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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Must Read for Any Fan of Music, August 29, 2009
This review is from: Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records, the Indie Label That Got Big and Stayed Small (Paperback)
An absolutely fascinating account of the life of independent label Merge Records and the band (Superchunk) that gave it life, over the past 20 years. What was started by Mac and Laura of Superchunk fame to put out 7" records of their bands and their friends' bands in Chapel Hill, NC, in the late '80s has become one of the most influential and successful independent labels in the music business. While other labels and major labels are imploding with massive sales declines in recent years, Merge soldiers on during its most successful era ever, with only one guiding principle - they put out the music of bands that they like, regardless of commercial viability, and will stay with the band as long as the band wants, regardless of sales. Profits are split 50-50 with the artist (major labels are more like 85-15) and there is never any thought of interference or suggestion of what the artist should do. As a result, some of the most successful albums in indie rock history have been released on Merge, including Neutral Milk Hotel's immortal "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea", The Magnetic Fields' 3-CD "69 Love Songs", Spoon's "Girls Can Tell" and The Arcade Fire's "Funeral".
The book consists largely of interviews with those involved over the last 20 years (the bands, the Superchunk members, friends, family, roadies, etc.), told in an impressive narrative form that reads as a fascinating story of a group of music outsiders who learned how to make the music they loved outside the corporate system, and make enough money to survive for 20 years and counting. The history of Superchunk is intertwined with the history of Merge (it's about a 50/50 split in the book), so for any even casual fan of this classic band, this is a must-read. But the story of Merge is equally fascinating, as are the in-depth chapter-long discussions of several Merge artists, including The Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Magnetic Fields, Matt Suggs, Lambchop, and Neutral Milk Hotel. I can't recommend this enough.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An oral history of one of the best indie labels out there today, September 29, 2010
This review is from: Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records, the Indie Label That Got Big and Stayed Small (Paperback)
This book serves two distinct purposes. The first is that of a history of the Merge record label, the second is that of the history of the band Superchunk. More and more, the two sides seem less relevant, but seeing as how Superchunk just released yet another great record, it's clear that the two sides of this label are still connected and relevant.
This book is presented in the style of an oral history and the people involved in the label's evolution are duly represented. There are lot of bands who are responsible for Merge's success; Spoon, Superchunk, Arcade Fire, Lambchop, and the list goes on and on. This book presents not only the history of the label, but how many of the individual bands contribute to Merge's success. I thought this was a great book and an absolutely must-read for real music fans.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring, Fun Behind the Scenes Bookumentary, February 20, 2010
This review is from: Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records, the Indie Label That Got Big and Stayed Small (Paperback)
Preface: Superchunk is my favorite band. But this book -- told via a well-crafted string of dialogue from musicians, producers, A&R reps and friends -- is not just about Superchunk. It's about a community of musicians who got together with the sole purpose of creating and sharing music.("Come on, fellahs, let's get together and write a song!") I think of Merge as the big brother who lets you peek at his LPs when he's not looking and might let you make a mix tape to share with your peers. (That's how I learned about Iron Maiden as well as Anvil. Remember Tank: The Filth Hounds of Hades?) Through my interest in Superchunk (thanks to a mix tape from Todd -- forever grateful), I discovered a lot of other great bands on the label. Certainly it helps if you are a fan of any of the featured bands: Superchunk, Magnetic Fields, Spoon, Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel, Lambchop, Butterglory; but it's a great story and gives insight into the changing music industry (the decline of corporate rock). I also like to think Our Noise might inspire you to get off your butt and make Your Own Noise heard -- whether it's home-brewing, writing songs, RPGing, gardening, knitting whatever. (The perfect graduation gift? Required reading for Harvard MBA?) Now, perhaps this book would be boring to many people. After all, I grew up with Merge discovering the bands, seeing the shows (Halloween at State College changed my life). But, I just love how the story is revealed with honesty, humor, thoughtfulness in their own words. Who is they? A lot of different people. In fact, there is very little narration. This book is really well constructed, much like a documentary film. The relationships are vivid and real. There's a lot of pride, but little pretension. Great photos, too. Mysteries still remain. Like why was that guy yelling hot dogs and hamburgers at Merge 10?
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