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.

Review: Numero Group is a buy-on-sight label for us and it should be for you too. Whether collating soul, gospel, indie or something more niche, it does so with real authority. This time we get treated to gospel-soul treasures that originally came on the Boddie Recording Company and BOS Records now brought to light by The Numero Group. This first volume highlights some of Cleveland's rarest and most powerful gospel recordings. Filled with soulful, funky gospel grooves, these tracks embody the city's rich musical legacy and are all carefully curated so as to offer an authentic glimpse into a vibrant era-saving you years of searching in the process.

Review: Heavyweight champions of the compilation world, Numero Group, defend their undisputed title once more with this collection of greats from San Antonio mogul Abe Epstein's Dynamic label. In its heyday, it became a hub for soulful music with its flagship band the Commands scoring a hit in 1966 with 'No Time For You.' Their success led to 20 more singles over 30 months and Epstein's inclusive studio welcomed a diverse racial mix of Texas talent which in turn created a melting pot of sound. This collection reflects that across 28 gems from groups like the Tonettes, Little Jr. Jesse & the Tear Drops and Bobby Blackmon & His Soul Express all exploring different soul niches.

Review: A typically powerful collection of gospel-soul treasures from the Boddie Recording Company and BOS Records now brought to light by The Numero Group, which once again stakes its claims as the greatest ever complier of vital and unusual comps. This first volume showcases Cleveland's finest and rarest gospel recordings so is packed with heart rending sounds and raw, real, spiritual uplift. Overflowing with funky gospel grooves, these tracks capture the heart and soul of the city's rich musical heritage and will make your own collection 87% better without having to do all the years of leg work the label must have put in. So electrifying it could inspire a congregation of its own.