Best independent record label

[GOALden Hawk]

Thoughts? Sub Pop would have to be right up there, although a lot could be put down to been the only independent label in Seattle (although K records was just down the road) and getting success off the back of album sales once bands signed to major labels.

There are only 3 labels where the fact the band is on that label can actually sway me to buying the record. They are Epitaph, Fat Wreck Chords and Burning Heart.

Although most people don't consider the new wave like Green Day, Offspring, Pennywise and Rancid actually punk, I know it's a hell of a lot better than N'Sync. Epitaph's record in signing punk bands (Offspring, Bad Religion, NOFX, Rancid, Pennywise, Bouncing Souls) is pretty amazing.

Fat Wreck are also a great label, provide music at an affordable price and have some great bands on their roster. Interesting that both Epitaph and Fat were started by big players in the punk scene (Brett Gueritz of Bad Religion and Fat Mike of NOFX).

And I had to nominate Burning Heart - Sweden has an awesome punk scene (Millencolin, The Hives, No Fun at All, The (International) Noise Consipiracy).

[El Scorcho]

Originally posted by GOALden Hawk
Fat Wreck Chords

You said it all for me right there.

[Leaping Lindner]

The short answer for me is Virgin.The reason is mainly due to the fact they signed the Pistols after two majors ditched them. Stiff were pretty good (Elvis Costello, Damned) and of course Alternative tentacles still is.
Sub Pop and Epitaph are good calls by the way.
Here in OZ I'd say Red Eye, Citadel and Missing Link.
More as I think of it.

[doug thomas]

Stiff-UK
Merge Matador Sub Pop-US
Waterfront, Citadel, Phantom, Half a Cow, Greasy Pop-Aust.
Flying Nun-NZ

I'm sure I have missed heaps of others but these labels have released most of the artists I dig.:D

DT

[Porthos]

Ninjatune

[Bresh]

Grand Royal had some good acts before they went under.

[screech]

Originally posted by GOALden Hawk
And I had to nominate Burning Heart - Sweden has an awesome punk scene (Millencolin, The Hives, No Fun at All, The (International) Noise Consipiracy).

The Hives and The (International) Noise Consipiracy are not punk!

[Big Red]

US - Matador
UK - XL
Australia - Where have all the indie labels gone?
NZ - Flying Nun if it still exists

[Rusty Brookes]

Always a big fan of the Citadel label out of Sydney-released heaps of great stuff in the 80s (New Christs, Died Pretty, Bamboos, Visitors etc) and still do great re-issues. Sympathy for the Record Industry out of the US release a veritable smorgasbord of great music. I liked some of the Crypt records stuff (Devil Dogs, DMZ) but some of it I found too low fi. Dogmeat records out of Melbourne had one of the highest hit rates in the 80s/90s for hard kick-arse rock n roll (Powder Monkeys, Bored, Hoss, Freeloaders, Seminal Rats, Antiseen, Lazy Cowgirls) but also released some classic punk era stuff as well (The Imperial Dogs, Real Kids). I also outta give a plug to Corduroy Records (the label that released my band the Naked Eye)-specialising in 60s and 70s punk on vinyl.

[Shinboners]

In the 80s, there were 3 that stood out above all others: Sarah Records, Factory Records, and 4AD Records. Almost everything on those labels was worth buying (brilliant cover art as well). Summershine Records also released some nice stuff too (and into the 90s as well).

These days, I think Shelflife have a great track record, Siesta Records (Spain) have had a strong roster of bands (and their artwork is the best around), and Radio Khartoum are excellent with their projects. The best Australian label is probably Candle Records whilst Lost and Lonesome have released some interesting things too.

[Big Red]

Creation Records also a great label from the mid 80's to early 90's discovering bands like the Jesus & Mary Chain, House Of Love, My Bloody Valentine, Teenage Fanclub & Oasis. The book My Magpie Eyes are Hungry For The Prize by David Cavanagh is a really good read although it focuses on Oasis a bit too much for my liking!

[fitzmantle]

Creation Records also a great label from the mid 80's to early 90's discovering bands like the Jesus & Mary Chain, House Of Love, My Bloody Valentine, Teenage Fanclub & Oasis.
Creation, Great Label (RIP)
Flying Nun Records
Matador Records
Thrill Jockey
4AD

[FreoDocker]

I don't know if you could call them independent as such, but I'd go with Astralwerks.

With artists such as:
Air
Royksopp
Beth Orton
Kings of Convenience
Dimitri From Paris
Fatboy Slim
Placebo
Beta Band
The Chemical Brothers
Cassius
Alpinestars
Primal Scream