Garage

Garage, also known as garage rock, is a musical genre that emerged in the United States during the mid-1960s. It is a raw and energetic style of rock and roll that is characterized by distorted guitar sounds, simple chord progressions, and a DIY ethos. The genre takes its name from the fact that many of its pioneers were young, amateur bands who rehearsed and performed in garages, basements, and other informal spaces. Garage rock was a response to the slick and polished music that was popular at the time. Many young musicians were dissatisfied with the overproduced pop songs that dominated the airwaves, and they sought to create a more authentic and rebellious sound. Garage rock was also influenced by the blues, R&B, and surf music that was popular in the early 1960s. The origins of garage rock can be traced back to a few key bands, such as The Sonics, The Kingsmen, and The Wailers. These groups were based in the Pacific Northwest and they became famous for their stripped-down and high-energy performances. The Sonics, in particular, are often cited as one of the most important garage rock bands of all time. Their 1965 album, "Here Are The Sonics!!" is a classic of the genre, and it features songs like "Have Love, Will Travel" and "The Witch" that are still beloved by music fans today. As garage rock grew in popularity during the mid-1960s, it began to spread to other parts of the country. The most famous example of this is the so-called "garage rock explosion" that occurred in Detroit in 1966 and 1967. Bands like The Stooges, MC5, and The Amboy Dukes were all part of this scene, and they helped to define the garage rock sound in their own unique ways. The Stooges, in particular, were known for their confrontational live shows and their hard-edged songs about drugs, sex, and violence. Garage rock also had a significant influence on the development of punk rock in the 1970s. Many of the early punk bands, such as The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, were heavily influenced by the DIY ethos of garage rock. They rejected the slick and polished sound of mainstream rock music and embraced the raw power of garage rock. The Ramones, in particular, were often described as a garage rock band that played punk rock.

The Stooges – A Detroit-based punk rock band formed in 1967, The Stooges were known for their raw and aggressive sound. Led by frontman Iggy Pop, they had a significant impact on the development of garage rock and laid the foundation for punk music. The Sonics – Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, The Sonics were a garage rock band that rose to prominence in the mid-1960s. Known for their energetic and raucous sound, they are often cited as an influence on punk music. The Seeds – Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, The Seeds were a psychedelic rock band that blended garage rock and blues influences. Led by charismatic frontman Sky Saxon, they had several hits in the late 1960s and influenced bands such as The Doors and Iggy Pop. The 13th Floor Elevators – An influential psychedelic rock band from Austin, Texas, The 13th Floor Elevators were known for their use of electric jug and frontman Roky Erickson's distinctive vocals. They were an important part of the Texas music scene in the 1960s and influenced bands such as The Flaming Lips and Primal Scream. The Gories – A Detroit-based garage rock band that formed in 1986, The Gories were known for their raw and stripped-down sound. They were an important part of the city's underground music scene in the 1980s and have been cited as an influence on bands such as The White Stripes. The Standells – A Los Angeles-based garage rock band formed in 1962, The Standells had several hits in the mid-1960s, including "Dirty Water" and "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White." They influenced the development of punk rock and are still active today. The Troggs – A British garage rock band formed in 1964, The Troggs had several hits in the 1960s, including "Wild Thing" and "With a Girl Like You." They were known for their simple and catchy songs and influenced the development of punk and new wave music. The Kingsmen – A Portland-based garage rock band formed in 1959, The Kingsmen had a massive hit in 1963 with their version of "Louie Louie." They influenced the development of punk rock and have continued to perform and record music over the decades. The Fleshtones – A New York-based garage rock band that formed in 1976, The Fleshtones were known for their energetic live shows and upbeat, danceable songs. They were an important part of the city's punk and new wave scene in the late 1970s and influenced bands such as The Hives and The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. The White Stripes – A Detroit-based garage rock duo formed in 1997, The White Stripes were known for their stripped-down sound and eclectic style. Led by guitarist and vocalist Jack White, they were one of the most popular and influential bands of the 2000s and continue to be an inspiration for new generations of rock musicians.

1. "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen 2. "My Generation" by The Who 3. "Wild Thing" by The Troggs 4. "96 Tears" by ? and the Mysterians 5. "Gloria" by Them 6. "Dirty Water" by The Standells 7. "Psychotic Reaction" by The Count Five 8. "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen 9. "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks 10. "Talk Talk" by The Music Machine 11. "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" by The Swingin' Medallions 12. "Little Latin Lupe Lu" by The Righteous Brothers 13. "Steppin' Out" by Paul Revere and The Raiders 14. "Hey Joe" by The Leaves 15. "A Legal Matter" by The Who 16. "I Fought The Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four 17. "Time Won't Let Me" by The Outsiders 18. "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s 19. "Strychnine" by The Sonics 20. "She's About A Mover" by Sir Douglas Quintet 21. "Journey To Tyme" by The Night Crawlers 22. "Little Girl" by Syndicate of Sound 23. "Don't Look Back" by The Remains 24. "Pushin' Too Hard" by The Seeds 25. "Heart Full of Soul" by The Yardbirds

One of the most notable works on the subject is "Garage: Reinventing the Place We Park" by Kira Obolensky. The book examines the history and cultural significance of garages in America, from their humble origins as carriage houses to their present-day use as multi-purpose spaces. Obolensky portrays garages as spaces where individuals can exercise their creativity and innovation, thereby transforming the garage from a simple parking space into a classroom, workshop, or laboratory. Another notable work is "The Garage Sale Millionaire" by Aaron LaPedis, which presents a novel approach to garage sales. LaPedis shares his strategies for finding valuable treasures at garage sales and reselling them at a profit. The book offers practical tips for those interested in making a living from garage sales, such as how to negotiate prices and sell items on online marketplaces. Garage has also been depicted in various works of fiction, providing a glimpse into the cultural significance of garages in America. For instance, in the novel "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein, the protagonist, Denny, is a skilled race car driver who tinkers with cars in his garage. The garage serves as the backdrop of many pivotal moments in the story, emphasizing its importance to Denny's character development. In a similar vein, the popular TV show "Pimp My Ride" showcases the use of garages as a space for car customization and personal expression. The show's hosts, including rapper Xzibit, transform garages into futuristic, high-tech workshops where they work on cars and provide a platform for self-expression through automotive design. Notable quotes about garage include: "The garage is a place where ideas take shape, where creativity can flourish, and where you can escape the pressures of daily life." - Kira Obolensky "The garage is a place of possibilities. It's a place where you can dream, experiment, and create things that have never existed before." - Aaron LaPedis "Garages are the birthplace of innovation, where ideas are born, and where great minds come to play." - Unknown "Everything in a garage serves a purpose. It's a space that's dedicated to making things happen." - Tom Sachs

One of the most significant social factors that helped fuel the birth of garage music was the cultural climate of the time. The early 1970s were a period of upheaval in America, with the civil rights movement, political protests, and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations leading the charge against the status quo. This cultural ferment was reflected in the music of the era, with artists using their music to express their political views and connect with like-minded people. In addition to the social climate, changes in technology also contributed to the emergence of garage music. The introduction of affordable recording equipment made it easier for musicians to create and distribute their music independently. This technology also allowed musicians to create and experiment with new sounds that were different from the mainstream. The cultural context of garage music was also influenced by the rise of underground punk and dance scenes in the United States. These scenes provided a fertile ground for experimentation with new music styles and a sense of community among like-minded people. Some of the notable figures in this scene include Richard Hell, Johnny Thunders, and the MC5. One of the most significant record labels associated with garage is Norton Records. Founded in 1986 by Bill and Miriam Kelly, Norton Records focused on 1960s garage rock, as well as obscure blues and rockabilly. The label helped to revive interest in garage music and introduced a new generation of fans to the genre. In the 1990s, the resurgence of garage music was fueled by figures such as Jack White and The Strokes. These artists borrowed heavily from the garage rock sound, incorporating fuzzed-out guitars, primitive drum beats and raw vocals into their music. In addition to record labels and musicians, journalists played a significant role in promoting garage music. Lester Bangs, for example, was a passionate advocate for the genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential music writers of the 20th century.