Merge Compilation Announce

American indie institution Merge Records is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new compilation, featuring an all star cast.

Founded two decades ago Merge has ridden the changing currents of American music to become one of the most renowned imprints in independent music.

With a back catalogue that includes Superchunk, Magnetic Fields, Arcade Fire and many more, Merge stand as one of the most distinguished labels currently in operation.

The new compilation features non-Merge bands covering gems from the label's back catalogue. Amongst the delights on display on the new album is Bright Eyes takes on Magnetic Fields ironic cowboy lament "Papa Was a Rodeo".

Swedish singer Jens Lekman teams up with Everything But the Girl frontwoman Tracey Thorn on the album, to record a duet on 'Yeah! Oh Yeah!' also by Magnetic Fields.

Times New Viking cover Arcade Fire's "Neighborhood #1", while Mountain Goats and Okkervil River pay tribute to the unjustly neglected East River Pipe.

The subscription only box set is due to be released soon, with pre-orders being taken from the Merge online shop.

'CORE! 20 Years of Merge Records: The Covers' is released on April 7th.