Tom Verlaine, founder and frontman of the band Television, passed away on Saturday (Jan. 28) at the age of 73. Verlaine’s work was a major influence on post-punk and indie rock musicians. Television was part of the burgeoning punk and underground scene in New York City’s East Village in the 1970s. There, peers like Patti Smith, Blondie, and the Talking Heads were emerging at venues like CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City. Television’s 1977 debut album, Marquee Moon, fused punk with Verlaine’s unique singing voice and intricate guitar playing and is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

Let’s honor Tom Verlaine’s life and legacy with a playlist of music that represents the scene he helped cultivate. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are some songs from the underground punk/new wave scene of NYC’s East Village in the 70s?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played:
Television – See No Evil
Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
Talking Heads – Love Goes to Building on Fire
Patti Smith – We Three
Richard Hell and The Voidoids – Love Comes In Spurts
Blondie – (I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence, Dear
Elvis Costello – Mystery Dance
The Cramps – Goo Goo Muck
The Damned – New Rose
New York Dolls – Personality Crisis (Bonus!)