If you want to get a sense of the passing of time through the deaths of musicians, go to wikipedia and look at how long that list is. Although not all by any means, but the ones who stand out for me for 2023 are:
Tom Verlaine died 1/28/23
Wayne Shorter died 3/2/23
Gordon Lightfoot died 5/1/23
Sinead O’Connor died 7/26/23
Robbie Robertson died 8/9/23
Tommy Smothers died 12/26/23

I have a feeling somebody’s going to cover many of these individuals and probably more than one person will. Tom Verlaine, a name that is lesser-known in my list will be my choice for today. I actually didn’t even know who he was until the last year or so, when I was introduced to his band’s music through a blog, spotify, etc. (sorry, forgot how now.) I bought a couple of Television’s albums and really love the vibe the music puts out. It’s so alive, which makes me mourn Tom’s loss even more.

Wikipedia says about the group:

Television was an American rock band from New York City, most notably active in the 1970s. The group’s most prominent lineup consisted of Tom Verlaine (vocals, guitar), Richard Lloyd (guitar), Billy Ficca (drums), and Fred Smith (bass). The band is considered influential in the development of punk and alternative rock.

Although they recorded in a stripped-down, guitar-based manner similar to their punk contemporaries, Television’s music was by comparison clean, improvisational, and technically proficient, drawing influence from jazz and 1960s rock.

The song I chose to share today, “Friction,” is from Television’s, “Marquee Moon,” their debut album, released in February, 1977. In the years leading up to the album, Television had become a prominent act on the New York music scene and generated interest from a number of record labels, eventually signing a record deal with Elektra. The group rehearsed extensively in preparation for Marquee Moon before recording it at A & R Recording in September 1976. It was produced by Verlaine and sound engineer Andy Johns.

Since we are talking about someone who you may not know much about (I’m learning more myself as I write this up) Tom Verlaine and the fact that he has passed away this year means I am including a little background info.

Wiki says:
Verlaine was born Thomas Joseph Miller in Denville, New Jersey, on December 13, 1949. His father, Victor Andrew Miller, was of Lithuanian heritage, but born in Coatbridge, Scotland. His mother, Lillian Barbara Dopko, was originally from Pennsylvania and of Polish gentile heritage. Tom had a twin brother, John Peter Miller (1949–1984), who died suddenly at age 34.

Television released two albums, Marquee Moon and Adventure, to great critical acclaim and modest sales before breaking up in July 1978.

Verlaine soon released a self-titled solo album that began a fruitful 1980s solo career that included 10 solo albums. He took up residence in England for a brief period. David Bowie covered Verlaine’s “Kingdom Come” on his Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) album in 1980. In the 1990s he collaborated with different artists, including Patti Smith, and composed a film score for Love and a .45. In the early 1990s, Television reformed to record one studio album (Television) and a live recording (Live at the Academy, 1992); they reunited periodically for touring. Verlaine released his first new album in many years in 2006, titled Songs and Other Things. In the 2010s, he kept on touring with Television, performing Marquee Moon in its entirety: he notably toured in Europe in 2014 and 2016.

Verlaine’s Death
Verlaine died in New York City on January 28, 2023, at the age of 73. According to his former Television band mate, Richard Lloyd, Verlaine had “been sick for quite a while,” battling prostate cancer, which had metastasized. Television had been asked to open a European tour for Billy Idol, but Verlaine’s doctors told him he was not in good enough health to do so.

I knew it must’ve been some big setup
All the action just would not let up
It’s just a little bit back from the main road
Where the silence spreads and the men dig holes

I start to spin the tale
You complain of my diction

You give me friction (friction)
You give me friction (friction)
You give me friction (friction)

My eyes are like telescopes
I see it all backwards, but who wants hope?
If I ever catch that ventriloquist
I’ll squeeze his head right into my fist

Something comes tracking in
What is it? What’s the prediction?

I’ll bet you it’s friction (friction)
I’ll bet you it’s friction (friction)
I’ll bet you it’s friction (friction)

How does a snake get out of its skin?
Alright, here’s a depiction

Oh, stop this head motion, set the sails
You know all us boys gonna wind up in jail

Well, I don’t wanna grow up
There’s too much contradiction

And too much friction (friction)
But I dig friction (friction)
You know I’m crazy ’bout friction (friction)
F-R-I-C-T-I-O-N

(Friction)
(Friction)
(Friction)

Songwriter: Tom Verlaine

Jim Adams is the host of Song Lyric Sunday.  This week Jim has asked us to share music from someone who has passed away in 2023.