Google has released a free documentary about indie label Merge Records, home to influential bands such as Arcade Fire and Spoon, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The search giant’s documentary is narrated by the author of the Lemony Snicket books, Daniel Handler, and covers the history of the label from future band mates who worked at a pizza shop together to releasing some of the biggest albums of the last few years.
The documentary could be seen as a companion piece to the excellent book “Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records” and includes an at-times humorous look–the founders discuss putting out a record of “farts in a bathtub”–at its most influential recordings of the last 25 years.
The film interviews a lot of musicians who are part of the current roster including Bob Mould (Husker Du, Sugar), Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields) as well as co-founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan. Sadly it doesn’t interview any members of Arcade Fire whose album “Funeral” basically put the label on the map.
In the documentary, Laura Ballance details how the label is different from the majors because they’re passionate about the music.
“In our minds every record we put out is great, otherwise we wouldn’t be putting them out”, she says.
The documentary is also accompanied by 25 free Merge tracks, including five exclusive recordings from Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, Telekinesis, Saint Rich, and Hiss Golden Messenger.
25 Years of Merge Records
Founded by Superchunk’s Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance in 1989, North Carolina’s Merge Records quickly grew to become one of America’s essential indie labels. From supporting their fertile local indie rock scene to launching international stars, for 25 years Merge has carved out uncompromising success by staying true to its independent roots. Google Play is proud to celebrate 25 years of Merge Records with this exclusive documentary and series of covers of Merge classics by Merge acts including Superchunk, the Mountain Goats, Telekinesis and more. Enjoy!
by the Google Play Team
Tracklist:
01. Superchunk – I Don’t Feel Young
02. Telekinesis – Strange Powers
03. The Mountain Goats – Who You Are
04. Saint Rich – Am I Wrong
05. Hiss Golden Messenger – The Beast and Dragon, Adored
06. Arcade Fire – Modern Man
07. Archers of Loaf – Scenic Pastures
08. Caribou – Odessa
09. Crooked Fingers – Heavy Hours
10. Destroyer – Blue Eyes
11. Divine Fits – Would That Not Be Nice
12. East River Pipe – I Don’t Care About Your Blue Wings
13. Hospitality – Friends of Friends
14. Imperial Teen – Out From Inside
15. Lambchop – Gone Tomorrow
16. M. Ward – The First Time I Ran Away
17. The Magnetic Fields – Andrew in Drag
18. The Music Tapes – S’ Alive to Be Known (May We Starve)
19. Neutral Milk Hotel – Song Against Sex
20. Polvo – Total Immersion
21. She & Him – Never Wanted Your Love
22. Spoon – Written in Reverse
23. The Clientele – We Could Walk Together
24. Wild Flag – Electric Band
25. Wye Oak – Civilian