Double live albums frequently come off as redundant and indulgent, but in the case of
Television,
The Blow-Up comes awfully close to being an essential document, simply because the band's studio albums didn't always capture the rawness and spontaneity that fueled their on-stage improvisations. Both of those qualities are present on
The Blow-Up in abundance; the sound quality is not exactly pristine, but the performances, recorded in 1978 on what proved to be the band's final tour, are exciting and frequently breathtaking, capturing a side of the band that will enlighten anyone wondering how
Television's intricate, layered sound was ever tagged "punk." Six songs from
Marquee Moon and two from
Adventure appear, plus covers of "Satisfaction," "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," and
the 13th Floor Elevators' "Fire Engine" (here renamed as the album's title track). It's interesting to hear the shorter songs outside of a studio setting, but the album's real treasures are the second half's nearly 15-minute versions of "Little Johnny Jewel" and "Marquee Moon," which are loaded with the improvisational fireworks that helped build
Television's reputation. Anyone seeking a more complete, rounded picture of the band after digesting
Marquee Moon should eventually find his way here. ~ Steve Huey