Favorite Discoveries of 2009
Come Together - Ike and Tina Turner and the Ikettes
This was the record I couldn’t stop listening to this year. I bought it for $2 at a yard sale in Jamaica Plain. You don’t know shit about this amazing duo until you’ve heard Come Together. If you still define Tina by “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”—a great song—see what depth “Too Much Woman” and “Unlucky Creature” add to your impression of her character. Then in the same swoop listen to her and Ike blow Lennon and McCartney out of the water with their version of the title track. It’ll leave you sweating. Loud, rocking, emotional, SULTRY. Not for headphones. Hits: “It Ain’t Right,” “Too Much Woman,” “Contact High.”
Marty’s Garage - Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp et al. 
Actually recorded in a garage outside Chicago in the late 60s, early 70s. Nothing short of free/minimalist jazz, which I like, but some of the solos are bluesy as hell, which I like more.
Eddie Fisher and the Next One Hundred Years
Long a sideman, this woefully unappreciated and little-known guitarist recorded his own album in 1970. Funk vamping and jazz soloing mix, and his use of the wah-wah is one-of-a-kind. Bad ass.
Three Things at Once - Deep Sleep
Riffy, old school punk from Baltimore. Lazy critics might call it “Black Flag Revival.” Lots of themes repeat, but these songs stay in my head for days at a time. Hits: “On a Slab,” “Textbook Timebomb.”
Natural Boogie - Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers
The Ramones of Chicago blues. Need I say more?
The Seeds - The Seeds
Never actually owned this garage rock essential until this fall. Contains “Pushin’ Too Hard,” the song they’re best known for, but there’s better stuff on here: “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine,” “Nobody Spoil My Fun.”
Promised Heights - Cymande
Eclectic funk from the early-mid 70s. Musicians hailed from Guyana and Jamaica, and the band formed in London. Some songs aren’t far off from Sly and the Family Stone’s darker stuff, others are infused with African and calypso rhythms. Basslines are as catchy as they come.
New Directions - Eric Dolphy Quintet
Dolphy’s first album as a band leader. Definitely “outward,” but a stark contrast to Coleman’s “Free Jazz,” which came out the same year.
New Original Sonic Sound - New Original Sonic Sound
Members of Mudhoney cover 16 Sonics songs. Rad.
When Life Gives You Lemons… - Atmosphere
This one slipped under my radar last year and I’m the less fortunate for it. What I love about this album is what bothered most Atmosphere fans: it showcases Slug’s storytelling more than his anger and socio-political messages. Hits: “Puppets,” “Painting,” “Wild, Wild Horses.”
Who Was Mac Rebbenack - Dr. John
Dr. John before he was Dr. John. Mostly rock n roll, early R&B. Someone reached deep into the crates to find these cuts. Quirky, lots of fun.
