Margo Guryan: A Musical Comeback

Hello, friends! Let’s talk about something super exciting in the music scene. So, get ready because on November 8th, Sub Pop is dropping a compilation called Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo Guryan. This album is a love letter to Guryan’s iconic 1968 record, Take a Picture, and it features 12 dreamy tracks from a bunch of cool contemporary artists. Can we take a moment to appreciate that?

To kick things off, the incredible Clairo just released a cover of Guryan’s track “Love Songs.” Like, seriously, it’s a whole vibe. If you haven’t heard it yet, go listen right now. It’s all about those dreamy feels and the nostalgia that Guryan’s music embodies. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Now, let’s dive into what this compilation has to offer. Besides Clairo, we’ve got a lineup of talented artists like Margo Price, TOPS, Rahill, June McDoom, MUNYA & Kainalu, Frankie Cosmos & Good Morning, Kate Bollinger, Pearl & The Oysters, Bedouine & Sylvie, Barrie, and Empress Of. Can you believe it? These artists are reimagining Guryan’s music, and it’s a total mood.

The Heart of the Album

The release of Like Someone I Know isn’t just about the music; it’s also super meaningful because it coincides with the third anniversary of Margo Guryan’s passing. It’s like a tribute to her legacy. Plus, a portion of the proceeds is going to support affordable reproductive health services. So, you’re not just vibing to good music, you’re also supporting a great cause.

For those who want to snag a copy, you can preorder the album now! They’ve got this cool Loser Edition on Opaque Red vinyl. Just imagine how dope that would look on your record shelf. You can get it from megarmart.subpop.com (North America) or other indie retailers worldwide. But hurry up, though this limited edition is gonna sell out fast.

Who is Margo Guryan?

Alright, let’s chat about Margo Guryan for a sec because her story is just as cool as her music. She’s one of those cult musicians whose impact is, like, way deeper than the mainstream. Born into a big fam in Far Rockaway, her life was pretty rad her mom was a radiologist, and her dad played the piano.

While studying at Boston University, she played piano between sets for Miles Davis and landed a songwriting deal with Atlantic Records. But here’s the twist: she wasn’t aiming to be a pop star. Instead, she was all about crafting music that would resonate with people. In 1959, she hit up the Lenox School of Jazz, where she seriously honed her craft and got involved in the jazz scene. She was writing for big names like Harry Belafonte and even Ornette Coleman. Pretty sick, right?

But the game changer for her was hearing the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.” It opened her eyes to the beauty of pop music, leading her to create Take a Picture in just two years. This album is full of pop symphonies that explore love and the messiness of relationships. Tracks like “Sunday Morning” and “What Can I Give You” are just the tip of the iceberg of her talent.

The Magic of Take a Picture

Let’s talk about Take a Picture because, honestly, it’s a masterpiece. It captures the essence of mid-20s romance, with all its highs and lows. The way Guryan mixes upbeat sounds with deep lyrics is something that feels so fresh, even today. Like, in less than 150 seconds, “Thoughts” perfectly encapsulates a relationship’s journey from exciting beginnings to empty endings. And her voice? Pure magic.

What’s super impressive is how Guryan’s music seems chill on the surface but packs so much depth. There are rhythmic shifts and textures that surprise you. The closing track, “Love,” is a psychedelic ride that tells you to dive back in and listen closely. She asks profound questions about love that still hit hard today: “When do you get to be someone who can give/And live without hurting someone you love?” Total feels!

Guryan’s Legacy and Renaissance

Even though Guryan stepped back from the spotlight, her music has seen several comebacks. After she passed in 2021, her track “Why Do I Cry” went viral on TikTok, introducing her to a whole new audience. The Numero Group even launched a reissue campaign, which led to the highly praised 2024 set, Words and Music.

Now, we have a dozen artists, most of whom weren’t even born when Take a Picture dropped, reinterpret these songs for Like Someone I Know. It’s like a musical time capsule that bridges generations. Artists like Empress Of, Margo Price, and Clairo honor Guryan’s songwriting genius while bringing their unique sounds into the mix.

A Dive into the Compilation

I share with you some of the songs from Like Someone I Know:

1. Sunday Morning (TOPS): Kicking off the album with a feel-good vibe, TOPS nails that breezy, lazy Sunday morning energy we all crave. You’ll definitely want this on your weekend playlist.
2. Sun (Rahill): Rahill’s rendition of “Sun” brings a dreamy vibe, with hypnotic harmonium sounds that pull you in. It’s all about that surreal escape we need sometimes.
3. Love Songs (Clairo): Clairo takes “Love Songs” to a new level. Her soft, airy vocals wrap around the lyrics like a warm hug.
4. Thoughts (June McDoom): McDoom gives this one a fresh twist, blending her unique sound with Guryan’s classic vibes.
5. Don’t Go Away (MUNYA | Kainalu): This collab is a total mood. Their voices blend perfectly, creating a dreamy soundscape that you won’t want to leave.
6. Take a Picture (Frankie Cosmos | Good Morning): This duo takes a country twist on the title track, and it’s just the cutest thing ever.
7. What Can I Give You (Kate Bollinger): Bollinger’s version hits different. It’s intimate and raw, showing off her lyrical prowess.
8. Think of Rain (Pearl & The Oysters): This track is an indie dream. The instrumentation complements the lyrics beautifully, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and new.
9. Can You Tell (Bedouine | Sylvie): Their interpretation of “Can You Tell” is all about those sweet harmonies and soft melodies.
10. Someone I Know (Empress Of): Empress Of gives us a fresh take on this track, with a synth-heavy sound that feels modern yet respectful of Guryan’s style.
11. Love (Barrie): Barrie’s version is like a cozy blanket, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. It’s the perfect song to listen to while you chill at home.
12. California Shake (Margo Price): Price closes the album with a bang, bringing her country flair into the mix.

So, why does Margo Guryan matter in today’s music scene? Well, her songs remind us that good music transcends time. It speaks to the heart and connects us across generations. The way she captures the complexities of love and relationships resonates with so many of us, no matter when we were born.

Plus, the fact that this compilation is being released to honor her legacy while also supporting affordable reproductive health services is a huge win. It shows how music can not only touch our hearts but also inspire change. Guryan’s music is timeless, and now it’s getting the recognition it deserves.