Various "1970s Algerian Proto-Rai Underground"

Like so many of Sublime Frequencies' releases, this one is problematic in the way that it allows for a certain amount of noncontextual tourism.  Just look at the cover image:  guns, girls, exoticism... it's a heady blend ripe for appropriation. 

Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics "Inspiration Information" (2009)

The third volume in Strut Records' "Inspiration Information" series brings together veteran Ethiopian jazz player Mulatu Astatke with young London groove merchants The Heliocentrics.  The concept is intriguing, introduce young lions to veterans, and hear the results.  Unfortunately, in this case the collaborative process doesn't seem to have quite worked.  The result sounds more like The Heliocentrics laying down a musical bed, quite Astatke provides some melody lines on top.  Astatke's work is interesting, if not particularly groundbreaking.  The Heliocentrics, however, are too prove to devolving into the tepid forms of downbeat that were so popular at the turn of the century.  This ultimately succeeds as neither funk nor Ethiojazz. 

17 Hippies "El Dorado" (2009)

"El Dorado" is a journey through the European folk tradition.  This German collective moves fluently through a variety of styles & creates a wonderful, fun listening experience.  Highly recommended for fans of Beirut or other Balkan influenced acts of the last decade.