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

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.

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.

Hate to Say I Told You SoThe Hives

The Hives – Hate to Say I Told You So (Official Music Video)

The Hives, a cutting-edge band from Sweden, struck the 2000s garage rock scene with a stunning blow through overwhelming power and an aggressive sound.

Featured on the album Veni Vidi Vicious, this track erupts with Howlin’ Pelle’s gruff vocals riding atop a raw groove forged by explosive guitar riffs and a razor-sharp rhythm section.

In 2002, it reached No.

23 on the UK singles chart and was featured on the soundtrack of the film Spider-Man as well as in the video game Forza Horizon.

It became a symbol of the band’s meteoric rise, culminating in a $10 million deal with Universal Music.

Carrying the primal impulse of early punk into the present, this track grips rock fans seeking a return to their roots and never lets go.

Dirty WaterThe Standells

The Standells – Dirty Water (Stereo)

An explosive track released in November 1965 by The Standells, the American garage rock band known for their gritty guitar riffs and rebellious spirit.

Inspired by producer Ed Cobb’s real-life experience of being robbed in Boston, the song masterfully weaves in social satire of the time.

The fusion of sharp guitar sounds and an energetic organ creates a defiant melody that captivated young listeners.

It became a major hit, reaching No.

11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is still beloved today as a go-to victory anthem for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins.

A landmark of garage rock, this is a must-listen for all music fans with a rebellious streak.

Ever Lovin’ ManThe Dirtbombs

The Dirtbombs – Ever Lovin’ Man (Live at Amoeba)

A raw yet beautiful track where the spirit of garage rock and soul merges into one.

This song by Detroit’s proud The Dirtbombs is a 2-minute-45-second masterpiece woven from a heavy rhythm section, searing guitars, and Mick Collins’s passionate vocals.

Featured on the album “We Have You Surrounded,” released in February 2008, it stands out within a work themed around urban anxiety and alienation for its straightforward take on love.

The thick groove born from the band’s unique lineup—two drummers and two bassists—is quintessential Dirtbombs.

It’s a must-hear not only for rock fans seeking a return to music’s roots, but for anyone hungry for a genuine, soul-stirring sound.

Superstar TradesmanThe View

The View – Superstar Tradesman (Video)

This is the crystallization of a dandy spirit, marked by a striking guitar riff infused with a rebellious streak for the working class.

Released in October 2006 by the Scottish indie rock band The View, the track channels the fervor of youth into an energetic garage sound.

It reached No.

15 on the UK Singles Chart and earned strong media recognition, including being selected as the opening theme for The Friday Night Project.

Its simple yet powerful performance and lyrics steeped in local pride are sure to resonate with young people determined to forge their own path.

Featured on the album Hats Off to the Buskers, this song stands as a landmark track that encapsulates the essence of The View as a band.

Surfin BirdThe Trashmen

The Trashmen – Surfin Bird – Bird is the Word 1963 (ALT End with Andre Van Duin) (UNOFFICIAL VIDEO)

It is a garage rock band formed in the 1960s by a core lineup including Tony Anderson, Dal Winslow, Bob Reed, Mark Anderson, and Robin Reed.

Although they disbanded after a brief five-year run that left a strong impact, they reunited in the 1980s and have been actively performing since.