In the summer of 1989, Mac McCaughan and Laura Balance decided to start their own label. The duo had recently started their own band, the first incarnation of Superchunk, and by the fall had put out a cassette by Chapel Hill's Bricks. For the first 3 years various 7" singles and cassettes were put out, but in 1992 Merge released their debut full length LP, to be followed by many more. At this point in time, Merge has released over 230 recordings from over 75 artists and existed as a prominent force in the indie rock community and industry.

In 2004, Merge Records is finally old enough to apply for a learner's permit, though drivers have been belting 'em out in harmony with Merge bands while speeding down the highway since its inception. Old Enough to Know Better is a 3 CD box set comprised of a 2-disc "greatest hits" spanning the entire Merge roster and encompassing both the old and new, and a third CD of 19 new, obscure tracks from the current Merge lineup. Most importantly to take note of is that this is a benefit compilation, with all proceeds going towards the Future of Music Coalition.

This compilation is a great opportunity for old-time Merge fans to become acquainted with recently acquired Merge artists and for recent Merge converts to get a sense of the history behind their current favorite band. Don't miss the exclusive tracks from M. Ward, Camera Obscura, Portastatic, Crooked Fingers, Spoon, Lambchop, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Magnetic Fields, and, of course, Superchunk.

-Sarah Stedman