To me, Putumayo seems to have a magical touch for finding tuneful songs from hidden corners of the world. I find that you cannot go far wrong with their selections.
Their focus has improved and improved over the years. Even so, their earliest compilations -- World Instrumental and World Vocal -- are fun even in their wild eclectism.
I surprised myself when I decided to see how many of their compilations I had -- 19! Good music to work to, to set a mood, to evoke travel.
The Best of World Music: World Vocal
Women of the World: Celtic
One World
Dalom Kids & Splash
Islands
Travel the World with Putumayo
Mali to Memphis
Brasileiro
Tuku Music
Oliver Mtukudzi
Reggae Around the World
The Super Sawale Collection
Kotoja
Women of the World: International
Women of the World: Celtic II
A Celtic Collection
A World Instrumental Collection
World Dance Party
The Best of World Music: African