Back catalogue: Rock (All)

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.