless.
Arguably the band to start the CBGBs scene paving the way for the Ramones, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Blondie and more, was a band called Television. One of the most innovative bands of the early New York "punk" scene, Television were there and then they weren’t and then like 15 years later, they were again. Their influence casts a long shadow, and the music continues to influence artists today. Press play to find out why Television didn’t become their own sort of Grateful Dead.
Follow Evan Laffer on Twitter @EvanLaffer
Listen to songs we detail in the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2qLN6afJvq9o3ZUzU5Ssfa?si=7a167bfdfdf24f84&nd=1
