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Do Record Labels Matter?

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July 6, 2009 - These days, when you hear about a record label, it's usually in the context of some sort of controversy, whether involves massive layoffs, lawsuits filed against fans for illegal file sharing or rising bands whose integrity is questioned when they jump from indie labels to majors. Meanwhile, artists such as Radiohead, have attracted attention for jumping ship altogether, while demonstrating that some acts don't even need labels to be successful.

On this edition of All Songs Considered, we ask the question: Do labels still matter? Host Bob Boilen talks with Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, All Songs Considered producer Robin Hilton, and Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson about some of their favorite labels, as well as the role those labels play in making music great.

Take our online poll and share your thoughts on record labels, in the All Songs Considered blog.

Read Carrie Brownstein's blog post on Monitor Mix about the generational gap between those who care and know about labels and those who don't.

Download this show in the All Songs Considered podcast.

Sign up for the All Songs Considered newsletter and we'll tell you when new music features are available on the site.

Register with the NPR.org community to join in our discussions.

Contact us with your questions and comments.

Do Record Labels Matter?

cover for bikini kill

Bikini Kill

Album: Singles
Song: New Radio
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    • "New Radio"
    • CD: Singles
    • Artist: Bikini Kill
    • Label: Kill Rock Stars
    • Released: 1998
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Jim Noir

Album: Jim Noir
Song: Don't You Worry
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    • "Don't You Worry"
    • CD: Jim Noir
    • Artist: Jim Noir
    • Label: Hi-Speed Soul
    • Released: 2008
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The Move

Album: Message from the Country
Song: Message from the Country
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    • "Message from the Country"
    • CD: Message from the Country
    • Artist: The Move
    • Released: 2009
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The Spinanes

Album: Manos
Song: Noel, Jonah and Me
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    • "Noel, Jonah and Me"
    • CD: Manos
    • Artist: The Spinanes
    • Label: Sub Pop
    • Released: 1993
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The Flamin' Groovies

Album: Shake Some Action
Song: Shake Some Action
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    • "Shake Some Action"
    • CD: Shake Some Action
    • Artist: The Flamin' Groovies
    • Label: DBK Works
    • Released: 1976
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Lightning Dust

Album: Infinite Light
Song: Antonia Jane
 
 
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Tord Gustavsen Trio

Album: Changing Places
Song: Melted Matter
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    • "Melted Matter"
    • CD: Changing Places
    • Artist: Tord Gustavsen Trio
    • Label: ECM
    • Released: 2007
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The Ramones

Album: Ramones
Song: Beat on the Brat
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    • "Beat on the Brat"
    • CD: Ramones
    • Artist: The Ramones
    • Label: Sire/London/Rhino
    • Released: 1976
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The Weakerthans

Album: Reunion Tour
Song: Tournament of Hearts
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    • "Tournament of Hearts"
    • CD: Reunion Tour
    • Artist: The Weakerthans
    • Label: Epitaph
    • Released: 2007
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