Numero Group US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Described by Numero as a viral smash hit, whose pathogenic preponderance warranted use of the term "viral" even before the advent of the internet, The Notations' 1973 steamer 'I'm Still Here' documents the peak of the Chicago vocal soul trio's salad days as band. This was the second 45 to come out after the TAD Records debut from 1969, 'Trying My Best To Find Her', and is a telling triplet waltz, scolding the feminine listener-subject for her many ignominious refusals of love. Revisiting the single for a new music video in 2024, The Notations are indeed still here, repeating an unlearned lesson; and clearly, they have no more to say, with the brightly-lit chorale 'What More Can I Say' backing up the B-side.

Review: US soul group and Chicago's Southside favourites The Notations endured many musical evolutions in their time. The group released on both major labels and minor ones and had the likes of Sly Johnson and Curtis Mayfield taking care of their production. Numero Group has put together a first overview of their indie-label golden age on the album Still Here 1967-1973 which is full of lush r&b ballads as well as socially-conscious soul. Two of their best now also get pressed up to this 7" with heart-rending A-side and the swooning 'What More Can I Say' both immediately drawing you in. These have been sampled by Anderson.Paak, redveil and so may well sound familiar.