Numero Group
Founded in 2003 by Tom Lunt, Rob Sevier, and Ken Shipley, Numero Group is a Chicago-based record label that specializes in unearthing and reissuing sometimes rare, often underappreciated music.
They scour warehouses and basements across the globe in search of forgotten recordings, often tracking down original artists and producers to obtain the rights to reissue their work.
They usually release limited editions of their releases on various media formats. Often accompanied by extensive liner notes, rare photos, and in-depth interviews that offer comprehensive insight into the history and context of the music.
Speaking for the vinyl releases, at least, the thick card sleeves and extras (booklets, etc) always have a high-quality feel and I haven't had an issue with any of the vinyl, either physically or in terms of sound quality. The vinyl is usually heavyweight, so less prone to warping and more prone to bursting holes in the edges of paper inner sleeves (I do have an instance of this). It's a trade off. I will say, the heavier vinyl coupled with the heavier sleeves, make the releases feel substantial. Their heft suggests better than average quality.
More importantly, the quality is there in terms music. We love them because they release so much that we haven't previously been aware of and they cover an eclectic mix of genres. Rather than waffle on about the artists and list the genres they cover, I'll do a few YouTube videos over the next couple weeks of tracks from some of the LPs I have in my personal collection and embed them below.
The first one is from Charlie Megira und the Hefker Girl
Next, the wonderful Gossett sisters and their late 60s all-girl group Female Species.
More coming soon.