HISTORY
Pioneered in 1995, No Alternative Records launched as the vision of Kim Randle. "Having the regions most discerning ears," Kim began her own legacy when she branched off from the infamous Twin Cites Independent Twin Tone Records as they moved into the 'internet only' realm. (Between 1977 and 1994,Twin/Tone Records released over 300 records with the first project to be released being a nine song 7" EP (on red vinyl) by The Suburbs in April of 1978. Twin Tone signed helped over 25 bands go on to major labels including The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Ween, and The Jayhawks.) to begin No Alternative. Along the way No Alternative has managed to garner some nice attention from fans, its bands and international press. The label has also built a reputation for licensing noteworthy compilations. It's 'Stuck On AM' Vol. One, Two and Three, 'Telleconnected' Vol. One, Fat City and 'The 104.1FM Pointfolio' series included cuts from Sherl Crow, Dido, Barenaked Ladies, Soul Coughing, Ani Difranco, Indigo Girls, The Verve Pipe and Shawn Mullins.
In early 2001, Ms Randle began to ponder the sale of the label to facilitate a position she'd been offered in Los Angeles. Kim immediately sought an heir who might appreciate the Indie's journey, eventually approaching fellow music veteran Jon Delange, who had recently completed his sale of Oarfin Records (former Metro Records) and saw an interesting opportunity in revamping No Alternative. Jon contacted yet another soon to be partner, Wes Schuck. Wes had recently completed his renovation of a 19th century church in Southern Minnesota creating a world class recording facility, Two Fish Studios. After a brief period of inactivity, the three finally re-launched No Alternative that fall. Two brand new releases shortly followed: a Nashvillian transplant to New York named Mark Aaron James (Nashville's 2x songwriter of the year and best band of the year) and No Alternative story-pop hold over Dylan Hicks. As its first release in 02' the label announced the launch of low-fi, indie-pop favorite "Work of Saws" in late April. 2003 produced the latest release from the Honeydogs, "Island of Misfits." It's essentially a leftovers reel from their Palm Pictures experience... aka, "all the good stuff". Kangaroo's release 'Skyscraper' was voted into the top ten albums of the year in Mpls by Pulse Magazine. The debut release by our very own, 'Prince meets D'Angelo', John Starkey's 'Le Compagnon de L'ame' hit the streets in late 2004 and received critical aclaim. Good ol' Scott Laurent teamed up with Polara's Ed Acherson and finally got a major label deal - in Iceland in 2005.
