Book Chronicling History of K Records to be Released

On July 10, Seattle independent press Sasquatch Books is set to release Love Rock Revolution: K Records and the Rise of Independent Music. The book was written by Mark Baumgarten, an editor for the Seattle culture and arts magazine City Arts, who provides an exhaustive and elucidating account of the history of the Olympia, Wash. independent label.

K Records was co-founded by Beat Happening’s Calvin Johnson in 1982, and the label played an instrumental role in the independent underground scene in the ‘80s and early ’90s, promulgating strong anti-corporate and DIY values. Famously, Kurt Cobain’s only tattoo was a small K Record logo on his forearm.

The book comes with a 21-song K Records soundtrack, featuring songs from the label’s 30-year history. The compilation can be downloaded on Baumgarten’s website from July 10-17, and you can sample some of the songs here.

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