Continuing from last week's column, these are my favorite songs I've heard so far on 2008 reissues. Most are new to me; the ones that aren't worked up sufficient new enthusiasm to be included here. All of this week's songs come from CDs equally worth your time.
Gwen Guthrie, "Padlock (Larry Levan Mix)" (from The Compass Point Story 1980â1986, Strut): I was familiar with this 1986 R&B club hit, but recently it's caught me up far more than ever before. On a compilation devoted to the sneaky, snaky, supple rhythm work of Sly & Robbie and friends, the supplest.
James Brown, "Bringing Up the Guitar" (from The Singles: 1967â1969, Hip-O Select): Not quite atomic the way his masterpieces were, which may be why this buoyant track has been passed by in most of the important JB reissues. But it can buoy any party you like.
Lokonon AndrĂ© & Les Volcans, "Mi Kple Dogbekpo" (from African Scream Contest, Analog Africa): Swaggering early-'70s Afro rock with cutting vocals and guitars, not to mention more cowbellâlots more; they're subtle, but they still power the thing.
Los Jaivas, "Foto De Primera Comunion" (from Love, Peace & Poetry: Chilean Psychedelic Music, Normal): Six and a half minutes of weed-drenched, sun-kissed psychedelic folk that leave any modern practitioner of the style in the sonic dust.
The Replacements, "I Bought a Headache" (from Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash, Rhino): Confession time: I missed their debut album until nowâunforgivable if you're from Minneapolis, like I am. Upshot: I get to finally discover just how goddamned funny the young Paul Westerberg was.
Willie Nelson, "I'm a Memory" (from One Hell of a Ride, Columbia/Legacy): From 1970, Willie goes psychedelic: "I'm the love that you bought for a song/I'm the voice on a green telephone." Cosmic, dude. The subdued Jimmy Webbâlike arrangement is wonderful as well.
Skibadee, "Tika Toc" (from An England Story, Soul Jazz): Hearing this Brit-ragga-rap banger as part of An England Story's history of UK MCing, you think it must be some lost '90s classic. Turns out the song is only two years old. It still sounds classic, though. 
