Underground Garage
Encyclopedia
Underground Garage is the name shared by two related but different radio
outlets, a syndicated show and a satellite radio
station, both created and supervised by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt
to present rock 'n' roll
and garage rock
on radio. Both outlets play a mixture of garage rock both old and new, and the music which influenced today's garage rock.
One of the outlets is a weekly syndicated radio show — broadcasting under the full title Little Steven's Underground Garage — heard on over 200 terrestrial FM radio
stations in 130 major cities in the USA and in many countries outside the US. The two-hour show is written, hosted and produced by Van Zandt. The show debuted on approximately 30 US stations in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing syndicated music radio shows in the US. It is heard by approximately one million listeners in the US each week.
The other outlet is a 24-hours-a-day-7-days-a-week satellite radio channel (named: Underground Garage) heard nationwide in the USA & Canada
on Sirius XM Radio (Sirius 21, previously 25 and XM 21, previously 59) and via Dish Network
satellite TV - and heard worldwide on Sirius/XM Internet Radio.
The radio channel is programmed and run by Van Zandt. The programs are hosted by a team of personalities personally selected by Van Zandt. On-air hosts on the channel include original Rolling Stones
manager/producer Andrew Loog Oldham
, punk rock singer Handsome Dick Manitoba, The Mighty Manfred (lead singer of The Woggles), veteran FM radio deejays Kid Leo
and Bill Kelly, rock entrepreneur Kim Fowley
and musician/producer Genya Ravan
(originally the singer in Goldie & the Gingerbreads
). A version of the popular Breakfast with the Beatles
program, hosted by Chris Carter
, appears on the channel each Sunday.
As of February 19, 2007, Van Zandt began hosting a regular spot Monday through Friday at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm in between each program.
In musical terms, the radio channel is an extension of Van Zandt's own weekly radio show and shares the same philosophy.
onwards and that it is artificial and counter-productive to segregate music by the decade it was created. So the Underground Garage presents music from every decade since the beginnings of rock 'n' roll in the early 1950s to the present day.
Stylistically, the format's offerings span such genres and categories as garage rock
, girl group
s, British Invasion
, psychedelic music
, rockabilly
, surf rock, and punk rock
. The music is fully integrated so that listeners hear recordings by rock pioneers such as Chuck Berry
, Bo Diddley
, Little Richard
and Elvis Presley
juxtaposed with records by present-day garage bands like The Contrast
- and multiple artists from the four decades between.
Van Zandt has stated that he hopes to draw younger listeners (who are attracted because of the current artists) to hear the historic acts that paved the way for today's rock. And older listeners (who are attracted because of the vintage artists) to hear the artists who are carrying on the tradition. He has described the format playlist as featuring "the bands that influenced the Ramones
, the bands that were influenced by the Ramones, and the Ramones."
The same concept was applied in 2009, with listeners voting at the end of the year for their favorite "Coolest Song in the World This Week." The 2009 results are as follows:
In addition to selecting a "Coolest Song in the World This Week" and voting for "Coolest Song in the World This Year," at the end of 2009, Little Steven also posted his "25 Coolest Albums of the Decade" and "50 Coolest Songs This Decade." The top 10 Coolest Albums of the decade were:
The Top 10 "Coolest Songs of the Decade" were:
The 24/7 radio channel
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
outlets, a syndicated show and a satellite radio
Satellite radio
Satellite radio is an analogue or digital radio signal that is relayed through one or more satellites and thus can be received in a much wider geographical area than terrestrial FM radio stations...
station, both created and supervised by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt is an Italian-American musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor, and radio disc jockey, who frequently goes by the stage names Little Steven or Miami Steve...
to present rock 'n' roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
and garage rock
Garage rock
Garage rock is a raw form of rock and roll that was first popular in the United States and Canada from about 1963 to 1967. During the 1960s, it was not recognized as a separate music genre and had no specific name...
on radio. Both outlets play a mixture of garage rock both old and new, and the music which influenced today's garage rock.
One of the outlets is a weekly syndicated radio show — broadcasting under the full title Little Steven's Underground Garage — heard on over 200 terrestrial FM radio
FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
stations in 130 major cities in the USA and in many countries outside the US. The two-hour show is written, hosted and produced by Van Zandt. The show debuted on approximately 30 US stations in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing syndicated music radio shows in the US. It is heard by approximately one million listeners in the US each week.
The other outlet is a 24-hours-a-day-7-days-a-week satellite radio channel (named: Underground Garage) heard nationwide in the USA & Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
on Sirius XM Radio (Sirius 21, previously 25 and XM 21, previously 59) and via Dish Network
Dish Network
Dish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
satellite TV - and heard worldwide on Sirius/XM Internet Radio.
The radio channel is programmed and run by Van Zandt. The programs are hosted by a team of personalities personally selected by Van Zandt. On-air hosts on the channel include original Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
manager/producer Andrew Loog Oldham
Andrew Loog Oldham
Andrew Loog Oldham is an English producer, talent manager, impresario and author. He was manager and producer of The Rolling Stones from 1963, and was noted for his flamboyant style.-Biography:...
, punk rock singer Handsome Dick Manitoba, The Mighty Manfred (lead singer of The Woggles), veteran FM radio deejays Kid Leo
Kid Leo
Lawrence J. Travagliante — better known by his on-air personality Kid Leo — serves as both program director and afternoon disc jockey on Little Steven's Underground Garage on Sirius XM Radio...
and Bill Kelly, rock entrepreneur Kim Fowley
Kim Fowley
Kim Vincent Fowley is an American record producer, impresario, songwriter, musician, film maker, and radio actor. He is best known for his role behind a string of novelty and cult rock pop singles in the 1960s, and for managing The Runaways in the 1970s...
and musician/producer Genya Ravan
Genya Ravan
Genya Ravan, aka Goldie Zelkowitz is an American rock singer and producer. She is the former lead singer of The Escorts, Goldie & the Gingerbreads, and Ten Wheel Drive....
(originally the singer in Goldie & the Gingerbreads
Goldie & the Gingerbreads
Goldie & the Gingerbreads was an all-female American rock band from 1962 to 1967 consisting of 3 musicians and a singer. They were the first all-female rock band signed to a major record label....
). A version of the popular Breakfast with the Beatles
Breakfast with the Beatles
Breakfast with the Beatles is a popular programming segment format on FM radio in cities in the USA. The segment format typically features one or more hours of programing consisting exclusively of music by or related to The Beatles...
program, hosted by Chris Carter
Chris Carter (producer/disc jockey)
Chris Carter is a Los Angeles-based disc jockey and music/film producer who started his music career as a founding member and bass player with alternative rock/power pop band Dramarama. After Dramarama originally split in 1994, Carter formed QM Management to manage LA pop group The Wondermints,...
, appears on the channel each Sunday.
As of February 19, 2007, Van Zandt began hosting a regular spot Monday through Friday at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm in between each program.
In musical terms, the radio channel is an extension of Van Zandt's own weekly radio show and shares the same philosophy.
Musical philosophy
The music format of both the weekly terrestrial radio show and the 24/7 satellite radio channel is based on Van Zandt's musical philosophy and approach to rock 'n' roll. Van Zandt believes that rock 'n' roll is a continuum from the early 1950s1950s
The 1950s or The Fifties was the decade that began on January 1, 1950 and ended on December 31, 1959. The decade was the sixth decade of the 20th century...
onwards and that it is artificial and counter-productive to segregate music by the decade it was created. So the Underground Garage presents music from every decade since the beginnings of rock 'n' roll in the early 1950s to the present day.
Stylistically, the format's offerings span such genres and categories as garage rock
Garage rock
Garage rock is a raw form of rock and roll that was first popular in the United States and Canada from about 1963 to 1967. During the 1960s, it was not recognized as a separate music genre and had no specific name...
, girl group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
s, British Invasion
British Invasion
The British Invasion is a term used to describe the large number of rock and roll, beat, rock, and pop performers from the United Kingdom who became popular in the United States during the time period from 1964 through 1966.- Background :...
, psychedelic music
Psychedelic music
Psychedelic music covers a range of popular music styles and genres, which are inspired by or influenced by psychedelic culture and which attempt to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues-rock bands in the...
, rockabilly
Rockabilly
Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating to the early 1950s.The term rockabilly is a portmanteau of rock and hillbilly, the latter a reference to the country music that contributed strongly to the style's development...
, surf rock, and punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
. The music is fully integrated so that listeners hear recordings by rock pioneers such as Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
, Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley
Ellas Otha Bates , known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter , and inventor...
, Little Richard
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
and Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
juxtaposed with records by present-day garage bands like The Contrast
The Contrast (band)
The Contrast are a guitar power pop band based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom. They were formed in 1999 by David Reid and have since released five albums on the New York based label Rainbow Quartz and one for Wicked Cool Records...
- and multiple artists from the four decades between.
Van Zandt has stated that he hopes to draw younger listeners (who are attracted because of the current artists) to hear the historic acts that paved the way for today's rock. And older listeners (who are attracted because of the vintage artists) to hear the artists who are carrying on the tradition. He has described the format playlist as featuring "the bands that influenced the Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
, the bands that were influenced by the Ramones, and the Ramones."
"The Coolest Song in the World This Week"
On both the Sirius XM channel and on the syndicated show, one song is proclaimed as "The Coolest Song in the World This Week." At the end of 2006, listeners were invited to choose among the 52 songs to pick the year's best. The results were as follows:- 1. The Woggles: "It's Not About What I Want"
- 2. The CharmsThe CharmsThe Charms are a garage rock band from Somerville, Massachusetts formed in 2002. The current lineup consists of Ellie Vee, Joe Wizda, Kat Kina, Mark Nigro, and Jason Meeker. The band teamed with local Boston based management company Twisted Rico Management and formed Red Car Records in...
: "So Romantic" - 3. Anderson Council: "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours"
- 4. Primal ScreamPrimal ScreamPrimal Scream are a Scottish alternative rock band originally formed in 1982 in Glasgow by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie and now based in London. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Andrew Innes , Martin Duffy , and Darrin Mooney...
: "Country Girl" - 5. New York DollsNew York DollsThe New York Dolls is an American rock band, formed in New York in 1971. The band's protopunk sound prefigured much of what was to come in the punk rock era; their visual style influenced the look of many new wave and 1980s-era glam metal groups, and they began the local New York scene that later...
: "Dance Like A Monkey" - 6. The ShysThe ShysThe Shys are a five piece rock band from Southern California, Their current line-up consists of Kyle Krone, Chris Wulff, Riley Stephenson, and Ryan Hansen. Their debut CD, titled Astoria, was released on Sire Records on July 11, 2006. The bands reputation for their high energy captivating live...
: "Never Gonna Die" - 7. Joan JettJoan JettJoan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular...
& The Blackhearts: "Everyone Knows" - 8. The RaconteursThe RaconteursThe Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
: "Steady, As She Goes" - 9. The Maggots: "King Of The Freaks"
- 10. The Holograms: "Are You Ready For It"
The same concept was applied in 2009, with listeners voting at the end of the year for their favorite "Coolest Song in the World This Week." The 2009 results are as follows:
- 1. The NoisettesThe NoisettesNoisettes are an English indie rock band from London, comprising singer and bassist Shingai Shoniwa, guitarist Dan Smith, and drummer Jamie Morrison...
: "Never Forget You" - 2. Tinted Windows: "Take me Back"
- 3. The Doughboys: "I'm Not Your Man"
- 4. The RaveonettesThe RaveonettesThe Raveonettes are a Danish indie rock duo, consisting of Sune Rose Wagner on guitar, instruments, and vocals, and Sharin Foo on bass, guitar and vocals...
: "Last Dance" - 5. The Chesterfield KingsThe Chesterfield KingsThe Chesterfield Kings are a rock band from Rochester, New York, who began as a retro-1960s garage band, and who have heavily mined 1960s music, including some borrowing from the 1960s recordings of The Rolling Stones...
: "Up and Down" - 6. LocksleyLocksleyLocksley may refer to:* Robin of Locksley , a 1996 television movie* Locksley , an American rock band* Locksley, New South Wales* Locksley, Victoria* Locksley railway station, Victoria* Locksley , a Pennsylvania train station...
: "There's a Love" - 7. The Yum Yums: "Too Good to be True"
- 8. The Verbs: "Burnt Out Star"
- 9. Cocktail Slippers(The) Cocktail Slippers (band)Cocktail Slippers is a six-piece, all-girl rock band from Oslo, Norway. Current band members are: Hope , Squirrel , Rocket Queen , Piper , Bella Donna and Aurora de Morales ....
: "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" - 10. The Silver Brazilians: "Kate Winslet"
In addition to selecting a "Coolest Song in the World This Week" and voting for "Coolest Song in the World This Year," at the end of 2009, Little Steven also posted his "25 Coolest Albums of the Decade" and "50 Coolest Songs This Decade." The top 10 Coolest Albums of the decade were:
- 1. The BeatlesThe BeatlesThe Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
: "The Beatles Catalog in Mono" - 2. "Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts From The British Empire And Beyond"
- 3. Bruce SpringsteenBruce SpringsteenBruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
: "Magic" - 4. The Chesterfield Kings: "Psychedelic Sunrise"
- 5. Primal Scream: "Riot City Blues"
- 6. Tinted Windows: "Tinted Windows"
- 7. Foxboro Hot TubsFoxboro Hot TubsThe Foxboro Hot Tubs band is a side project of Green Day. All members of the band perform live with Green Day . Their debut album, Stop Drop and Roll!!! was released on April 22, 2008....
: "Stop, Drop and Roll" - 8. Cocktail Slippers: "St. Valentine's Day Massacre"
- 9. Iggy PopIggy PopIggy Pop is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though considered an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, metal, jazz and blues...
: "Skull Ring" - 10. Ray DaviesRay DaviesRay Davies, CBE is an English rock musician. He is best known as lead singer and songwriter for the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave...
: "Other Peoples' Lives"
The Top 10 "Coolest Songs of the Decade" were:
- 1. Joey RamoneJoey RamoneJoey Ramone was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.-Early life:Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman...
: "Maria Bartiromo" - 2. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: "My Lucky Day"
- 3. OasisOasis (band)Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
: "Lyla" - 4. Mick JaggerMick JaggerSir Michael Philip "Mick" Jagger is an English musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and a founding member of The Rolling Stones....
and John LennonJohn LennonJohn Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music...
: "Too Many Cooks Spoil the Soup" - 5. Foxboro Hot Tubs: "Stop Drop and Roll"
- 6. Locksley: "There's a Love"
- 7. Cocktail Slippers: "Don't Ever Leave Me"
- 8. Cheap TrickCheap TrickCheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
: "If it Takes a Lifetime' - 9. Primal Scream: "Dolls"
- 10. Tinted Windows: "Nothing to Me"
Listening to the Underground Garage
The weekly syndicated radio show- On FM radio stations in USA - Station details (click on "Radio Affiliates")
- On select radio stations in Europe/Asia Station details (click on "Radio Affiliates")
- In multiple nations worldwide via Voice of AmericaVoice of AmericaVoice of America is the official external broadcast institution of the United States federal government. It is one of five civilian U.S. international broadcasters working under the umbrella of the Broadcasting Board of Governors . VOA provides a wide range of programming for broadcast on radio...
Radio
The 24/7 radio channel
- On satellite radio in North America: Sirius Satellite RadioSirius Satellite RadioSirius Satellite Radio is a satellite radio service operating in North America, owned by Sirius XM Radio.Headquartered in New York City, with smaller studios in Los Angeles and Memphis, Sirius was officially launched on July 1, 2002 and currently provides 69 streams of music and 65 streams of...
Channel 21 and XM Satellite RadioXM Satellite RadioXM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...
channel 21 - On satellite TV in North America: DISH NetworkDish NetworkDish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
Channel 6025 - On the internet worldwide: Sirius/XM Radio
See also
- List of Sirius Satellite Radio stations
- List of XM Satellite Radio stations
- List of Dish Network channels