Garage rock, then and now

[winterversion]

I'm a little familiar with a couple of the In the Red Records bands. Any other standouts you may suggest?

[tinobeat]

whoa, this is a can of worms that should very well be opened right now, but I'm in no state to expound.

I'll head everyone off and just say that you should get, in some shape or form, the first two NUGGETS boxed sets, and that'll stay you until more level-headed lists drop in.

Matador Dave, klaxon klaxon! this is all you!

[Moon Pix]

Not really sure if it counts as garage rock but either way the first Gun Club record is pretty cool.:)

[winterversion]

whoa, this is a can of worms that should very well be opened right now, but I'm in no state to expound.

I'll head everyone off and just say that you should get, in some shape or form, the first two NUGGETS boxed sets, and that'll stay you until more level-headed lists drop in.

Matador Dave, klaxon klaxon! this is all you!

Man, this is like the 20th time the nuggets box set has been recommended. What doesn't this compilation have? I'll be sure to scope it out.

[tinobeat]

Both Nuggets and Nuggets 2 are some of the best compendia of late 60's garage/psych around, and definitely an essential kickoff point(s) for the genre. that said, they're both 4CD sets around $50-60, but I'd say its hard to spend $50-60 better.

[Dave]

I think I've written something close to this before, but I couldn't find it so here it is again. These are what I consider must have records not only for a solid garage punk / psych base, but also because they kill.
Both Nuggets boxes.
Back From the Grave Vol. 1-8 (8 LPs or 5 CDs)
Teenage Shutdown Vol 1-15 (A lot of stuff that has been previously comped but it appears here in better sound w/more complete liner notes. There were a threatened 30 volumes planned and I could use some more right about now.)
The Sonics "Boom" and "Here Are the Sonics" The two shots heard round the world. The greatness of the Sonics can never be underestimated.
The Swamp Rats "Disco Still Sucks" Ignore the stupid record title and you have one of the most mind numbing WTF experiences ever. The world will be waiting a long long time before this is topped.
Of course that just scratches the surface, it literally never ends as you may find yourself obsessing over rockabilly and Richard Berry records.
As far as modern bands (or even the 80's neo-garage scene) goes it really depends on your tastes as well. This is a very basic overview but things are usually split into two camps.
The first is usually a bit more caught up in asthetics and fashion. The right guitars and amps, the right clothes etc.
The second is usually more about attitude (Loud, Fast & Outta Controll - is not only an essential 4CD comp of 50's rock-n-roll).
The two sides rarely agree but some amazing music has come out of both camps.
As far as modern groups go I am a huge fan of the In The Red label and I really love most of their records. Other current (or not so current) favorites include:
The Cynics (the ones responsible for getting me into this mess)
The Orginal Sins (JT is one of the most underated men in music)
King Khan & BBQ (as well as their records on their own)
King Louie One Man Band
Bassholes
Dexter Romweber
etc. etc.
Once again, this is a very general overview, but stuff here should keep you busy for some time.

Dave

[Miss Tasty Princess]

I'd like to second Dave's mention of The Sonics!

In addition, I'll add my local homies the Subsonics: primal throb inspired, I'm guessing, by Suicide, The Velvet Underground and Marc Bolan, in specific, and "garage rock," in general.

DMZ are also very worthy of a mention, esp. as they were one of the first to revive the style in the punk era.

And another: The Len Bright Combo (really Wreckless Eric in disguise). Both of their exceedingly difficult to find albums have been reissued on a two-fer CD that is well worth your $$.

[otto midnight]

everyone should own the knaughty knights 7" that just came out on shattered, it's a ton.
headache city just put out their first lp and it's a killer too.
carbonas
black lips
busy signals
the ponys 7" that was on contaminated
king khan & bbq
king khan & his shrines
bbq (tie your noose is an awesome album)
les sexereenos
the ko & the knockouts lp was catchy as hell

if nothing else pick up either outta here or i know you fine but how you doin' from the gories. both, actually. pick up both.

[otto midnight]

this may not qualify for garage rock but 'texas funeral' from jon wayne is so far beyond fucked up that everyone should own it.

[winterversion]

Thanks for the wealth of information guys!