Elevation
Television
Television
Label: Elektra
Released: 1977
“Elevation” is the prototype for every U2, Police and R.E.M. song from 1980-1986, and then later, every alternative/post rock song from 2000 onwards. The brittleness of this song is like a cold, dark night on Ave A with someone following you in the shadows.
—Ethan Kaplan
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December 14th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
You know, I bought this CD a long time ago because it was supposed to be great. I never got into it the way I did The Talking Heads or the Ramones, or many of the other early New Wave/Indie/Alternative bands. Listening to this now, I can see what I didn’t like, but I can also see what I missed.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
The guitar riff reminds me of Greg Kihn’s “Break Up Song”
December 14th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
A classic! Tom Verlaine absolutely rules!! The riffs are tight, it has great bass lines, and the drumming is excellent……..and the singing through a pissed-off young man still makes me feel as young as I did when this was new!
Thanks DFD!
December 14th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
According to Wiki, Tom Verlaine turned 60 yesterday. Happy Birthday to a great guitarist!!
December 14th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
What a sound ! Had it when it was new and it sounds great today.
December 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I knew of this band, but did not get turned on UNTIL today. Thanks!
this is tight.
December 14th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Nice DFD! If you like this…the rest of the album plays well too. Especially the lead guitar in the title cut…
December 14th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
It’s like David Byrne meets Greg Kihn, and very good I will add. : o
December 14th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
This is a great album.
I wish Richard Hell had stayed in the band long enough to record something.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
A record I return to again and again.
It still sounds great after all these years.
“Prove It” is another great one off that album.
A classic!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I loved this when I was a kid and love it just as much today. Thanks, DFD. You’ve made my day by showcasing this.
December 14th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I like the way the guitar “meows”. Kitties in the alleyway; psycho killer in the doorway. Always walk along the edge of the sidewalk at night; that way, nobody can grab you from the shadows.
Thanks, Mr. Kaplan! Good choice.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:31 am
The only band of 100’s I saw that was booed off stage after 3 songs.
December 15th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Underappreciated band…Verlaine was NYC punk before it was fashionable. For those of you who don’t know the album, check it out. I think it’s a must have for a music collection.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
classic album. this song is nowhere near the best on it. the whole first side is better. but get it if you don’t have it for damn sure. i never saw them with hell but verlaine and richard lloyd on guitars are awesome.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
The album that introduced me to the New York punk revolution. It has a primitive back alley kind of vibe: drums bass guitars weaving together like strands of dark wires: I was immediately drawn into the jerky stop and go rhythms … and the highly underrated lyrics of urban surrealism. The second album was kind of a disappointment after Marquee Moon’s revelation — they never topped it.
December 17th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I’m embarrassed to say I got into them thru the Television reunion album, which is good. This is pretty creative.
I think the poster is overstating the case for influencing R.E.M., tho. They don’t sound anything like this to me.
Saw Tom Verlaine playing guitar with Patti Smith, opening up for Neil Young/Crazy Horse, 1996.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Great track. I was unfamiliar with this band but really enjoy them. Jon Wyderka
December 20th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Bought this lp when it was first released. Still enjoy listening to it occasionally today.
January 1st, 2010 at 6:54 am
BLAH!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I dont remember the band or the song but it was a good pick