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Merge Records At 25 : World Cafe Superchunk members Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance tell the story of the label they founded in 1989. We also hear live recordings from Merge's 25th-anniversary festival.

World Cafe

Essential and Emerging Artists

World Cafe

Merge Records At 25

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Merge Records at 25

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Superchunk bandmates Laura Ballance (left) and Mac McCaughan (second from left) founded Merge Records in 1989. Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist

Superchunk bandmates Laura Ballance (left) and Mac McCaughan (second from left) founded Merge Records in 1989.

Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist

The label that's brought you Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Magnetic Fields, Neutral Milk Hotel and Superchunk turned 25 last year. Superchunk bandmates Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan formed Merge Records just to release singles from their band and friends in 1989.

On this episode of World Cafe, we'll discuss the label's emergence as a major force. We'll also hear performances from Superchunk, Telekinesis, The Rock*A*Teens and others recorded at last summer's 25th-anniversary Merge Festival in Carrboro, N.C.

Enlarge this image

Superchunk bandmates Laura Ballance (left) and Mac McCaughan (second from left) founded Merge Records in 1989. Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption
Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist

Superchunk bandmates Laura Ballance (left) and Mac McCaughan (second from left) founded Merge Records in 1989.

Jason Arthurs/Courtesy of the artist

Set List

01Rockets and Jets

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02Never Coming Home

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03Tuesday's Just As Bad

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04Me And You And Jackie Mittoo

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05Lean On Me

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Episode Playlist

World Cafe

Essential and Emerging Artists