Unless you have been sleeping under a rock, re-living The Wackness, or endlessly obsessing on the veepstakes, you have probably heard that Sub Pop Records is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week. Friends and readers of this blog will recall that I am interested in the history, character and characters of the Northwest, and Sub Pop embodies that just as much as old Hank Yesler or Tiny Freeman or the Skid Road, or the houses of ill repute below it. Apparently, see above, there is actually a Sub Pop logo flag flying at the top of the Space Needle, which is painted to look like the their 7" record labels. I could go on, but instead I recommend pointing your browser toward the General Bonks for Sub Pop-related stories, videos, and unfettered genius in blog form. Here are a few choice quotes:

"I always liked that Bruce assigned a catalog number to his daughter Iris when she was born. It really stymied all the completists."

"The crazy economics of the time, economics that allowed penthouse space for a couple of self-proclaimed losers, were a big part of putting Seattle on the cultural map."

"Lots of hungry crazies would come in, mistaking the SUB POP for SUB SHOP. It was fun."

Happy birthday, Losers.

Mudhoney Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More mp3