Cool Labels

Awhile back, I posted about No Idea Records. Here's a few more cool labels to check out:

• Turn Records - Turn is a great little indie rock label. The catalog is small in size, but big in coolness. Jeff, who runs the label, takes a personal interest in the music too, which probably accounts for the quality of the releases. There's always some good free stuff in the package too. Check out: Dying Californian, the Candies, the Contrail, Rum Diary/Desert City Soundtrack split 7".
  


• Pehr Records - Pehr is another cool indie label. Their catalog has a lot of very low-key stuff. It's not something to listen to all the time, but there's nothing like it when you're in the mood for something mellow yet slightly off-kilter. Check out: Timonium, Divided Body, Windsor for the Derby. They have a sampler for 1 cent, so you can't go wrong.
  


• Slowdance Records - Slowdance Records has one thing that makes them really stand out: Velvet Teen. The rest of the catalog is pretty good too. Check out Kissing Tigers if you like the new wave revival thing. The last time I ordered from them, they sent a free sampler. They also have a $9 sampler that's a few years old, but is still worth the $$$.
  


• Insound - Insound is a distro, not a label, but they might be the best source of what's cool in indie rock. Like the best labels, they usually send some cool freebies with your order. They can be a little pricey, but at least get on their email list. It's entertaining and informative.
  


• Revelation Records - Revelation is both a label and a distro. They have a huge selection of punk and hardcore and a whole section of colored vinyl. Of course, they usually throw in some free stuff too.
  


• Saddle Creek Records - Saddle Creek may be the center of the indie rock world right now. Unfortunately, there's no sampler, but you can't go wrong with Bright Eyes, Cursive or Rilo Kiley. The latest Faint album sounds like it could be pretty good too, but I haven't bought it yet.
  


• Interpunk - Interpunk is problem the biggest punk distro out there. The prices are good and the selection is huge. They carry a lot of merch beyond just records and CDs too. Check out their local music section for stuff by bands in your area.