Global Transmissions

Amazon.com
Global Transmissions is a satisfying, if sprawling, look at world music, from the microtonal East Indian guitar work of Axiom of Choice to the ethno-techno dance slant of Afro Celt Sound System, with stops along the way in Latin music and African sounds, and even the obligatory Celtic touch. While there's nothing that hasn't been released elsewhere, the sheer range, and good programming of the discs, ensure plenty of treats, with Mexico's Lila Downs, Ayub Ogada, and Altan coming across as especially impressive. Not everything is new, but that's really not important since none of this music comes with a sell-by date; good music is timeless. Seasoned listeners may already have albums by many of the artists here, but for those dipping a toe into worldly waters, it's an excellent place to start. --Chris Nickson

Tracks:

Yolele - Papa Wemba
Whirl-Y-Reel 1 - Afro Celt Sound System
Mario Takes A Walk - Jesse Cook
Lagrimas Negras - Cuba L.A.
Valentin - Susana Baca
Night In The South - Jose Luis Encinas
Minha Familia - Waldemar Bastos
Simuna - Lila Downs
Mustt Mustt - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti - Sheila Chandra
Iamagit - Telek
Mayengo Reel - John Whelan
Offering Chant (Unplugged) - Lama Gyurme & Jean-Philippe Rykiel

Tracks:

Inward Coil - Vas
To Walk - Tama
Sodewou - Maryam Mursal
Son De La Liberacion - Los De Abajo
Ole Cinco - Willie And Lobo
Ondiek - Ayub Ogada
Parvaz - Axiom Of Choice
Dil Ki Doya - Paban Das Baul/Sam Mills
Loco Por Ti - Oscar Lopez
African Sunset - Zap Mama
Gi Pai Pa Yul Chola - Yungchen Lhamo
Sin Lagrimas - Bloque
The Waves Of Gola - Altan

Amazon.com

Global Transmissions is a satisfying, if sprawling, look at world music, from the microtonal East Indian guitar work of Axiom of Choice to the ethno-techno dance slant of Afro Celt Sound System, with stops along the way in Latin music and African sounds, and even the obligatory Celtic touch. While there's nothing that hasn't been released elsewhere, the sheer range, and good programming of the discs, ensure plenty of treats, with Mexico's Lila Downs, Ayub Ogada, and Altan coming across as especially impressive. Not everything is new, but that's really not important since none of this music comes with a sell-by date; good music is timeless. Seasoned listeners may already have albums by many of the artists here, but for those dipping a toe into worldly waters, it's an excellent place to start. --Chris Nickson