99 Records

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99 Records was an American independent label from Greenwich Village, New York. It operated from 1980 to 1986, with most releases happening in 1980–84. The label grew out of a shop called 99, run by Gina Franklyn, who sold British fashions at 99 MacDougal Street, and Ed Bahlman, who sold independent singles. They bought records in England, especially from Rough Trade, and focused on indie and punk scenes—no wave, post-punk, post-disco, and avant-garde—along with funk and reggae. The store and label became a rival to Bleecker Bob’s and helped popularize the scene.

Glenn Branca released the first 99 record, Lesson No. 1, after Bahlman invited him to put something out. Early distribution was mostly through the 99 store, with additional outlets like Jem, Important, and Sky Disk. The label’s best-known acts included ESG, Liquid Liquid, and Bush Tetras, with ESG and Liquid Liquid scoring major dance-chart attention.

In 1981, tensions with Branca grew after Bahlman refused to sign Sonic Youth, leading Branca to start Neutral Records. 99’s roster narrowed to ESG and Liquid Liquid. Bahlman later said many acts asked to release on 99, but he wanted to protect the label’s identity and avoid growing too fast.

A major moment came in 1983 when Grandmaster Melle Mel’s White Lines borrowed from Liquid Liquid’s Cavern. 99 sued Sugar Hill Records for the similarity, and allegations of intimidation surfaced, though Franklyn called them exaggerated. Sugar Hill went bankrupt, and 99 shut down partly because of legal costs.

In early 1986, Bahlman sold the inventory and retired. Since then, the label’s legacy has grown. Branca became a notable composer, ESG and Liquid Liquid re-formed, and some artists moved to British labels to reissue their work because 99 did not own master recordings. 99’s influence helped shape New York’s dance-punk scene and later labels like DFA Records; LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy has cited 99 as a favorite, and the label’s approach has been said to influence Franz Ferdinand and Futureheads. The store was known for its creative, arty atmosphere, praised by Dee Pop and Vivien Goldman.