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 1980–1986, 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:
1967–1969, 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 André & 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 cowbell—lots 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 now—unforgivable 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 Webb–like 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. 