Back catalogue: 50s/60s

Review: Dreams can come true. When the late, great Robert Gordon was nine years old, the punk rocker turned Rockabilly-revivalist heard Elvis on the radio and he set his sights on becoming a rock & roll musician. The American went on to have a glittering career that included a stint in New York punk scene favourites Tuff Darts and having Link Wray on his records. But it was in 1978, upon signing to Elvis' label RCA, that he said it was "a dream come true." This is the first album Gordon did with RCA and his first with the go-to session guitarist of the time, Chris Spedding. It's a powerhouse of a record expertly weaving through rockabilly, 50s pop and country. Gordon's soulful vocals sparkle with nostalgic and lustful tones that are able to light up any room where it's heard. A true master of his art.

Review: Margo Guryan's solo album, Take A Picture, originally released in 1968, has attained cult status for its enchanting blend of honeyed vocals and sophisticated songwriting. Known for her influence on soft-pop and dream-pop genres, Guryan's album features the iconic track 'Sunday Morning,' later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell. This reissue, now available on vinyl, features Guryan's jazz background shining through in her meticulous compositions, which have been praised for their funky sunshine arrangements and lush melodies. As a renowned songwriter, her works have been performed by artists ranging from Astrud Gilberto to Harry Belafonte. Take A Picture stands as a bridge between Burt Bacharach's sophistication and the indie pop stylings of Belle & Sebastian, influencing artists like the Wondermints and even inspiring Diablo Cody during the creation of Juno. Despite critical acclaim, Guryan preferred the role of songwriter over performer, reflecting her dedication to musical craft and independence from the spotlight.

Review: Margo Guryan's Take a Picture is a charming artifact of late '60s pop, blending the orchestral sophistication of Burt Bacharach with the dreamy resonance of early Belle & Sebastian. Guryan, a seasoned songwriter with credits including Ornette Coleman and Harry Belafonte, crafted a singular album that's both a lush time capsule and a showcase of her unique vision. Now released on gold vinyl, the production is richly adorned with horns, strings, and sweet harmonies, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like 'Sunday Morning' (later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell) and 'Sun' radiate a carefree energy, capturing the essence of Sunshine Pop. Ballads like 'Think Of Rain' and 'Thoughts' are very nostalgic, while 'Love' intriguingly veers into Psychedelic Rock. Take a Picture endures as a delightful reminder of its era, offering a glimpse into a bygone musical sensibility with Guryan's endearing, Doo-Wop-inspired vocals at its core.

Review: Numero's comprehensive collection, Words and Music, offers a deep dive into the eclectic catalog of cult singer-songwriter Margo Guryan. Beyond her viral hit 'Why Do I Cry?', Guryan's music showcases a breadth of scope that extends far beyond the Billboard charts. Trained in jazz and inspired by the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, her 1968 debut album Take A Picture exemplifies her ambition and talent, blending bright harmonies, cheeky lyrics, and taut breaks with unusual jazz flourishes. Despite initial obscurity, Guryan's music found renewed appreciation in the 90s and beyond, with tracks like 'I Don't Intend to Spend Christmas Without You' gaining traction. Numero's exhaustive set includes her entire discography, from the Take A Picture LP to vintage demos and unreleased recordings, showcasing Guryan's evolution from her early jazz influences to her later chamber pop experiments. Words and Music is a testament to Guryan's enduring musical legacy and wide-ranging influences.

Review: Margo Guryan, best known for penning hits like 'Sunday Morning,' had a musical vision that extended far beyond the Billboard charts. A jazz student who collaborated with Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry, Guryan found inspiration in the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds,' which led her to create the organ-led 'Think of Rain' for her 1968 debut album, 'Take A Picture.' Despite its commercial potential, the album, filled with bright harmonies, cheeky lyrics, and jazz flourishes, failed to break through due to Guryan's disinterest in touring and the label's lack of promotion. Guryan's music was rediscovered in the 90s, with renewed interest sparked by Saint Etienne's cover of 'I Don't Intend to Spend Christmas Without You.' In 2001, she released a set of vintage demos, reconnecting with a new generation of fans. Following her passing in 2021, her track 'Why Do I Cry?' went viral, prompting Numero to compile her entire discography into an exhaustive set. This collection includes 'Take A Picture,' additional tracks from Beatball Records' 2009 edition, the '25 Demos' album and 16 unreleased recordings. Spanning from 1956 to 1975, this compilation showcases Guryan's evolution from her early jazz-influenced tracks to her later ambitious chamber pop, reflecting her wide-reaching musical inclinations and unique wordplay.