Mac McCaughan

Inspired by her mom's rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.

A documentary highlighting the 20 year history of influential indie record store Other Music in Manhattan's East Village.

The death of Michael leaves behind the two women he loved, his girlfriend and his mother, both of whom blame each other for his suicide. Joined by their grief, the two women are soon drawn into a twisted relationship.

A man encounters a childhood friend who had an affair with his wife five years earlier.

Ted, his girlfriend Jo, and his brother Johnny are small-time robbers in Montreal. The brothers spend their time watching TV, while Jo rereads Leonard Cohen's novel "Beautiful Losers" and attends writing classes. Luka, a Czech immigrant, picks up Jo when he sees her shoplifting. When Johnny surprises Luka kissing Jo, he attacks him. In the ensuing fight Jo accidentally kills Johnny, and Luka leaves the scene, but drops his wallet. The police assume that Luka attacked Johnny after a break-in and Jo goes along with that, but feels guilty about it.

This show at the University of London Union was the drunken culmination of six weeks of touring Europe from April to May, 1992. Even our faithful crew abandoned us into the stagediving frenzy of the throbbing throng of punters that packed ULU that night. The performance is followed by an embarrassing pre-show interview in which we try not to bare our souls. English beer, plenty of sweat and all the hits - what more could you ask for?

Billy Ruane, storied impresario of the 90s Boston indie music scene. Billy promoted shows and inspired cult-like followings of bands by the likes of The Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. His gracious treatment of artists set new standards in music. But underneath Billy’s exuberant cartoon-like demeanor and Harvard education, was the pain of a man with deep trauma, who struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, and was confounded by the weight of an endless supply of money.

An hour-long documentary filmed by the band, Superchunk, on its 2001 tour of Japan, Europe and the US

Includes vintage Superchunk videos with commentary on the videos from the band and the directors, a documentary made by the band, interviews and live footage - you'll need a few days to get through all of it. Over four hours of material and all of it's essential.

Founded by Superchunk's Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance in 1989, North Carolina’s Merge Records quickly grew to become one of America’s essential indie labels. From supporting their fertile local indie rock scene to launching international stars, for 25 years Merge has carved out uncompromising success by staying true to its independent roots. Google Play is proud to celebrate 25 years of Merge Records with this exclusive documentary and series of covers of Merge classics by Merge acts including Superchunk, the Mountain Goats, Telekinesis and more.

By now most have heard about Superchunk titling their new album I Hate Music, that it is the “dark twin” of their 2010 release, Majesty Shredding. But the only reason to care about an album name is if you like the band that’s naming it. And who doesn’t like Superchunk?? The lively rock group that rose to fame in the 90’s, helping to put the Chapel Hill, NC, music scene on the map with quirky, punk-influenced songs, doesn’t make you think of drama first – not like, say, The Phantom of the Opera might – but drama was palpable in the wait for the band’s anticipated new project. And (important information alert!) the band has also shot at least one music video affixing a camera onto a kitty cat.

A look at how the music industry has been affected by the Internet, and how independent labels and musicians are using it to reach more listeners.