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LATIN Colombia by various artists (Putumayo). Buena Vista Social Club zealots, rejoice! There’s somewhere besides Cuba where African, indigenous, and European sounds intermarried, giving birth to dazzling musical rhythms—from the hot, accordion-driven magic of Vallenato music to sizzling South American salsa. —Jay Walljasper

POP Look into the Eyeball by David Byrne (Virgin/Luaka Bop). A warm empathy is creeping into Byrne’s quavery voice, but he’s still conducting experiments in musical crossbreeding. Philly soul, acid jazz, classical strings, and Latin and African rhythms all contribute DNA to this bittersweet, smart album. —Keith Goetzman

AFRICAN Unwired: Africa by various artists (World Music Network). At a time when Afropop often emphasizes the pop over the Afro, this compilation of acoustic music from all corners of the continent—chants, rumbas, jazz tunes and more—teems with freshness and vitality. —K.G.

ATMOSPHERIC Om Lounge 5 by various artists (Om). With jazz and hip-hop influences, this groovy, mid-tempo electronic lounge collection is the perfect background for ultracool chilling out. —Karen Olson

FOLK Claire Holley by Claire Holley (Yep Roc). Holley has a sharp eye and a keen ear, assembling acoustic vignettes that burst with detail. Poetic without being precious, she’s a singer-songwriter to watch. —K.G.

PUNK The Essential Radio Birdman (1974–1978) by Radio Birdman (Sub Pop). Til now, late-night alternative radio has been the only place to hear tracks from this little known but highly influential Australian band. Fast and brash, the songs are musical shots of espresso. —K.G.

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