Indie Lables: Asthmatic Kitty

The year was 1999 and a man uniquely named Sufjan had just found a way to link three relatively unrelated thing together that would ensure his stable future in the indie scene. Those unassuming items where; A stray cat called Sara, His step father and an album for each American state.



Asthmatic Kitty was formed and while his step father and (apparently) the cat remain in good health the 50 album plan fell by the waste site after only 2 states. but the success of those albums and others has ment that Asthmatic Kitty has survived to collect a few other bands and open an office the New York.

The theme of the Label so far seems to be indie and folkie with an underlying Christianity in parts. While the labels silver bullet remains it's founder they've found a few new acts that might grow to help to pay the bills.


The Welcome Wagon released they're début album at the end of last year and while i generally wouldn't have listened to a band boasting the eclectic tunes of a Reverent and his Wife, i was surprised that i quite liked what i heard.
Rafter Roberts who is touring at the moment is also one to look out for.



But for me what this label really has going for it is the music created under "Unusual Animals" which according to the label is a little place for the labels artists and friend for "conceptual and experimental projects", and it's great! listen to it on Asthmatic Kitty Radio and take a look at the other artists, your bound to find something that puts a smile on your face.

Indie Mix Tape

A while ago, back before the new year I talked about Indie Mix Tapes. Well, after many long hard hours, pouring over the best indie stuff I've heard in the last while, Seb and myself have come up with one ourselves, along with some help from the awesome people that are Carrie and Kev.



So now, whether you need a mixtape for your favorite person, or just like indie music here's a helping hand...

Side A:

Tokyo Police Club – In A Cave
The Moldy Peaches – Lucky Number Nine
of Montreal – Touched Something's Hollow
John Shelly and the Creatures – Tiger Tales
The Hedge Schools – Butterfly
Broken Social Scene – 7/4 (Shoreline) ((Shoreline))
Iron & Wine – 16, Maybe Less
The National – Secret Meeting
The Presets – Girl and the Sea
Camera Obscura – Swimming Pool
The Organ – It's Time to Go
Elbow – One Day Like This

Side B:

Future Bible Heroes – Mr. Punch
The Olivia Tremor Control – The Opera House
Pavement – Shady Lane
Acid House Kings – This And That
The Seedy Seeds – Calliope
The Hi-Life Companion – You're the greatest
Cherry Ghost – Thirst For Romance
Band of Horses – Is There a Ghost
Asobi Seksu – Thursday
Miracle Fortress – Whirrs
Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

Some of the tracks are available as free downloads, full track previews or 30 second previews over on last.fm, so head over there if you like and feel free to leave comments and suggestions. Nothing's set in stone here. If you'd like a copy for yourself, just leave a comment and you can be the proud owner of a lovely mix tape.

Today's nice photo is from Erica Marshall, who has an awesome photography site muddyboots.org.