Any Putumayo fans?

I have one. The presentation of the whole line is pretty well done. I don't know if the music represents the best any of these countries has to offer. I may buy some other titles though.

Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.

Ok, so I'm posting non Putumayo world albums to check out...since it's the only world music thread that I can find (I like Putumayo BTW!)...just want to get these out there for general consumption.

New Ancient Strings-Toumani Diabite with Ballake Sissoko (If you like Kora Music)
Songs from a Little Blue House. Juan Carlos Formell
The Soundtrack from Amandla! (South African Freedom Music)
A meeting by the River (Ry Cooder with V.M. Blatt-- an Indian Sitar Player)

These are all classics and nearly 100% sure to please.

I love world music and understand the place samplers have for introducing music to people. However I find Putumayo just doesn't do it for me. I wish I did I like the company and their vibe. Too light and "poppy" to my taste. I like artists on 6 degrees, Luaka Bop, Blue Flame, On-U, Realworld and several other labels a lot more. Samplers I prefer are Trance Planet and Buddah Bar ( although I think BB's are too expensive and own none) There's a lot out there to hear. I use the net to sample before buying although 30-60 second samples help only so much.

ET

Thanks for the recommendations, Honest1, Abdou, and Electroid. Listening to music in different languages and unfamiliar instruments always brings new excitement to music for me. For those who are looking to expand their music collection, World Music is one place to have a listen.

Good luck!

Putumayo has some Latin discs with good Salsas and Cha Chas.