Great indie labels

Dudess

There are some legendary independent labels whose rosters are so high-quality I have been compelled to investigate bands merely on the basis of what label they're signed to (e.g. TV On The Radio due to them being on 4AD).

For me, anything with the label Creation, Factory, Rough Trade, Mute, Chemikal Underground, Sub Pop, Cherry Red, Postcard and the aforementioned 4AD will pique my interest. Some of these are defunct today or merged. It seems to be a less distinctive thing now, the indie label. Before, it wasn't just about the music - it was about ethos, artwork, individuality. These were fascinating organisations.

Any others spring to mind?

11811

Matador and Rock Action (Mogwai"s own label) are two I'd suggest other than those mentioned..

Creamy Goodness

sub pop
rough trade
chemikal underground - aereogramme bitches!
captains of industry - marmaduke duke / sucioperro. (label bankrupt now though )

biZrb

Moshi Moshi
Soul Jazz Records
Transgressive Records

AnonoBoy

Fat Cat have some great bands on there. Although some of the bigger bands have gone on to other labels they really do have some exciting new bands on there.

longshanks

trust me i'm a thief,

flav

Drag City -- well worth checkin out
Touch & Go
Ecstatic Peace

jill_valentine

I am about 50% more likely to check out a band if they're on Rough Trade or Merge.

Kills me that I didn't get in on this:
http://www.bumpershine.com/2008/08/29/score-merge-records-20th-anniversary-boxed-set.html

PaulBrewer

I don't recall what bands were on the 'Fierce Panda' Label but does it matter when you have a handle that good?

noby

Dudess wrote: »

There are some legendary independent labels whose rosters are so high-quality I have been compelled to investigate bands merely on the basis of what label they're signed to.

4AD is the classic example. It was one of those labels that you would buy an album, because of the label the band are on.


Two tone deserves a mention on this thread too.

bullpost

Stiff records
Mute (whoops already done)

PaulBrewer

noby wrote: »

4AD is the classic example.
Two tone deserves a mention on this thread too.

Both, like Factory records, with definite Visual styles too!

PaulBrewer

bullpost wrote: »

Stiff records

'If it ain't Stiff it ain't worth a Feck' as the T-Shirt nearly said!

Ant

In the early to mid 90s, I'd pretty much buy music from any band that was on 4AD or Creation. In later years, the two labels that I'd consider most as hallmarks of quality and/or interesting music would be Warp and Domino.

kagni

Slash Records was great in the 90's - they had some excellent bands at the time.

andyl222

moshi moshi have some excellent acts on their books.

Dudess

Ant wrote: »

In the early to mid 90s, I'd pretty much buy music from any band that was on 4AD or Creation.

Ditto.

JC 2K3

SST.

Black Flag founded it in 1978. Sonic Youth, Meat Puppets, Husker Du, Minutemen and Dinosaur Jr all were on them at some stage. Awesome, awesome label (in terms of bands, less so in terms of administration).

smackbunnybaby

Ireland's very own label "Out on a Limb" (OOAL)

endaob

Jeepster had a few good ones on their label in the mid - late 90s. Belle & Sebastian, Looper, Snow Patrol's first 2 albums...

Creamy Goodness

how could i forget beggars banquet.

biffy clyro
iLIKETRAINS
the national.