The lineage of garage rock: the footprints left by the mavericks from abroad
Garage rock, born from the underground scene of the 1960s.
Mavericks like The Devil Dogs and The White Stripes have delivered a raw yet fiery sound that stands apart from more polished music.
Tracing the footsteps of artists across the globe—from The Prisoners in the UK, to The Devil Dogs in New York, to The White Stripes in Detroit—we bring you the allure of garage rock, a genre that could be called the very origin of modern music.
The lineage of garage rock: The footprints left by overseas mavericks (1–10)
When The Sun Goes DownArctic Monkeys
They are a garage rock band from England formed in 2002, centered around Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders, and Nick O’Malley.
They’re a band with enough prowess to have performed at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.
Rock & Roll QueenThe Subways
An anthem of youth released in June 2005 by The Subways, who burst out of the UK indie rock scene.
It’s a track defined by energetic guitar riffs overflowing with youth and passion, and powerful vocals.
As a signature song from their debut album “Young for Eternity,” it reached No.
22 on the UK chart.
In addition to being featured on the soundtracks of the Hollywood films “Live Free or Die Hard” and “RocknRolla,” the band themselves appeared to perform it in a notable scene on the hit TV series The O.
C.
In 2020, they created versions in 20 languages to mark the song’s 15th anniversary.
A staple at major festivals like Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, this track is perfect for moments when you want to go all out with energy.
ActionThe Devil Dogs
The Devil Dogs—a band said to have revolutionized garage rock—delivered a sound that captivated the world, and longtime fans still talk about it to this day.
You can feel the sheer energy in every one of their hits.
Truly a genius trio born out of New York.
NaiveThe Kooks
This song, where nostalgic guitar riffs intersect with a powerful rhythm, is emblematic of 2000s British indie rock.
Released as a single by the Kooks in March 2006, it shines with a youthful glow in which the anxieties and expectations of romance intertwine.
With its catchy melody and lyrics that capture the sensibilities of young people, it reached No.
5 on the UK Singles Chart and became the 19th best-selling single of the year in the UK.
Chosen as the fourth single from the album Inside In/Inside Out, it has been widely featured in film and TV soundtracks and has earned broad support, especially among younger listeners.
It’s the perfect track to color a page of youth—whether for conversations with friends or heart-fluttering moments of love.
I Love LAStarcrawler
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.
Sunday MorningThe Velvet Underground
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.
Consolation PrizesPhoenix
An ambitious work by France’s Phoenix that fuses guitar sounds evoking the roots of garage rock with a refined pop sensibility.
Released in 2006 from the album “It’s Never Been Like That,” this track establishes its own style while incorporating elements of ’60s garage rock and ’80s post-punk.
The music video, filmed over three nights in Paris, beautifully harmonizes performance scenes by the band with the city’s landscapes.
Its melodious progression and dynamic arrangement are exquisite, making it a song you’ll want to play in active situations like drives or parties.
As one of their signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the music scene, it continues to shine to this day.