Europe's music shows off its best side with this release

Putumayo’s CD notes explain how this compilation samples “the sound of the new Europe,” a continent where you’re as likely to hear “Celtic violins,” as “electronic bossa rhythms.” Although this 10-song set contains no obvious “Celtic violin” tunes, it does nevertheless gather together quite a wide ranging mix. The only big name in the bunch is Chumbawamba (Does anybody still remember “Tubthumping”?), because the rest of these participants are eclectic, yet relatively unknown. For instance, “Le Shin ” by !DelaDap by incorporates the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria into its dance music fiddle tune. Both Italy and Germany have two entries, and one of Italy’s selections, “Mystic Diversions” by E Pa-Pa, is sung in French, of all languages. But this is just that kind of CD, where languages and cultures are mixed together like an indescribable stew, which makes Europe come off as one cool place to be.