Balkans Without Borders

In the 1990s Balkan music became an underpinning for everything from Downtown New York jazz to a variety of postrock flavors emerging from the West Coast and the twin cities of Minnesota. Here's an expert collection of both North American and European artists playing their Balkan cards. Judging by these selections, the Balkan appeal is rooted dually in the music's speed and instrumental varieties. Charming Hostess chime in with their Angelite-like voices as drums rumble; the Klezmatics, on the other hand, build on Loren Sklamberg's tremulous voice and a spare piano melody. Then there are the more traditional nods--Muzsikas playing "Máramarosi Táncock" and Grupi Albanët feasting on an Albanian love song that yearns and jolts at once. And it's worth noting that proceeds from this packed CD will benefit the vanguard Doctors Without Borders medical organization.

1. Dali Tzerni - Charming Hostess
2. Sjaj Mjesece (Shine Moon) - Zabe I Babe
3. Hosa Dyna - Brave Combo
4. Surfin' Albania - Immigrant Suns
5. Esma - Slobo Horo
6. Hajde Bukuri (Come, Beauty) - Grupi Albanet
7. Godecki Cacak - The Reptile Palace Orchesta
8. The Stars Are Shining (Radio Edit) - Szeki Kurva
9. Gankino Horo - Farmers Market
10. Geamparalele Tsambalul - Alexander Fedoriouk & Ensemble 'Harmonia'
11. Zurle - Balkan Tribes
12. An Undoing World - Klezmatics
13. Ti Se Meli (What Do You Care...) - Annabouboula
14. Maramarosi Tancok (Maramaros Dances) - Muzsikas
15. Halling From Macedonia - Garmarna
16. Tiring Night - Meira Asher & Kocani Orkestar
17. Kako Kolan Da Se Vijem (Like A Belt I'll Wind) - Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band
18. Izniknami Badem Drvo - Mike Watt & Masina
19. Rece Cica - Sviraj
20. Anapse To Tsigaro (Live) - Three Mustaphas Three

DESCARGA