Darla is an interesting mail outlet but it is increasingly becoming a place that caters to only it's own cadre of labels and none other. So the things you can get there you often can't get elsewhere, but you often can't get many of the other things you want. Not the place to look first unless you know for certain they have it. Also, if they carry it and everybody else does, their price is likely to be one of the higher ones. Much like Darla above, Parasol caters to a lot of certain labels including some of it's own. What sets it apart for me is they were the first mailorder here to really recognise all that is great about Sweden, and they still do. That makes them an excellent place to find Swedish bands in particular. They update their new listings on a reasonable basis and usually have sound clips for the new stuff. Popsicle is our own in house shop. It is dedicated to hard to get out of print Swedish pop classics, as well as new copies of just released items often not available elsehwere yet, and even signed discs. From time to time it will also include items I review but which are not readily available elsewhere. Ranks as probably one of the better all around stores. As he is not generally affiliated he gets stuff as soon as the item is released "publicly" if nobody has the rights to it (Some releases get contracted to go thru only one or two retail places for the first year or so). He tends to carry 90% of what you're probably looking for with prices in line (and often lower) than elsewhere. I used to do much of my shopping here but with many releases getting farmed to certain retailers only he tends to not get new stuff soon enough for me. Still, if it's older stuff or especially vinyl (which he carries a bit of, including new stuff) he's a great place to look as generally his prices can't be beat. It may seem odd having this listed here, but you'd be surprised what they carry and what's more, their affiliated retail service for used items is excellent. I have purchased "used" items many times with always a happy ending. I'm talking, $4.99, a buck or two to ship, and the stuff is usually here in less than 5 days. What's more, these "used" items often turn out to be brand new. Don't be afraid to try this. They also have a lot of soundclips, although most are taken from the worst possible 30 seconds of the song.
This is an Ebay enterprise somewhat akin to amazon above. I generally find better deals with Amazon dealers but once in a while you can find the odd thing here, and cheaper. One caveat about both of these places: Don't buy imports here, unless you like paying $35 a disc. Unless you cannot live without it, look elsewhere. You'll certainly find it, and for much less.
Without question, Sweden is the most happening scene and this is the most happening label there. They release so many gems every year, and find such great new talent it is not uncommon for half my year end top 10 list to be Labrador artists. They have a great sound page as well, and links to a few really great videos. My favorite of the current US indie labels. Our man Ed has an uncanny knack for finding all things jangly and wonderful. It's a shame his wallet isn't as big as his heart. This great German label also has a knack for putting out a number of excellent LP's every year and they also have been producing their long running yearly favorite "Sound Of Leamington Spa" which showcases forgotten bands from the 80's. Another excellent US label with a fine stable of it's own. Like Shelflife, the only thing holding it back is public apathy and a lack of cash.
This must now be one of the longest running indie sites still around. While I have some problems with the reviews that appear there (too friendly and the bands often tooobscure) he does often get sent the odd real gem so it's worth checking in from time to time. What's more, the site contains every indie link in every catagory on Earth, which is why I don't do more here. Go there and loose yourself in it. Twee Net is sort of the "home" of indie on the net, kind of like Grandmas house. It is more of a general directory of what is and was, and the famous indiepop mailing list can be found here. This is the place the community goes when they have something to say or post to the world. A valuable site with many excellent resources.
If you went thru my radio and want more, you can try here. This link space used to be for Indie Radio which sadly appears to be gone, but just as in life as one goes down another comes up. The playlists seem very close so go give this one a try.
An interesting review site from the UK, Features some good and obscure UK bands as well as some Scandinavian artists as well. A good place to browse.
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