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THE REVIEW
I began listening to "Adventure" when I started to love "Marquee Moon." It didn't impress me much at first, sure, some songs were nice, but not like those from the first album. Then now, the revelation. It's been so evident that, in truth, Adventure was no less than their masterpiece that I was stunned. I know, it's a debatable position. It's obvious that the album I re-evaluated so quickly was released in the wake of a milestone, but there's something in it that holds the tone of the firstborn. It's a compact work, as brief as it is expressive. All the ingredients of "Marquee Moon" are present: Verlaine's voice fused with the acidic tones of his guitar with almost Middle Eastern riffs, contradicting the classicism of the second guitar. It's an underrated album, in the shadow of its older brother. But this is not justified, because there's not a song that's out of place, they are all beautiful, from beginning to end. They form a supreme harmony in their succession. And then there's the lyrics. They are poems, true poems.
Psychedelia doesn't have to be an obscene sound incomprehensible to the human ear, an acoustic depravity, a violence. It can penetrate the human soul much more easily, in a sweeter way, as Television did with their first two albums. They conquered mine. After every listen, I am afflicted by a sense of fully human lightness. Their music squints your eyes so that you see only beautiful things, that is, those worth looking at. After half an hour of Television, I feel like I do after reading 'The Stranger.' Tom Verlaine is Mersault who is in prison, above Algiers, from where he sees the sea, captivated by the vision of the setting sun.
Foxhole is nothing short of angry. Carried Away is compelling. Ain't That Nothing is detached. The Fire is mystical. And so on. Every song from the first album mirrors one from the second, but they never form a fixed pair. The impressions these melodies generate are changeable with each listen. It's no coincidence that when I indulge in "Adventure" or "Marquee Moon," it always feels like I'm hearing them for the first time.
So, have the courage to embark on this Adventure, with dear old Tom.
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Summary by Bot
Initially less impressive than their debut, Television's Adventure reveals itself as a masterpiece on closer listening. The album maintains the band's signature guitar interplay and poetic lyrics, offering a compact and expressive journey. It balances psychedelia with emotional accessibility and continues to reward repeated listens with fresh impressions. Adventure deserves recognition beyond the shadow of Marquee Moon.
Television
Television is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. Core members include Tom Verlaine (vocals, guitar), Richard Lloyd (guitar), Billy Ficca (drums), and Fred Smith (bass; replacing founder Richard Hell). Central to the CBGB new wave scene, they debuted with Marquee Moon (1977), followed by Adventure (1978), disbanded, then reunited to release the self-titled Television (1992). They are renowned for intricate dual‑guitar interplay and literate, art‑punk songwriting.09 Reviews
Other reviews
By pana
The guitars of Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, sometimes whining and hysterical, sometimes soft and sweet, perfectly communicate with each other and with the drumming by Billy Ficca.
"Adventure" is a gem at least as far as its genre is concerned (whether it be pop rock, new wave, or post punk) and regarding its era (1977), in which many of the historic English bands were on the decline.
