reissues/comps of 2006
Are you guys tired of lists yet? Okay cool, I didn't think so. This list isn't really a list of the "top" reissues/comps of the year, because there are way too many that I haven't heard, and probably a bunch I don't even know exist. Namely, this What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977) that the Drunkard talks about today. I'm really doing this because this is some of the most exciting and mindblowing stuff I heard all year, and I'd hate for it go overlooked. Think of this more as my list of recommendations, in descending order, of absolutely essential stuff that isn't exactly new, but was released in 2006. I've included the original year of release (or year it was recorded) in parentheses:
gorilla vs. bear's favorite reissues/comps of 2006
5. Karen Dalton In My Own Time (1971)
Devendra Banhart and Nick Cave's favorite singer, Karen Dalton has influenced nearly everyone who's currently making true folk music. This was my introduction to Ms. Dalton, so thanks, Light in the Attic Records, because she's wonderful. Dubbed acid-folk, it's an amazing blend of folk, jazz, and most notably, soul. Bob Dylan once said Dalton had a voice like Billie Holiday's, so that's pretty much all you need to know.
mp3: Same Old Man
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Sibylle Baier
4. Sibylle Baier Colour Green (recorded 1970-1973)
I'm probably cheating here, because this neither a reissue or a compilation, but I don't care. Recorded in Germany in the early '70s and originally intended to be heard only by close friends and family, listening to Colour Green almost feels like you stole someone's diary. It's sad, at times dark, and almost uncomfortably intimate, and one of the most fragile and beautiful releases this year. (buy)
mp3: Tonight
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3. Various Eccentric Soul: The Big Mack Label (1960s/early '70s)
Nearly everything Numero Group puts out is unreal, and this collection of obscure and rare Detroit '60s soul and funk is at times mindblowing. This song is probably the sexiest thing you'll hear all year. Make sure to seek out the other Eccentric Soul releases as well, there's some amazing stuff buried in there if you take the time to find it.
mp3: Ms. Tyree "Sugar" Jones If You Feel It mp3
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2. Susan Christie Paint A Lady (1970)
Simply put, Finders Keepers Records is amazing. They've released gem after gem of lost or forgotten albums, but Paint A Lady takes the cake. There are said to be only 2 or 3 original pressings of this in existence, and god bless Finders Keepers for tracking one down, because the production on this thing is light years ahead of its time. Get this record. Seriously.
mp3: Paint A Lady
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1. Various Tropicalia: A Brasilian Revolution in Sound ('60s/'70s)
With the release of this compilation, a re-release of one of their albums, and seeing the band play at the Pitchfork Festival, Os Mutantes became one of my favorite bands in the world this year. Yeah, a little late, I know. If I had to recommend only one album this year of any genre, this would (arguably) be it. Also features Gilberto Gil, Tom Ze, Jorge Ben, and more. (buy)
mp3: Os Mutantes A Minha Menina mp3
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If you like those songs, I strongly urge you pick up those records if you can. Any other (re)releases or compilations that came out this year that you think are essential? Let us know, please.