KOOP Stronger Than Dirt

29/10/2025

Cover art of the week: The Sonics were a 60s garage rock band from Tacoma WA. Specializing in an aggressive hard-edged sound for the time, they were a major influence on punk and parage bands of the 70s, 80s and beyond. For their second album “Boom,” they ripped out the soundproofing panels in the studio to create a “live-r” sound. It was released in 1966 on the Etiquette label and featured cover photography of Jini Dellaccio, who also did the photo shoot for their first album. It has since been reissued several times including this one on Norton Records.

27/10/2025

This week's Dusty Diamond (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): The Decibels are a garage power pop band from Sacramento that have been around since the mid 90s. They have been active as late as 2024 and even released an album in 2023. “Kiss Me Carolynne” is classic Decibels with an infectious melody and crisp, jangly guitars. Super fun dance party tune. It appeared in 1996 on their first release, an EP on the G.I. Productions label. Listen to it here:

1996

26/10/2025

You can listen to last night's show here.

Some featured artists on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt include the Yardbirds (RIP Chris Dreja), Milk ‘N’ Cookies, Saints, Markus, Stereolab, Donnas, Chicks on Speed, Rogers Sisters, and Cheveu, as well as lots of new music.

26/10/2025

Here's the playlist from last night's show.

25/10/2025

Some featured artists on tonight's show include the Yardbirds (RIP Chris Dreja), Milk ‘N’ Cookies, Saints, Markus, Stereolab, Donnas, Chicks on Speed, Rogers Sisters, Cheveu, as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond. Also new music by Snõõper, Cheap Fix, Tuff Guac, Eel Men, Heather the Jerk, Big Bill, Kosmetika, Vaguess, and Cell\Borg. That's tonight at 8 right after the Clear Spot on KOOP Radio 91.7 in Austin and streaming at koop.org. (Pictured from top left clockwise: Yardbirds, Donnas, Cheveu, Rogers Sisters, Saints, Milk ‘N’ Cookies)

24/10/2025

After a week off I'm back with vim and vigor and ready for another STD name the band thingie. The first person to correctly identify (in comments) the band that provided me with this week's pilfered promo will receive a shockingly provocative and possibly NSFW shout-out on tomorrow night's show. Good luck! (Edit: Congarts to Josh Weinberg for IDing Chicks on Speed. Original art from their 2000 “Chicks on Speed Will Save Us All” on their own label. Artwork by Tina Frank.)

22/10/2025

This week's cover art of the week: Cheap Fix are an Austin based garage punk and roll band that has been tearing it up since mid 2024. Their second and most recent single was released on the Hook or Crook label just in time for their performance at this year’s Gonerfest in Memphis. It features artwork and layout by Olaf Jens.

20/10/2025

This week's Dusty Diamond (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): Art Brut are a London based post-punky indie-rock band known for their irreverent, witty songs about pop culture and life in general. Formed in 2002, they have released several albums and singles and are still performing. “Formed a Band” is classic Art Brut, a snotty blast of post-punk with sneering spoken-sung vocals, driving beat and edgy guitars. “Look at us, we formed a band!” Makes me chuckle, and it rocks. It appeared in 2004 on a Rough Trade single. Listen to it here:

Provided to YouTube by Alcopop!Formed a Band · Art BrutFormed A Band℗ Alcopop! Records/Fierce PandaReleased on: 2004-03-29Composer: Eddie ArgosComposer: Ian ...

19/10/2025

Thanks to Jenny for filling in for me last night! You can check out her playlist and listen to the show here.

Stronger Than Dirt airs every Saturday night from 8-10 CST/CDT on KOOP Radio. Host Scott Gardner showcases high energy underground and alternative "rock" and

12/10/2025

You can listen to last night's show here.

Some featured artists on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt include Tommy James and the Shondels, Blackfoot Sue, Chicory Tip, Lurkers, Magazine, Skids, Mydolls, Pooh Sticks, Makers, Art Brut as well as lots of new music.

11/10/2025

Some featured artists on tonight's show include Tommy James and the Shondells, Blackfoot Sue, Chicory Tip, Lurkers, Magazine, Skids, Mydolls, Pooh Sticks, Makers as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond. Also new music by Artschool, Norm Dogs, John-Pauls, Ganser, Actuators, Danny Ayala, Sun Cousto, and Laundry Brats. That's tonight at 8 right after The Clear Spot on KOOP Radio 91.7 in Austin and streaming worldwide at koop.org. (Pictured from top left clockwise: Lurkers, Pooh Sticks, Makers, Skids, Chicory Tip, Mydolls)