What is the true definition of a garage band?

bondiblue1@mac.com · Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Posts: 1 Location: CT

I hear the term bandied about and
I want to know more about it. Thanks!

theeffindr · Site Admin Joined: 29 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

My personal defintion of garage band is a a band that is tight enough to play in a town in new england that does not have at least one Dunkin' Donuts and still gets 10 people to show up. (and Dance, Dance, Dance, a little)

-Doc
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Stick it to the Man, man.

Joe_Stax · Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 1:13 am Post subject:

This is a topic that needs to discussed over some beers. Preferably with a big pile of records nearby.
I've been trying to think of an answer that doesn't get too carried away, but haven't been able to come up with anything concise.
For the moment, I'll say Doc's pretty much on the money.
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One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz.

Joe_Stax · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject:

A garage band is any group in the mid 60’s, say, 1964 to about 1967, that’s playing raw, rough edged rock + roll with an R&B bent.

It’s usually going to be your standard 2 guitars, bass and drums combo, but you might throw in some harmonica, a little tambourine, or if you’re feeling flashy (and want to cover the Zombies) a keyboard.

Ages may range from early teens to mid 20s. Talent and skill are optional, but can’t hurt. Remember, it’s all about attitude.

Rehearsal space may be in a garage, or it could be a basement, rec room, living room, bed room. Anywhere that someone’s parents will tolerate band practice.

The band plays anywhere it can. Parties (birthday, frat, pool, you name it), high school dances, roller rinks, wherever there’s a Battle of the Bands.

Influences include: the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, Them (G-L-O-R-I-A-A-A!), the Animals, the Yardbirds (Fuzz guitar 101), the Kinks. Yeah, the Beatles are an influence too, but they influenced everyone. By 1965, Dylan and the Byrds were influential, too.

Cover your favorite bands (see above), and cover their covers. Learn about Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and earlier US rock and blues from the Brits!

And remember: there was no such thing as “Garage Rock” in the 1960’s. It’s all rock + roll!

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One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz.

Joe_Stax · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:10 pm Post subject:

Some fine samplers of lo-fi greatness:

Back from the Grave

Boulders

Highs in the Mid-Sixties

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One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz.