Review: Sami Galbi is a Swiss-Moroccan musician who looks to his childhood for musical inspiration. The A-side of this new 7" is a thoughtful post-breakup classic with raw synths and bouncing rhythm that melds rai influences with contemporary sounds and despite tacking a serious subject with gravitas also has a humourous edge. On the flip is 'Rruina,' a powerful follow-up with deeper darker club sounds that take Swiss-Moroccan rai-chaabi fusions into new territory. Both tunes are captivating listens from this fine talent and are sure to make an indelible impression on all who hear them.
Review: So the legend goes: Tokyo dance music aficionados DJs Nori, Fukuba, Alex From Tokyo, and Kenji Hasegawa came together sometime in 2003, with but one ultimate goal: to bring together, in their own words, the best music, with the best sound system, the best hospitality, by the best management staff, in the best location. The result was Gallery Connection, a venue and soundsystem situated right next to Omotesando station, in the the heart of the city's upscale cultural rampart, Harajuku. Famously held on Sunday afternoons, this dream team's party is once again started with two reissued versions of their original CD fixture and DJ set go-to, 'Smile', flaunting its stylistic versatility: a signature Balearic-scenic Shibuya-kei track that resounds in memory as the time-honoured party's de facto theme tune.
Review: 'Departures' is one of the most renowned singles by the Japanese band Globe, originally released in 1996. The track achieved significant success and became the group's second number-one hit on Oricon's weekly chart and went on to sell a total of a rather astonishing, especially in comparison to these digital times, 2.2 million copies, making it one of Japan's best-selling singles. Now the tune gets reissued on 7" and is a raw, dense pop-rock tune that comes with a bonus cut on the flip.
Review: Celebrate a decade of holiday magic this festive season with Ariana Grande's beloved Christmas hit 'Santa Tell Me' which now makes its debut on 7" green vinyl. Originally released in 2014, this festive pop classic has become a firm and warm favourite for the way it blends Ariana's soulful vocals with a catchy, heartfelt melody. It is perfect for any holiday playlist or for some's stocking, especially given the seasonal colour of it. A great collector's item for Ariana enthusiasts and holiday music lovers alike.
Review: By K-pop standards, rapper-turned-popstar G Dragon (Real Name Kwon Ji Yong) is something of a veteran. He's been a star in his native South Korea since the tail end of the 2010s, enjoying success for a trio of albums released between 2009 and 2013. Ubermensch, officially his fourth full-length, sees him return to solo action following a period spent working as a songwriter and producer for other artists. It's a typically entertaining, fun and boisterous set that sees him sing (and more occasionally rap) atop tracks that variously mix and match elements of P-funk, EDM, disco, synth-funk and 21st century pop. K-pop fans take note!
Review: 90s pop favourite Gabrielle's Find Your Way was released in 1993 and was the debut studio album that established her as one of the UK's standout r&b and soul artists of the era. Now reissued, it features the hit single 'Dreams,' which topped the UK charts. The album blends smooth soul with pop and dance influences while Gabrielle's distinctively husky voice, emotive delivery, and relatable lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment continue to resonate widely. Tracks like 'Going Nowhere' and 'I Wish' are further proof of her skills and help make her a major voice in British pop.
Review: The distinctive vocal sound of Shirley Giha aka. Ghia is both naive and infectious. Her only album Here I Am gets a reissue via Thank You, recalling the short-lived period in the spotlight enjoyed by the musician between 1987-88. Heavyweight city pop, new jack swing and slow-jam dreamers all combine in an almost oppressively 80s sound, while Ghia's vocals glide over each track elegantly and unprocessedly.
Review: French-Canadians Margaux Sauve and Louis-Etienne Santais are Ghostly Kisses the internationally acclaimed pop pairing that has got a hardcore following of fans all over the globe. They impressed with their debut album Heaven not that long ago and now return with Darkroom, which focuses on the feelings we all had during the pandemic of loneliness. Both artists set up in separate rooms during the writing process and sent snippets to each other to only finalise when they eventually met up which they think ensured they brought "more depth" to their process.
Review: Quebec City-based singer/songwriter Margaux Suave and collaborator/producer Louis-Etienne Santais earned plenty of praise for their first album as Ghostly Kisses, 2022's Heaven, Wait. It framed the project as a new iteration of dream-pop, with the pair drawing inspiration from melancholic synth-pop, downtempo, hazy indie-pop and lo-fi soul. Sophomore set Darkroom continues in this vein while subtly expanding the pair's sonic horizons. Throughout, they shuffle attractively between string-laden trip-hop ('There Is No More Space'), dreamy two-step pop ('Golden Eyes'), slow-motion, Balearic-tinged synth-pop ('Lonesome Hero'), twinkling deep house-pop ('Calm Down') and orchestrated ambient pop ('Silver Screen').
Review: Debbie Gibson's debut album Out of The Blue made quite the fact when released in 1987. It was the start of a big career for Gibson who wrote all ten of the songs on the album despite being just 16 at the time. Pop, rock and dance tropes all feature as she showed a radices amount of early talent for composing. The album made both UK and US charts and went on to sell more than three million copies in the United States and five million worldwide.
Review: Ginger Root is the immersive sonic vision of Cameron Lew, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and visual artist from Southern California who has built this project since 2017. He blends sound and sight with captivating albums, films and global tours and is inspired by 70s and 80s Japanese city pop, French pop and Philly soul, and the resulting sounds are polished synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie and soul through his unique perspective as an Asian-American. His third long player represents his most intentional work yet, both musically and personally. Paired with a visual album, it continues the conceptual story from 2022's Nisemono and shows Lew's growth and cinematic ambitions in all their glory.
Review: Norwegian indie talent Girl In Red kicked off her musical journey by sharing her home-recorded tunes as a teenager back in 2017. She has since become renowned for her raw lyrics and for delving into the everyday struggles and intricacies of relationships and has won a legion of fans, not least among them Taylor Swift,who invited her out on tour. Her breakout moment came with the viral sensation 'I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend,' followed by the enchanting 'We Fell in Love in October' in 2018. Fast forward to 2021, she unveiled her debut full-length album and soared up the charts. Now she is back with I'm Doing It Again Baby which comes on limited gatefold red vinyl and is full of more of her guitar-driven melodic indie-pop sounds and singalong hooks.
Review: Acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Jess Glynne is a GRAMMY award winner and chart-topping regular who has now unveiled her highly anticipated third studio album, JESS, slated for release via EMI Records. This latest offering is said to be her most personal yet. It is an album that enriches Jess' extensive catalog which already boasts over ten billion global streams and builds on her already remarkable achievements including being the sole British female solo artist to achieve seven number-one hits on the UK Singles Chart. Musically the record shows lots of growth to her artistry as well as plenty of the hooks she is known for.
Right Of Me (feat Derane Obika - On My dance Side version) (3:06)
Back In The Underwater (feat Reiwa Pia) (3:15)
Walkin' A Dream (feat Derane Obika) (3:26)
Hold The Line (feat Derane Obika) (4:10)
Cat With Camera (3:39)
Fall Into The Flame (feat Derane Obika) (3:29)
I Am Believe (feat Derane Obika) (3:36)
Don't You Worry (feat Derane Obika) (3:19)
Are U Ready? (feat Derane Obika) (3:22)
Watergate (feat Manuela Amalfitano) (3:56)
I Am Believe (Dreamy Vibe) (2:45)
Review: If you're a fan of the golden age of soul then you will well know that this album Taking All The Love I Can from The Chosen few is one of the canon's most revered. Since its original release on Maple Records in 1971 it has not been reissued on vinyl until now. It features their uniquely moody take on Northern Soul and plenty of swaggering arrangements and heart-melting vocals, not least the gorgeous falsetto of 'Something's Bad'. Oringals of this will cost you over $500 on second hand markets so make sure you cop this newly remastered version on all-new audiophile and virgin vinyl.
Review: This collection plunges into Godley & Creme's eccentric post-10cc years, a whirlwind of boundary-pushing pop and inventive production. Tracks like 'An Englishman in New York' burst with surreal humour and layered arrangements, showcasing their knack for storytelling through off-kilter melodies. Meanwhile, 'Snack Attack' plays with genre, blending funk-laden grooves and absurdist charm. These songs aren't just quirky diversions-they're windows into the duo's fearless approach to dismantling pop conventions. Packed with vocal harmonies, synth experiments, and a sprinkle of the absurd, this box set is a reminder of how Godley & Creme rewrote the rules for art-pop.
Review: Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez's collaborative album is steeped in heartfelt emotion with catchy, contemporary pop tunes the vehicle for their expression. I Said I Love You First is a perfect example of Blanco's signature production style which mixes soft beats with smooth melodies, while Gomez's vocals portray both vulnerability and confidence. The tracks explore themes of love, heartbreak and personal growth while balancing upbeat anthems and introspective ballads. Highlights include the emotionally charged title track and the infectious rhythms of songs like 'I Can't Get Enough.' The chemistry between Blanco and Gomez is palpable here.
The Boy Is Mine (feat Brandy, Monica - remix) (3:34)
Twilight Zone (3:18)
Warm (3:21)
Dandelion (3:24)
Past Life (3:36)
Hampstead (3:35)
Review: A year on from initial release, eternal sunshine remains a powerful and introspective exploration of heartbreak, growth and the aftermath of personal upheaval. As Arianna Grande navigates her Saturn return here, she transforms her very public divorce into an emotional, musically rich concept album. Inspired by the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, she confronts the lingering pain of a breakup with a mix of raw vulnerability and clever humour across tunes that blend her signature r&b sound with new, bold experimentation, including Y2K-inspired tracks like 'the boy is mine.' While her lyrics occasionally lean on familiar phrases, Grande's restraint and vocal artistry shine through and prove the fine singer-songwriter is not done evolving yet.
Break Your Heart Right Back (feat Childish Gambino) (4:09)
Love Me Harder (feat The Weeknd) (3:54)
Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart (3:53)
Hands On Me (feat ASAP Ferg) (3:12)
My Everything (2:49)
Bang Bang (3:20)
Only 1 (3:12)
You Don't Know Me (3:54)
Cadillac Song (2:52)
Too Close (3:36)
Review: Ariana Grande was still on the up when she released her My Everything album back in 2014. Although slightly delayed, this is a special tenth-anniversary edition that reminds of its charming mix of pop, r&b and EDM influences. The album is mostly defined by Grande's powerful vocal range and emotional depth while belting out hits like 'Problem,' 'Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart' and 'Break Your Heart Right Back' all of which remain bangers to this day. Plenty of top-tier guests also feature like The Weeknd, ASAP Ferg and Childish Gambino. As a celebration of her breakthrough era, My Everything remains a modern pop milestone.
Review: Four years on from her last full-length outing, Ariana Grande returns with her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine. In keeping with many post-pandemic albums, Grande apparently drew on her own personal experiences during the writing process, keen to deliver something that mixed "vulnerability" with entertainment. Musically, it also follows current and recent pop trends, combining r&b and hip-hop roots with nods to disco ('Bye'), 80s synth-pop ('Supernatural', 'This Boy'), trap ('True Story'), EDM (the house-tinged 'Yes and?' and colourful 'We Can't be Friends (Wait For Your Love') and classic balladeering ('I Wish I Hated You', with its expansive musical palette and intricate instrumental flourishes).
Review: Ariana Grande's gorgeous Eternal Sunshine album radiates with shimmering pop perfection. Bursting with celestial melodies, lush production, and Grande's powerful vocals, it's an ethereal journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. From the dreamy allure of 'Sunset Serenade' to the introspective depth of 'Midnight Memories,' each track exudes true emotional resonance and sonic brilliance as Grande effortlessly navigates between vulnerability and empowerment to craft a deeply personal yet universally relatable record. With its seamless blend of r&b, pop, and electronic influences, this album solidifies Grande's status as a pop icon while offering listeners escape into a world of eternal bliss.
Review: American star Ariana Grande's sixth album arrived in October 2020 and saw her work with a variety of producers. Longtime writers Victoria Monet and Tayla Parx were joined by the likes of Tommy Brown, Anthony M. Jones and London on da Track and all worked towards furthering her trap infused R&B and pop sound. Lyrically the record is a personal one that touches on themes of endearment, continual devotion and sexual intimacy. Grande does plenty of things with her voice, from shades of mumble rap to more grand and orchestral pop manoeuvres. Positions might not break new ground, but what it does, it does very well.
Review: Conan Gray has spoken openly about the catalyst for Found Heaven - an ill-fated toe-step into the murky world of relationships and, then, love, followed by painful heartbreak. The American singer-songwriter was still processing the fallout when the first promo interviews for this record hit the presses. That he says the trauma was worth it speaks volumes about who he is, and the mindset that feeds into his music. It might also be due to the fact Found Heaven is a glorious beast. A thoughtful curveball thrown by a man whose reputation for melancholia is well-known, this is almost like the musical version of what happens to us all after an intense emotional experience - transformation. So, think power balladry, synth-soaked anthems and a kind of 1980s nostalgic experimentation. It's weird and wonderful.
Review: If you're over the age of 30 it's probably quite alarming to think David Gray's monumental smash hit single 'Babylon' is now almost a quarter century old. A track that appeared everywhere, from TV ads to films to the radio for the next 25 years or so, it's the sort of song that artists can find it incredibly hard to come back from. Career defining, but also limiting, its enormous success melding with the very identity of the person who made it. Dear Life, Gray's 13th studio album and his first since 2021's Skellig, proves how unfair that familiar pattern can be. Deft songwriting and first class musicianship abound, although the record is unlikely to win any new disciples - this is very much Gray doing Gray the right way, a soft rock-pop-jazz-tronica workout that's easy to get along with, and get a little lost in - it's going to be just what the therapist ordered for those already converted.
Review: Griff's debut album Vertigo unfolds as a coming-of-age narrative for turbulent times. It captures the dizzying sensation of uncertainty and self-discovery, resonating deeply with listeners through its three-part journey. From introspective lows to exhilarating highs, Griff's artistry shines with each track, embracing her unique blend of introspection and euphoria. With a holistic approach spanning production, fashion, and design, Griff maintains her distinctive style and authenticity. Her latest single, 'Miss Me Too,' explores the paradoxical nature of maturity, accompanied by a poignant video that brings her emotions to life. Throughout, Griff draws on her multicultural upbringing and unconventional path, delivering a debut that is both profound and liberating.
Review: It's hard not to be impressed by everything Grimes touches. From the moment this album's trippy downtempo titular opener emerges from submerged depths of sound you know the latest from the Canadian is going to be a special moment in pop. As if to accentuate our point, "Delete Forever", two tracks later, introduces acoustic guitar tips while still retaining deep timbre and utilising effects to hypnotic ends on those hummed vocal loops. "IDORU", which closes out the record, feels far more playful, simple keyboard and whispered choral lyricism introduced with a backing track of bird song, before broken club beats fall in. It might be most fitting to finish a write up on the aptly-titled "You'll Miss Me When I'm Not Around", its guttural bass guitars and EDM-leaning vocal stabs not the only things reminding us the world would be weaker without this one.
Review: It's hard not to be impressed by everything Grimes touches. From the moment this album's trippy downtempo titular opener emerges from submerged depths of sound you know the latest from the Canadian is going to be a special moment in pop. As if to accentuate our point, "Delete Forever", two tracks later, introduces acoustic guitar tips while still retaining deep timbre and utilising effects to hypnotic ends on those hummed vocal loops. "IDORU", which closes out the record, feels far more playful, simple keyboard and whispered choral lyricism introduced with a backing track of bird song, before broken club beats fall in. It might be most fitting to finish a write up on the aptly-titled "You'll Miss Me When I'm Not Around", its guttural bass guitars and EDM-leaning vocal stabs not the only things reminding us the world would be weaker without this one.
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.
More Understanding Than A Man (instrumental) (2:03)
There I Was (2:07)
Kiss & Tell (2:47)
Half-Way In Love (2:18)
Goodbye July (2:29)
Four Letter Words (1:34)
Hurry On Home (1:57)
I Ought To Stay Away From You (2:40)
I Love (2:05)
Under My Umbrella (1:59)
I Don't Intend To Spend Christmas Without You (2:17)
Sunday Morning (2:17)
Thoughts (2:13)
Love Songs (2:51)
Don't Go Away (1:58)
Take A Picture (3:06)
Sun (2:34)
What Can I Give You (2:21)
Come To Me Slowly (2:27)
The 8 17 Northbound Success Merry-Go-Round (2:08)
Something's Wrong With The Morning (1:44)
Think Of Rain (2:22)
Can You Tell (2:32)
Someone I Know (2:43)
Love (5:27)
Why Do I Cry (2:14)
Spanky & Our Gang (2:04)
Most Of My Life (2:10)
It's Alright Now (2:01)
Timothy Gone (1:44)
The Hum (2:45)
Please Believe Me (3:55)
Yes I Am (3:12)
I Think A Lot About You (2:18)
I'd Like To See The Bad Guys Win (1:43)
Values (2:33)
California Shake (3:26)
Hold Me Dancin' (2:49)
Shine (2:58)
Goodbye July (3:53)
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.
More Understanding Than A Man (instrumental) (2:03)
There I Was (2:07)
Kiss & Tell (2:47)
Half-Way In Love (2:18)
Goodbye July (2:29)
Four Letter Words (1:34)
Hurry On Home (1:57)
I Ought To Stay Away From You (2:40)
I Love (2:05)
Under My Umbrella (1:59)
I Don't Intend To Spend Christmas Without You (2:17)
Sunday Morning (2:17)
Thoughts (2:13)
Love Songs (2:51)
Don't Go Away (1:58)
Take A Picture (3:06)
Sun (2:34)
What Can I Give You (2:21)
Come To Me Slowly (2:27)
The 8 17 Northbound Success Merry-Go-Round (2:09)
Something's Wrong With The Morning (1:44)
Think Of Rain (2:25)
Can You Tell (2:29)
Someone I Know (2:41)
Love (5:26)
Why Do I Cry (2:14)
Spanky & Our Gang (2:04)
Most Of My Life (2:10)
It's Alright Now (2:01)
Timothy Gone (1:44)
The Hum (2:45)
Please Believe Me (3:55)
Yes I Am (3:12)
I Think A Lot About You (2:18)
I'd Like To See The Bad Guys Win (1:43)
Values (2:33)
California Shake (3:26)
Hold Me Dancin' (2:49)
Shine (2:58)
Goodbye July (3:53)
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.
Frankie Cosmos & Good Morning - "Take A Picture" (2:58)
Kate Bollinger - "What Can I Give You" (2:24)
Pearl & The Oysters - "Think Of Rain" (2:10)
Bedouine & Sylvie - "Can You Tell" (2:17)
Empress Of - "Someone I Know" (2:04)
Barrie - "Love" (2:52)
Margo Price - "California Shake" (3:38)
Review: Like Someone I Know features reinterpretations of Margo Guryan's timeless songs by a diverse lineup of artists, including TOPS, Clairo, Empress Of, and Margo Price. Guryan, a talented singer-songwriter and pianist, released her only album, Take a Picture, in 1968, which, despite initial obscurity, has become a cornerstone of the sunshine-pop genre. Her compositions reflect a sophisticated understanding of love and uncertainty, showcasing a delicate yet powerful songwriting style. Guryan's artistry gained renewed recognition in recent years, particularly after her haunting track 'Why Do I Cry' went viral on TikTok shortly before her passing in 2021. This tribute album celebrates her influence, allowing modern musicians to explore her work while maintaining the essence of her original sound. Tracks like McDoom's atmospheric take on 'Thoughts' and Frankie Cosmos' playful rendition of 'Take a Picture' highlight Guryan's remarkable craftsmanship and emotional depth. By donating a portion of proceeds to affordable reproductive health services, this compilation not only honours Guryan's legacy but also reaffirms the lasting impact of her music, proving that her work continues to resonate across generations.
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