DC Rock History

• Urban Verbs - "Urban Verbs" with Andrew Grossman

  In this episode, we dive into the story of the Urban Verbs and their 1980 self-titled debut. One of the earliest bands to bridge punk and art rock in Washington, D.C., Urban Verbs helped set the stage for the city’s evolving underground scene. With sharp guitars, moody synths, and a theatrical presence, they brought a new wave sensibility to a city still finding its sound.   We’re joined by Andrew Grossman of The North Country to explore how Urban Verbs shaped early D.C. rock history both as a band and as key players behind the founding of the Atlantis, the precursor to the legendary 9:30 Club. Together, we unpack the band’s connections to Talking Heads, their role in the Atlantis boycott divide, and why their Warner debut captured a moment when D.C. rock could have gone in many different directions.   This episode centers around the 1980 album that caught Brian Eno’s attention, seeded the rise of Inner Ear Studios, and marked a turning point between the city’s punk roots and its more experimental future. Tune in as we trace the ambition, artistry, and legacy of the Urban Verbs. Go Further: Wikipedia – Urban Verbs Washington City Paper – “Backstage with Urban Verbs” Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins   Follow Us: Social Media: @dcrockpod Email: [email protected] Philip Basnight – Broke Royals Alex Vidales – StageCraft Andrew Grossman – The North Country   Sponsor: Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS

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• Teen Idles - "Minor Disturbance" with Rob Harvilla

  In this episode, we dive into the beginnings of D.C. hardcore with the Minor Disturbance EP by Teen Idles. This is the very first release on Dischord Records and a flashpoint for a new musical movement. Clocking in at just over ten minutes, this ferocious debut from four D.C. high schoolers helped launch an entire scene, complete with fast riffs, hand-drawn Xs, and a new ethos of DIY independence.   We’re joined by music writer and podcast host Rob Harvilla (60 Songs That Explain the 90s and the 2000s) to explore how Minor Disturbance laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential punk communities in the world. Together, we unpack the band’s Bad Brains-fueled inspiration, their role in the rise of straight edge, and how this short, sharp record managed to say so much with so little.   This episode centers around the 1980 EP that started it all... from the Wilson High School hallways to Inner Ear Studios and eventually into punk history. Tune in as we trace the energy, ideology, and legacy of the Teen Idles. Go Further: Dischord Records – Teen Idles Dischord Records – Minor Disturbance EP 60 Songs That Explain the 90s & the 2000s Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins Follow Us: Social Media: @dcrockpod Email: [email protected] Philip Basnight – Broke Royals Alex Vidales – StageCraft Rob Harvilla – The Ringer Artwork by Rebecca Basnight Sponsor: Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS

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• Tiny Desk Unit - "Tiny Desk Unit" with Bob Boilen and Michael Barron

  In this episode (our season 2 premiere!!), we explore the boundary-pushing story of Tiny Desk Unit, one of Washington, D.C.’s most innovative and genre-defying bands. Formed in 1979 by a group of downtown artists and music obsessives, the band fused analog synths, angular guitar work, and poetic vocals into something entirely new. Long before NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, there was Tiny Desk Unit- an art-rock force that helped open up space for original music in the heart of the city.   We’re joined by founding members Bob Boilen and Michael Barron as we trace the band’s early days at DC Space, their connection to the art world, and their legendary role as the very first band to perform at the 9:30 Club, opening for the Lounge Lizards in 1980. The episode centers around their self-titled live album, recorded during a sweltering summer night opening for Pere Ubu-capturing a raw, inventive sound that still resonates today. Tune in as we discuss their roots, the collaborative spirit behind the music, and why Tiny Desk Unit remains a singular voice in DC’s musical history.   Go Further: • Tiny Desk Unit – Bandcamp • Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk Unit History • Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins   Sponsor: • Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS Follow Us: • Social Media: @dcrockpod • Email us your thoughts or questions: [email protected] • Philip Basnight – Broke Royals • Alex Vidales – StageCraft • Bob Boilen – Bob Boilen   Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

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• Live at the DC History Conference with Mark Opsasnick

  In this episode (our first-ever live taping!!), we dig into the untold story of Washington, D.C.’s pre-hardcore rock era- from 1950 to 1979—with special guest and legendary D.C. music historian Mark Opsasnick. Recorded live at the DC History Conference, this bonus episode serves as the grand finale of Season 1 and a perfect primer for what’s to come in Season 2.   Mark- author of Capitol Rock and Rock the Potomac- takes us on a whirlwind tour of the clubs, characters, and cornerstones that shaped the early D.C. rock scene. From Link Wray’s groundbreaking power chords to the glam theatrics of Angel, we explore how local acts like The Chartbusters, The British Walkers, The Cherry People, Grin, and The Razz helped carve out the city’s rock identity before the explosion of punk in the ‘80s.   This episode also features an extended listening session curated by Mark himself, featuring 10 essential tracks that trace the arc of D.C. rock across three decades. Plus, a lively mailbag segment, a peek behind the scenes of the podcast, and a live Q&A with the conference crowd.   If you’re new to the podcast, this is the perfect place to jump in. If you’ve been rocking with us through Season 1, this is our love letter to you—and to the forgotten legends of D.C. rock.   Go Further:   • Books by Mark Opsasnick   Follow Us:   • Social Media: @dcrockpod • Email us your thoughts or questions: [email protected] • Philip Basnight – Broke Royals • Alex Vidales – StageCraft     Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

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• The Nighthawks - "Open All Nite" with David Goodfriend

  In this episode (our season 1 finale!!), we dive into the electrifying story of The Nighthawks, one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic blues-rock bands. Formed in 1972 by harmonica maestro Mark Wenner, the band quickly became a cornerstone of the local music scene, playing legendary venues like The Far Inn, Graffiti, and The Cellar Door. With a lineup solidified in the mid-70s—featuring Jimmy Thackery on guitar, Jan Zukowski on bass, and Pete Ragusa on drums—The Nighthawks crafted a sound that was equal parts gritty blues and high-energy rock & roll.   We explore their journey leading up to the release of their 1976 album, Open All Nite, recorded at Track Recorders in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a standout live track captured at The Cellar Door. This record, a fiery mix of blues covers and rock interpretations, captures the raw essence of The Nighthawks’ live performances and their deep reverence for blues traditions. Tune in as we discuss the band’s roots, their impact on the D.C. music scene, and why Open All Nite remains a must-hear album for blues-rock fans everywhere. Go Further:   •The Nighthawks – Official Website •Track Recorders – History and Legacy •Rock the Potomac by Mark Opsasnick •The Nighthawks – AllMusic   Follow Us:   •Social Media: @dcrockpod •Email us your thoughts or questions: [email protected] •Philip Basnight – Broke Royals •Alex Vidales – StageCraft •David Goodfriend - @goodfrienddavid   Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

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