Do Record Labels Matter?

These days, when you hear about a record label, it's usually in the context of some sort of controversy, whether involves massive layoffs, lawsuits filed against fans for illegal file sharing or rising bands whose integrity is questioned when they jump from indie labels to majors. Meanwhile, artists such as Radiohead, have attracted attention for jumping ship altogether, while demonstrating that some acts don't even need labels to be successful.

On this edition of All Songs Considered, we ask the question: Do labels still matter? Host Bob Boilen talks with Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, All Songs Considered producer Robin Hilton, and Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson about some of their favorite labels, as well as the role those labels play in making music great.

Take our online poll and share your thoughts on record labels, in the All Songs Considered blog.

Read Carrie Brownstein's blog post on Monitor Mix about the generational gap between those who care and know about labels and those who don't.

Download this show in the All Songs Considered podcast.

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