Record-store Clerk: Important Record Labels

4AD Records is known for breaking some of today's most critically-acclaimed independent artists, including Bon Iver, St. Vincent, The National, and Deerhunter. This playlist features songs released on the label since 2000.

For a period in the late '50s and early '60s, Blue Note was the most stylish label in jazz. The music brought both soul and a questing sense of experimentation to bebop, and Reid Miles' gorgeous LP designs remain influential to this day.

A retrospective of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, America's greatest blues label. Chess was the home of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, and many more.

Make your next dinner party extra sophisticated with the lush sounds of CTI Records. From 1968 to the late '70s, producer Creed Taylor blended jazz, soul and Brazilian music into a sumptuous, engaging form of fusion.

Known for its distinctive vintage sound and house band, Daptone Records has become one of the world's premier independent record labels. Listen to highlights of the best soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat released by this Brooklyn-based label.

Since 2007, Dead Oceans has released a steady stream of critically-acclaimed indie rock from artists including White Hinterland, John Vanderslice, Phosphorescent and more. Listen to the best songs from this small but influential label.

Revisit the history of hip hop's most legendary record label, from the early mid-'80s classics through the dirty underground scenes of the '90s to their modern day superstars. No matter what the era, Def Jam supplies the hits.

Delicious Vinyl is the original west coast label from the golden age of hip-hop. From Young MC to J Dilla to The Brand New Heavies, Delicious Vinyl was on the forefront of rap and R&B and continues releasing great tracks from artist like Illa J, Chop Black and Frank Nitt.

All of the DJ-friendly 12" releases from DFA Records, the taste-making NYC record primarily responsible for reminding all the "rock kids" that dancing can be, you know, kinda fun.

Highlights from the Domino Recording Company catalog. Founded in 1993, Domino has gained a reputation for consistently releasing influential, critically-acclaimed and accessible independent music.

Say hello to one of the premier emo and pop-punk labels of the early 2000s. This exploration of their catalogue features the label's biggest artists alongside more obscure but equally worthy tracks

London-based Ninja Tune Records is an independent electronic and hip hop label. Listen to a playlist highlighting the eclectic range of its catalog.

Listen to highlights from Los Angeles-based independent record label Plug Research, which specializes in dark, funky electronica with hints of soul and hip hop.

As the Grunge Age petered out, many expected Sub Pop Records to disappear as well. But the label has thrived with a less noisy aesthetic incorporating dream pop, alt-folk, electronic and even country influences into its indie rock.

XL Recordings is one of the world's premier indie labels. Listen to highlights from their impressive roster, which includes Adele, Vampire Weekend, The xx, Sigur Ros and more.