The lineage of garage rock: the footprints left by the mavericks from abroad

Slow DeathThe Flamin’ Groovies

FLAMIN GROOVIES Slow Death Live TV 1972

It is a garage rock band formed in San Francisco, USA, in 1965, centered around Cyril Jordan, Roy Loney, and Tim Lynch.

Until their breakup in 1992, they continued to pursue their own rock style without going against the times.

Doing It To DeathThe Kills

The Kills – Doing It To Death (Official Video)

A British-American duo that fuses raw sensuality with a sophisticated sound, The Kills deliver a gem from their album Ash & Ice.

Released in March 2016, this work is an ambitious effort completed five years after the previous release, overcoming the guitarist’s rehabilitation.

The heavy guitar riffs and minimal drum beats strike a perfect balance, while Alison Mosshart’s cool yet alluring vocals captivate.

Centered on themes of repetition and exhaustion, the track portrays the cycle of desire and pleasure, and its stylish visual aesthetic, directed by Wendy Morgan, also drew attention.

It’s a must-listen for those who pursue rock ’n’ roll with stoic intensity and for anyone seeking underground sounds.

Sunday MorningThe Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground, Nico – Sunday Morning

Born from New York’s underground scene, the Velvet Underground’s dreamlike song paints a tranquil morning scene while deftly expressing urban emotions like loneliness and anxiety.

The celesta’s floating sound and Lou Reed’s gentle vocals lead listeners into a fantastical world.

Released as a single in December 1966, it went on to open the 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico.

Its allure remains undimmed today—Michael Stipe of R.E.M.

covered the song for the 2021 tribute album I’ll Be Your Mirror.

It’s a track that stays close to your heart when you want to spend some solitary time in the quiet of morning.

I Love LAStarcrawler

Starcrawler – I Love LA

A bona fide force of rough-edged yet catchy garage rock, Starcrawler delivers a passionate love letter to Los Angeles.

Featured on their debut album “Starcrawler,” released in January 2018, this track blazes with guitar riffs infused with the spirit of ’70s punk and glam rock, while Arrow de Wilde’s provocative vocals ring out.

Their performance on the BBC music show “Later… with Jools Holland” sparked a surge of devoted support from rock fans across Europe and the U.S.

Paired with visually striking footage that captures everyday life in Los Angeles, this anthem embodies the cries and freedom of youth.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves rebellious rock ’n’ roll.

Louie LouieThe Kingsmen

Louie Louie

The legendary track left by the Portland, Oregon garage rock band The Kingsmen in 1963 was recorded in a single take on a budget of only a few hundred dollars.

The lead vocalist, singing indistinctly through dental braces, turned the song into such a social phenomenon that the FBI investigated it for two years.

Included on the album “The Kingsmen in Person,” the track reached No.

2 on the charts and held that position for six weeks.

It later ranked fifth on Rolling Stone’s “40 Songs That Changed the World,” and in 1999 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Its simple chord progression and rhythm, along with its raw yet energetic performance, left a major mark on music history as a foundation of punk rock and garage rock.

Brimming with youthful passion and energy, this is a must-hear for music fans who want to experience rock at its roots.