BMD, it is always a pleasure to find somebody with passion for music. And I mean with tastes well beyond the usual hit-pop-chart stuff. Too bad that here in Greece I can't find many people to even meet and listen together and discuss about these things. And now with the crisis on top, it is sure hard even to enjoy music.
Someone said that the live shows of MK and BD remind them of religious-spiritual gatherings. I guess in a way the concerts are the new church. And that is part of a reason I DON'T like them that much any more. I like small venues, up to 500 people, I like the band hanging out with the audience afterwards, like friends, and yes, I like admiration but not worshiping. Fans many times have a twisted view and listening perspective, and this is bad for the artist and the music.
Anyway, I am getting carried away, what I mean is that the glorious days of the music boom, with countless indie labels and fine "corporate" releases, are over. The plethora of music you can find is so great that you can hardly focus on any to enjoy it. I find myself listening for the first time to records I bought 5 years ago! Of course it is not only because of the music business situation, I am growing older, having children is a fantastic thing but you have less time, and working your ass off to make ends meet is a sad situation, especially when you don't see any solid results for the future. That is why your enthusiasm fired up my enthusiasm! Thank you for that.
As for Television, I have the first Lloyd album, field of fire, but I was not impressed. But I will look up for the ones you mention. I have most of Verlaine's albums but due to the above situation, I have lost track of his work since 2001. But I adore Words from the front, his debut and Dreamtime, while Warm and Cool is the sound I much prefer now. I read about his "twins" albums released some 5 years ago but, there is no difference buying or downloading, since I can't find the time to listen to them. But sure, if I don't find them, I will let you know and we can work something out! By the way, you might like some of the late Wilco albums. Their guitar solo structures share the same pattern with Television's. Try "Sky blue sky" (and also there is a live called Kicking Television.
) . In a way they manage to bring together their original Americana with pop. In a more loose over view you can say that it is a younger man's mixture of MK with TV.
Pottel, you are trully an information well! You mention somewhere an MK collaboration with J.J.Cale (Merle Haggard was a joke? if not let me know about it) Is there a recording? Funny you should mention J.J. Cale, we all know the musical - journalistic connections with MK but it is funny because yesterday it was a J.J.Cale day for me. I listened to 4 of his albums back to back and only had to stop for my daughters.