On air

You thought radio was an outdated format? We take a look at two of modern radio’s best rock ‘n’ roll shows and tell you where to hear them.

Ever since the hotly-debated beginnings of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s, modern pop music has had an indelible link with radio. From Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley burning up the airwaves in 1957 to The Beatles’ classic shows on the BBC to underground radio in the late 1960s and beyond,radio has shaped the musical tastes of generations.

While podcasts largely function in the space where radio used to, it does not mean that the classic “cool DJ, cooler show” format of rock ‘n’ roll radio is dead. We take a look at two of the hottest radio shows in the world today—both of which you can hear online.

Little Steven’s Underground Garage
Garage rock is a much-used term, but it has never quite been defined. For all intents and purposes, true Garage rock sound originated in the US in the mid-’60s when hundreds of bands were formed in an attempt to sound like British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Who and The Kinks. 

Although a short-lived phenomenon, it was the great homecoming of rock ‘n’ roll in the States. Characterised by a basic sound of guitars, bass and drums, bands like The Sonics, The Kingsmen and The Count Five had quite a few Top 40 hits. While none of these bands lasted longer than a year or so, their songs became legendary.

This directly led to punk rock and subsequent Garage rock revivals. In 2001, the world was in the throes of yet another garage revival, this time led by New Yorkers, The Strokes and The White Stripes from Detroit. For many fans, rock ‘n’ roll was once again ubercool. In recognition of this fact, guitarist Steve Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band decided to start his own radio show—a homage to Garage rock and all the music it inspired.

Thus, was born Little Steven’s Underground Garage, a pioneering radio show that is huge even now. As of last year, his show was heard on over 200 major US radio stations. With two hours of solid music on every show (and there’s a new show every Sunday), Steve has covered everything from a special on The Kinks, Iggy Pop, The Ramones and even Ringo Starr. You can listen to fascinating little nuggets of music lore from Steve and his guests. To listen to Underground Garage, you need to sign up as a member on the website (membership is free).

Little Steven’s Underground Garage at www.littlestevensundergroundgarage. com.

Bob Dylan’s Theme Time Radio Hour
Is there anything this man doesn’t do? Following his late career surge of brilliant albums like Time Out of Mind, Love and Theft and Modern Times, rock bard Bob Dylan donned his newest costume yet, that of a radio jockey with his show Theme Time Radio Hour. “Dreams, Schemes and Themes,” rasps Dylan every week at the beginning of yet another classic hour-long show. Centered around a specific theme for each show, Dylan leads us through the magical world of Americana, from forgotten bluegrass players to modern rockers. 

To sample just one random Theme, New York from April 2007 had expected classics like Duke Ellington’s Take the A Train and Jimmy Reed’s Going to New York as well as unexpected little nuggets like Lou Reed’s brooding Dirty Boulevard as well as the downbeat Down and Out In New York City by James Brown.

Each show is a kaleidoscope of information and little musical nuggets. Although the show is scripted, Dylan makes it his own with his dry ironic delivery. It’s like listening to a very cool old uncle who knows all the hits and also rarities no one has ever heard. Broadcast on XM Radio, the show was a critical and popular success, prompting a further season from September last year to April this year.

Obviously, the crowd can’t get enough of Dylan or his show, and so there will be yet another season of shows, starting this month. You can hear the shows on www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/bob_dylan/. As the show does not air in India, you can also buy a compilation of the show by Ace records on www.amazon.com