This article explores a few of the 12 reinterpretations from ‘Take a Picture’ (1968) by American singer Margo Guryan. These tracks are part of the collaborative project 'Like Someone I know: A celebration of Margo Guryan.'
American singer/ songwriter Margo Guryan’s ‘Take a Picture’ remains a masterclass example of a classic, ‘New-England’ feel pop album. With its sunny vocals and modal harmonies, ‘Take a Picture’ incapsulates that nostalgic, bouncy 1960’s radio pop; typified by female artists such as Francoise Hardy and Dusty Springfield.
Guryan’s unique inclusions of folk and jazz influences paired with introspective lyricism has a newfound appreciation in today’s musical scene of indie creatives, especially those favouring those lush, soft vocals and ‘lo-fi’ synths and drumbeats – all of which take homage in female 60s baroque pop. 12 current indie musicians and groups have recognised the timeless nature of Margo Guryan’s work and come together to celebrate and reinterpret ‘Take a Picture’. Released by independent record label, Sub Pop, ‘Like Someone I Know: A celebration of Margo Guryan’ compiles 12 covers from the album, reconceptualized by these artists own creative interpretations.
Sunday Morning - TOPS
Soft rock band TOPS reimagining of Guryan’s ‘Sunday Morning’ takes those upbeat rhythms and ‘bossa nova’ like, unedited guitar patterns and adds a modern, more ‘dreamy’ approach to reflect the carefree and whimsical nature of both Guryan’s lyrics and use of homophonic textures , accompanied with simple drum breaks.
Sun – Rahill
A personal favourite is New York artist Rahill’s tribute to ‘Sun’, taking an even more laid-back approach than Guryan’s. The inclusion of a soft pad and sitar in the song’s introduction, before a gentle guitar picking pattern to accompany Rahill’s sultry vocals effectively in cooperates her favoured contemplative harmonies with Guryan’s light-hearted phrasings. A track I thought had a similar feel to Rahill’s ‘Sun’ was Raven Violet’s cover of Dave Berry’s 60s classic ‘This Strange Effect’ with its atmospheric synths and moody undertones.
Love Songs – Clairo
Perhaps one of the most well-known of these contemporary artists is ‘indie luminary’ Clairo, who takes on the cover of ‘Love Songs’, a dreamy ballad that reminisces a past love. The cover plays up those nostalgic analog synth chords and tender, whisper vocals that reflect an introspective sense of longing, whilst disguised in a classically structured gentle pop piece, like the works of Norah Jones who similarly sets lyrical contemplation to retro harmonies and vintage keyboard effects.
Thoughts – June McDoom & Don’t Go Away – MUNYA, Kainalu
Upcoming ‘new synth folk’ artists MUNYA and June McDoom add a dreamy, ‘bedroom’ pop touch to Guryan’s ‘Thoughts’ and ‘Don’t Go Away’, reminiscent to the vintage imitations found in indie groups like The Marias and Men I Trust. Producer Trent Prall, known as the recording project ‘Kainalu’ adds his unique touch of untroubled psychedelic funk instrumentation to ‘Don’t Go Away’, reinterpreting Guryan’s track as a more slow-paced, casual listen for a modern-day reception.
Someone I Know – Empress Of
One track that has a notable modern flair is Empress Of’s interpretation of ‘Someone I Know’, blending Margo’s ambient production with electronic indie pop for a more radio-friendly and catchy track – despite staying true to Guryan’s poetic and obscure lyricism. Despite its modern approach, Empress Of still include Guryan's original use of J.S. Bach's "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" as counterpoint (music nerd point, apologies...).
The rest of the album mimics Margo Guryan’s tasteful and delicate musical aspects, with sentimental but sweet vocals, layered with heartfelt, close harmonies that often work in call response or consonant intervals for that retro effect.
A portion of proceeds from Sub Pop’s release will be donated to providing and advocating for affordable reproductive health services.
Harriet Bodle
Edited by Harriet Bodle
videos courtesy of Sub Pop, Image 1 courtesy of Margo Guryan, Image 2 courtesy of Sub Pop Records
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