Seattle-based record label Sub Pop Records is throwing a party for its 20th birthday. Unfortunately, some of its best acts from over the years will be missing. While Sub Pop has been female friendly in the past, it seems as if many of their great girl artists have left the business (at least for now.)

But since its an anniversary, now is a perfect time to look back and appreciate the wonderful music they have given us (you know, outside of the other great trailblazing stuff like Nirvana, Mudhoney, Flight of the Conchords and the Postal Service.)

Babes in Toyland

While never officially signed to the label, BIT released the single "House" on The Grunge Years album in 1991. Though Kat Bjelland, Lori Barbero and Michelle Leon are frequently thought of as part of the riot grrrl scene of the 1990s Pacific Northwest, they were more like their male counterparts in Minneapolis at the time, as they were ahead of ladies Kathleen Hanna and Corin Tucker who name frontwoman Kat as an influence.

Velocity Girl

In the early '90s, the east coast band released their debut album, Copacetic, on Sub Pop. At the time, it was something a little lighter than the label had been putting out, with Sarah Shannon's vocals and harmonies with bandmate Archie Moore providing more a little pop to the rock songs. … continue reading