Album of the Day

On this day in 1975, Patti Smith and Television began a 7-week residency at CBGB, helping turn the New York City club into a punk mecca. Yet when it came time for the latter band to cut their debut album it was hardly fast and furious; frontman Tom Verlaine had meticulously mapped out MARQUEE MOON, and the group was so well-rehearsed that most songs were recorded in one or two takes. Guitarists Verlaine and Richard Lloyd bring a spirit of exploration that’s akin to the best jazz improvisation, even if the songs themselves - from opener “See No Evil” to “Prove It,” “Friction” and the near 10-minute title track - aren't far from garage rock. Acclaimed as one of the greatest alternative rock albums of all time, MARQUEE MOON was a major influence on bands from U2 to the Strokes, and will still send any guitar fan into orbit.