Reading: "Our Noise - The Story of Merge Records"
Finally dug in on "Our Noise", and can definitely give the book high marks. The story moves quickly and mostly chronologically. There's a bit of an undersell here, mostly owing to the fact that the vast majority of the content is provided as direct quotes from key players at the label or in the bands. Editorializing comes softly and subtly, and overall feels genuinely and honestly executed.
It's possible that my standing as a Superchunk fan contributed to the feeling that the book is as much about Mac & Laura's band as it is about their label. There's a chicken-and-egg question at play for much of the story, at least until you get into Spoon and Arcade Fire territory there at the end... In that regard, there might be a need for a part two here -- a follow-up book or additional afterword down the road. In that section Superchunk will get a few sentences covering sporadic one-offs and maybe a 7" here or there, and the rest of the story will unfold in heavy detail surrounding those artists releasing records on the label that feel like true giants.Yes, for sure recommended to anyone making and/or loving independent music and records.
