Putumayo CDs, Non-retro lounge, ethnic, jazz etc.

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

Just picked this up for cheap on Amazon marketplace after hearing a bit of it on the radio (KCSM?)



Pretty cool stuff. I also have World Lounge on order. Many of these are out of print apparently, but are going for a song in the used marketplace. Years ago I bought Italian Cafe at the full price (you know, $17.99 or some BS like that) and thought it was an absolute dud. That kind of turned me off the series for a while. However, now--after hearing some things I enjoyed recently on the label--I am interested again and snapping these up. Any thoughts or recommendations? Feel free to recommend similar recordings on other labels.

[kishnevi]

Barnes and Noble carries a selection of this series in their brick and mortar stores.  I have a couple of them. My general impression was nice compilation of recent hits,  good intro to the genre...but if you are familiar with the genre already,  look elsewhere.

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

Right, that's my general impression too.

Zydeco?
Cajun?
Bluegrass?
Reggae?
African Rhythms?
Asian Lounge?

I got nothin'. Seriously.

Stuff like French Café Classics, however--I have tons of Charles Trenet, George Brassens, Edith Piaf, Tino Rossi and the like...