What exactly is garage rock? No, it’s not as simple as rock music recorded in someone’s garage. By definition, the genre can be described as raw rock and roll, particularly the type that became popular in the 1960s. It’s often lo-fi, beachy, and fuzzy with punk or proto-punk elements. Though, these six garage rock albums have other elements that make them stand out in the genre.
1. ‘Here Are The Sonics!!!’ by The Sonics (1965)
When it comes to the very best garage rock albums of all time, few beat out The Sonics’ 1965 album Here Are The Sonics!!! It was the blueprint in every sense of the word. With only a 28-minute total runtime, this album managed to pack enough original music and punky covers to pioneer an entire genre. It could even be said that this album influenced almost every genre of rock music that followed in the 20th century.
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2. ‘The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators’ by 13th Floor Elevators (1966)
Like Here Are The Sonics!!!, The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators had a major impact on garage rock albums that followed in the late 60s. Their sound was unique, to say the least. So unique that many psych-adjacent bands have tried to capture their essence and imitate their sound. Nobody could quite do it like the 13th Floor Elevators.
3. ‘Fun House’ by The Stooges (1970)
The Stooges had already established themselves as the next big band to watch in 1969 with their self-titled album. However, Fun House really showcased what they had to offer in a more refined way. Though, we wouldn’t use the word “refined” to describe this 1970 album. It was recorded in a live setting, and the resulting record is a raw, energetic, almost animalistic example of top-shelf garage rock.
4. ‘From Nowhere’ by The Troggs (1966)
Everyone has heard the song “Wild Thing”. Unfortunately, the whole of that song’s record, From Nowhere, doesn’t get enough attention. Each track on this record is notably unique from the one before and after it. “The Kitty Cat Song” and “I Just Sing” are essential listening. But if you love garage rock complete with jungle beats, sparkling organs, and almost psychedelic sounds, you should listen to this album in its entirety. You won’t regret it!
5. ‘Elephant’ by The White Stripes (2003)
The 1960s and early 1970s were the true heyday of garage rock. However, there are a few albums from decades later that still capture the old-school essence of the genre. Elephant by The White Stripes is one of the most recognizable garage rock albums from the turn of the century. And it still has major listening power today. “Seven Nation Army” was a massive hit, but the rest of the songs from this record are similarly bassy, thumpy, and addictive.
6. ‘Crazy For You’ by Best Coast (2010)
Rock music in the early 2000s was audibly influenced by the early garage rock pioneers. In recent years, this writer thinks the genre has been full of young spring chickens who haven’t had the opportunity to really listen to and absorb the music of their predecessors. Best Coast, on the other hand, clearly knew what they were doing with their 2010 album Crazy For You. This record took classic garage rock and surf rock of the 1960s and turned it into something modern and accessible to a younger audience. “Boyfriend” was a huge hit from the album, and every other track from it is sorely underrated.
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