Get ready for the ultimate treasure hunt as the vast record collection of Tom Verlaine, the enigmatic frontman of American punk icons Television, comes up for grabs. Spanning an astonishing 4,000 titles, this incredible archive is a window into the musical mind of a true pioneer who helped shape the New York scene in the 1970s.
The sale has kicked off with an initial batch available on Discogs from June 26, followed by in-person sales at Academy Records' Banker Street location in Brooklyn on July 10 and 11. And if that's not enough, any remaining records will be back online on Discogs on July 31. What's more, all purchases through Discogs come with a certificate of authenticity – a holy grail for collectors.
Verlaine's collection is an eclectic mix of genres: jazz, avant-garde, garage rock, psychedelia, and experimental music all feature alongside his own Television treasures like 'Little Johnny Jewel' and the iconic 'Marquee Moon'. It's a veritable who's who of influential artists – think The 13th Floor Elevators, Nico, Albert Ayler, The Sonics, Love, and Slint.
Cory Feierman, co-owner of Academy Records, likens Verlaine's collection to an 'X-ray' rather than a 'mirror image', revealing a constant quest for discovery. Russ Ryan of Discogs adds that the collection represents 'a lifetime of his digging' – a testament to Verlaine's insatiable hunger for new sounds.
Television was part of the vibrant New York scene in the 1970s, rubbing shoulders with legends like Patti Smith, Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads. Their debut album 'Marquee Moon' is still widely regarded as a landmark recording – one that's influenced generations of guitarists.
Verlaine may have left us in January 2023, but his legacy lives on through this remarkable collection, which promises to delight fans and collectors alike. And with tributes pouring in from the likes of Michael Stipe, Flea, Kim Gordon, Steve Albini, and Patti Smith, it's clear that Verlaine's impact will be felt for years to come.