This first full week of 2010, I’m taking a look back at 2009. This one is the first of four lists coming your way. 2009 was one of the few years where I was as excited about reissued material as I was brand new original works. Quality music was dug up all over the place, from classic albums getting swanky new editions to obscure musicians from all over the globe. Below are my Top 5 reissues of 2009 (with links to prior considerations on this blog), let me know what reissues you checked out last year!
***Honorable Mentions: Panama 3 (Soundway), Spiritual Jazz (Jazzman/Now-Again), Sensacional Soul, Vol. 2 (Vampi-Soul), Black Rio, Vol. 2 (Strut), Serge Gainsbourg – Historie De Melody Nelson (Light In The Attic)
5. Mulatu Astatke – New York – Addis – London: The Story of Ethio-Jazz 1965-1975 – Strut
Mulatu’s music has been on a variety of comps, (particularly the legendary Ethiopiques series) and even a Jarmusch soundtrack, but never before has it been brought together in such a comprehensive manner. The unique “ethio-funk” is great, but expected, what is particularly interesting about this set are the Afro-Latin tracks (presumably recorded in New York, or inspired by Mulatu’s time there). Required listening for those who like to dig deep.
4. Si Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba, Vol. 2 – Waxing Deep
While not as much of a revelation as the original volume, over time, I think this set actually is better. You can check the original post for my favorite tracks, but all the rest could have easily been posted here, case in point this track from Los Barba.
3. King Crimson – In The Court of The Crimson King – DGC
At 5 CDs (or 2CD sets for the less adventureous), there’s so much new material that this set might overwhelm. The nuance and beauty of all the alternate takes, instrumental run-throughs and live tracks adds depth to a record that was already a classic.
2. Orchestre Poly-Rhytmo De Cotnou – Vol. 2 Echos Hypnotiques: From The Vaults of Albarika Store 1969-1979 – Analog Africa
I’ve already said quite a bit about this comp., here let me just add that if you STILL do not own a copy of this collection, your International Funky card has been hereby revoked…
1. 24-Carat Black – Gone: The Promises of Yesterday – Numero
I still find it hard to fathom that this music was just sitting on a shelf for damn near 35 years. Any number of small things could have happened to have these tracks remain undiscovered and forever lost. Thankfully they were found and this lost 2nd album from 24-Carat Black is just as exceptional as their debut. A stunning release and so very necessary.