Rdio Blog

It started as a simple fanzine, but Touch & Go gradually became one of America’s most reputable indie labels. Formed in 1979 to document the rise of hardcore music, Touch & Go became a record label in 1981, when it began releasing records by bands such as The Meatmen. By the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the label was a major part of the DIY alternative scene, releasing game-changing records by Slint, The Jesus Lizard, and Polvo.

By 2000, the label welcomed bands from all genres, including the jittery dance music of !!!, the psychedelic dream rock of Blonde Redhead, and the forward-thinking music of folk outfit Cocorosie and soul-infused indie rock troupe TV on the Radio. The label was also instrumental in the launching of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

For more as the label develops in the next decade, Follow Touch & Go on Rdio. If you ask us, they’re still pretty hardcore — play the Touch & Go Rdio station, and you’ll hear what we mean.

Polyvinyl Records actually began as Polyvinyl Press, the fanzine project founded in 1994 by Matt Lunsford and Darcie Knight. Reporting on the local Champaign-Urbana scene in Illinois, the two quickly got to know bands in the area, and by 1995, they’d released a seven-inch with the July issue of their fanzine — Polyvinyl Records was born.

Over the next decade and a half, the label thrived because of Lunsford and Knight’s dedication to the local scene, and their fair treatment of the artists on the Polyvinyl roster. They first found major success when one of their original signees, Braid, released the seminal Frame and Canvas. They found consistent success after from the label’s stacked roster of boundary-pushing acts, among them of Montreal, Deerhoof, Architecture in Helsinki, Xiu Xiu, Japandroids, and Joan of Arc.

Follow Polyvinyl Records on Rdio for the latest from their ever-exciting catalog, including Casio Kids and Loney, Dear. For just a sampling of what to expect, listen to the Polyvinyl Jams playlist.

It’s arguable that Ace Records technically began in 1971, when Ted Carroll opened the Rock On market stall in London, but it wasn’t until 1975 that they began releasing music as Chiswick Records. The label now known as Ace became a Chiswick Records branch in 1978, and soon after established itself as a home for rock and roll, R&B, blues, and oldies. As the label grew, so did its scope: new genres such as ‘60s soul, jazz, and a host of record imprints like Stax and Westbound gave Ace a formidable reputation.

Through the ‘80s and ‘90s, Ace earned attention for its excellent compilations and box sets, and began to absorb more catalogs. Today, the Ace Records collection contains over 2000 items, including such eclectic and respected artists as The Damned, Millie Jackson, Fatback Band, Sniff ‘n’ The Tears, BB King, John Lee Hooker, and Joe Simon.

Their diverse catalog makes Ace the perfect place to acquaint oneself with the musicians and bands whose contribution to music is criminally under-appreciated by all but the most fastidious music historians. Check out Ace Records on Rdio now, and hear Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned below.

Next year, Thrill Jockey Records turns 20. That’s a remarkable achievement for a label that started in founder Bettina Richards’s Manhattan apartment. Three years later, she moved her venture to Chicago, where it has remained since, putting out records that consistently push genre boundaries.

Thrill Jockey is responsible for some of the most beloved indie acts of the last two decades. The label stays relevant by constantly searching for new, engaging indie bands whose dedication to music matches their ability to break the conventions of it. Thrill Jockey’s Rdio profile reflects their awareness of the current music scene — they follow only the finest users, bands, and other publications, and they’re constantly adding new tunes to their already extensive library.

Amongst Thrill Jockey’s own artists are standby acts like jazz-tinged post-rockers Tortoise, expansive indie rock veterans The Sea And Cake, and the ever-changing, eclectic The Fiery Furnaces. On the newer side are acts like neo-New Romantic outfit Future Islands and the psychedelic, tropicalia-steeped High Places.

Don’t forget to follow Thrill Jockey on Rdio and for more artists from the influential label, check out the Thrill Jockey label page.