What makes The Blow-Up by Television notable?

The Blow-Up received critical acclaim upon release, often noted for its intricate guitar work and lyrical depth. While it did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessor, Marquee Moon, it has been influential in shaping the art rock and post-punk genres, inspiring subsequent bands with its adventurous spirit and complex arrangements. Released in 1982, The Blow-Up is Television's third studio album, following their acclaimed debut Marquee Moon in 1977. By this point, the band had transitioned through various lineup changes and faced shifting dynamics within the punk and new wave scenes, making this record an exploration of their evolving sound amidst a changing musical landscape.

Who is The Blow-Up for?

The Blow-Up works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing experiences.

How many songs are on The Blow-Up?

The Blow-Up has 13 tracks, running approximately 84 minutes.

The Blow-Up

Television · 1982

84 min · 13 tracks · new wave

A kaleidoscopic blend of art rock and post-punk, infused with jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that challenge convention.

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Top tracks — play these first

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See No Evil — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound, combining a driving rhythm with poetic lyrics that reflect themes of perception and reality.
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Venus de Milo — With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this song showcases Television's ability to marry lyrical introspection with intricate guitar interplay.
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Foxhole — Highlighting a darker tone, this track demonstrates the band's experimental edge as it navigates themes of isolation and existential dread.
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Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door — Television's cover of this classic adds a unique twist, transforming Bob Dylan's original into a moody meditation that reflects their distinct artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate guitar work and abstract lyrics, though it lacks the cohesive flow of their earlier work.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate intricate guitar interplay, with dual melodies weaving in and out rather than following a standard verse-chorus structure.
The lyrics often present abstract imagery and introspective themes, challenging conventional songwriting norms.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing experiences
introspective late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1982, The Blow-Up is Television's third studio album, following their acclaimed debut Marquee Moon in 1977. By this point, the band had transitioned through various lineup changes and faced shifting dynamics within the punk and new wave scenes, making this record an exploration of their evolving sound amidst a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Talking Heads· Wire· The Velvet Underground