Europe

This covers several threads of European popular and folk music.

Chantal Acda (1978– )

• w/Bill Frisell: Live at Jazz Middelheim [2017, self-released], B+(*)

Džambo Aguševi

• Džambo Aguševi Orchestra: Brasses for the Masses [2020, Asphalt Tango], B+(**)

Ahilea

• Cafe Svetlana [2009, Essay], B+(***)

Aksak Maboul [1977– ]

• Figures [2020, Crammed Discs], B+(**)

Haris Alexiou (1950– )

• Di Efchon [1998, Mondo Melodia], B+

Altin Gün [2017– ]

• Gece [2019, ATO], B+(**)
• Yol [2021, ATO], B+(**)
• Ask [2023, Glitterbeat], B+(*)

Ardecore

• Ardecore [2005, Il Manifesto], A–

Begnagrad

• Begnagrad [1982, Mio], B

Goran Bregovic (1950– )

• Alkohol [2008, Wrasse], A–
• Welcome to Goran Bregovic (Best Of) [1974–2008, Wrasse], B+(*)

Concha Buika (1972– )

• w/Chucho Valdes: El Ultimo Trago [2013, Warner Music Latina], B+(*)

Cäthe (1982– )

• Chill Out Punk [2022, Träum Weiter!], B+(***)

Manu Chao (1961– )

• Clandestino [1998, Ark 21], A
• Proxima Estacion: Esperanza [2001, Virgin], A
• Radio Bemba Sound System [2002, Virgin], B+
• La Radiolina [2007, Nacional/Because], A
• Radio Bemba: Baionarena Live [2008, Nacional/Because, 2 CD], A–
• Viva Tu [2024, Because Music], A–

Oana Catalina Chitu

• Bucharest Tango [2008, Asphalt Tango], B+(**)

Christine and the Queens (1988– )

• Saint Claude [2015, Neon Gold, EP], B+(**)
• Christine and the Queens [2015, Atlantic/Because/Neon Gold], B+(**)
• Chris [2018, Because Music], B+(**)
• Paranoia, Angels, True Love [2023, Because Music], B

Paolo Conte (1937– )

• The Best of Paolo Conte [(1998), Nonesuch], B
• Psiche [2009, Platinum/Universal], B+(*)

Dagens Ungdom

• Dagens Ungdom [2014, Metronomicon Audio], B+(***)

Danger Dan

• Das Ist Alles Von Der Kunstfreiheit Gedeckt [2021, Antilopen Geldwäsche], B+(*)

Pierre de Gaillande

• Bad Reputation: Pierre de Gaillande Sings Georges Brassens [2010, Barbès], B+(***)

Marlene Dietrich (1901–92)

• The Cosmopolitan Marlene Dietrich [1951–54, Columbia], B+
• Love Songs [1930–59, Columbia/Legacy], B

Elina Duni (1981– )

• Matanë Malit [2012, ECM], B+(***)
• Dallëndyshe [2014, ECM], B+(***)
• Partir [2017, ECM], B+(*)

El Guincho (1983– )

• Alegranza [2008, XL], A–
• Pop Negro [2009, Young Turks/XL], A–
• Hiperasia [2016, Nacional], B

Ersatzmusika

• Voice Letter [2007, Asphalt Tango], A–
• Songs Unrecantable [2009, Asphalt Tango], A–

Fado em Si Bemol

• QB [2012, Vidisco], B+(*)

Family Atlantica

• Cosmic Unity [2016, Soundway], B+(*)

Fanfare Ciocarlia [1999– ]

• Queens and Kings [2007, Asphalt Tango], A–
• w/Adrian Raso: Devil's Tale [2013, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)
• Onwards to Mars! [2016, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)
• 20 [1996–2016, Asphalt Tango], A–
• It Wasn't Hard to Love You [2021, Asphalt Tango], A–

Israel Fernandez

• Naranjas Sobre la Nieve [2007, Sunnyside], C+

Brigitte Fontaine (1939– )

• Comme à la Radio [1969, Saravah], B+(***)

François and the Atlas Mountains

• E Volo Love [2012, Domino], B+(***)

Fumaça Preta

• Fumaça Preta [2014, Soundway], A–
• Impuros Fanáticos [2016, Soundway], B+(*)

Charlotte Gainsbourg (1971– )

• IRM [2009, Elektra], B+(**)
• Stage Whisper [2010, Elektra], B
• Rest [2017, Because Music], B+(**)

Serge Gainsbourg (1928–91)

• Du Jazz Dans le Ravin [1958–64, Philips/Mercury], B
• Comic Strip [1966–69, Mercury/Philips], B+
• Histoire de Melody Nelson [1970–71, Light in the Attic], B+(***)

Letizia Gambi

• Introducing Letizia Gambi [2012, Jando Music], C+

Magda Giannikou (1981– )

• Banda Magda: Tigre [2017, GroundUP Music], B+(*)

Ginkgoa

• EP Ginkgoa [2015, self-released, EP], B+(**)

Gipsy Kings [1988– ]

• Gipsy Kings [1988, Elektra], B–
• Pasajero [2007, Nonesuch], B+(**)

Boris Grebenshikov

• Russian Songwriter: A Collection From Boris Grebenshikov [(2003), Naxos World], B

Juliette Greco (1927– )

• Le Temps D'Une Chanson [2006, Sunnyside], B

Françoise Hardy (1944–2024)

• Françoise Hardy [1963, Disques Vogue], B+(*)

Hedningarna [1988– ]

• 1989–2003 [1989–2003, NorthSide], B+

Helena (1969– )

• Bang! Dillinger Girl and "Baby Face" Nelson [2006, Sunnyside], B
• Fraise Vanille [2007, Sunnyside], B+(*)

Lorentz Hop (1887–1954)

• Hardangerfiddle [1946–51, Nor-Co], B

Toni Iordache (1942–87)

• Sounds From a Bygone Age, Vol. 4 [1964–80, Asphalt Tango], B+(**)

Ja, Panik [2006– ]

• Libertatia [2014, Rough Trade], B+(*)

Irène Jacob (1966– )

• w/Francis Jacob: Je Sais Nager [2012, Sunnyside], B+(*)

Niño Josele (1974– )

• Paz [2006, Calle 54], B+(**)

Juniore [2013– ]

• Un Deux Trois [2020, Le Phonographe], B+(**)

Patrick Juvet

• Got a Feeling [1978, Casablanca], B+

Kal

• Radio Romanista [2008, Asphalt Tango], B+(**)

Maria Kalaniemi (1964– )

• Maria Kalaniemi [1992, Xenophile], B+(**)
• Bellow Poetry [2006, Alula], B

Ketama [1987– ]

• Toumani Diabate, José Soto: Songhai 2 [1994, Hannibal], B+(*)

Kitka

• The Rusalka Cycle: Songs Between the Worlds [2007, Diaphonica], B–

Kottarashky

• Opa Hey! [2009, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)
• w/The Rain Dogs: Demoni [2012, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)

Albert Kuvezin

• Re-Covers [2006, World Village], C+

La Cherga

• Fake No More [2008, Asphalt Tango], A
• Revolve [2011, Asphalt Tango], A–

Ute Lemper (1963– )

• All That Jazz: The Best of Ute Lemper [1987–97, London], B
• Rendezvous With Marlene [2020, Jazzhaus], B+(***)

Vladimir Lenhart

• Lenhart Tapes: Duets [2021, Novo Doba], B+(**)
• Lenhart Tapes: Dens [2023, Glitterbeat], B+(***)

Lotte Lenya (1898–1981)

• Sings Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins and Berlin Theatre Songs [1955–57, Sony], B
• Kurt Weill: Berlin and American Theater Songs [1955–57, CBS Masterworks], B+
• The Lotte Lenya Album [1955–57, Columbia], A–
• Lenya Sings Weill: The American Theatre Songs [1955–66, Sony Classical], A–

Vesa-Matti Loiri (1945– )

• 4+20 [1971, Porter], B+(*)

Gabi Lunca

• Sounds From a Bygone Age, Vol. 5 [1956–78, Asphalt Tango], A–

Daniele Luppi (1972– )

• w/Parquet Courts: Milano [2017, 30th Century/Columbia], B+(***)

Madredeus [1992– ]

• Faluas Do Tejo [2004, Metro Blue], B+

Mahala Raï Banda

• Mahala Raï Banda [1999–2004, Crammed Discs], B+(**)
• Ghetto Blasters [2009, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)

Mano Negra [1989– ]

• Patchanka [1988, EMI/Virgin], B+(**)
• King of Bongo [1990–91, EMI/Virgin], B+(*)
• Amerika Perdida [1988–91, EMI/Virgin], B+(***)

Mariza

• Concerto em Lisboa [2006, Times Square, CD+DVD], B

Boban Markovic

• Boban I Marko [2003, Piranha], A–
• The Promise [2005, Piranha], B+(***)
• Devla: Blown Away to Dancefloor Heaven [2009, Piranha], A–
• w/Fanfare Ciocárlia: Balkan Brass Battle [2011, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)
• Boban & Marko Markovic Orchestra: Gipsy Manifesto [2013, Piranha], B+(***)

Juan Martin

• Camino Latino [2001–2002, Flamencovision], B+

Martirio (1958– )

• w/Chano Domínguez: Acoplados [2004, Sunnyside], B
• Primavera en Nueva York [2006, Calle 54], B+(***)

Melenas

• Dias Raros [2020, Trouble in Mind], B+(**)

Jaro Milko

• Jaro Milko and the Cubalkanics: Cigarros Explosivos! [2014, Asphalt Tango], B+(*)

Eddy Mitchell (1942– )

• Jambalaya [2006, Sunnyside], C+

Pietra Montecorvino (1962– )

• Napoli Mediterranea [2003, Lucky Planets], B+(***)

Ana Moura (1979– )

• Coliseu [2008, World Village], B+(**)

Mystère des Voix Bulgares

• Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares [1987, Elektra/Nonesuch], B

Ivo Papasov (1952– )

• Balkanology [1991, Hannibal], B+

Carlos Paredes

• Guitarra Portuguesa [1990, Elektra/Nonesuch], B+

Rozina Pátkai

• Taladim [2018, Tom-Tom], B+(**)

Cristina Pato (1980– )

• Migrations [2011, Sunnyside], B+(***)

Romica Puceanu (1928–96)

• w/The Gore Brothers: Sounds From a Bygone Age, Vol. 2 [1964–73, Asphalt Tango], A–

Masha Qrella (1975– )

• Woanders [2021, Staatsakt], B+(***)

Quadro Nuevo [1998– ]

• Ciné Passion [2000, Justin Time], B
• Tango Bitter Sweet [2006, Justin Time], B+(***)

Radio Tarifa

• Cruzando el Rio [2001, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B+

Rosalía (1993– )

• El Mal Querer [2018, Sony Music], B
• Motomami [2022, Columbia], A–

Henri Salvador (1917– )

• Révérence [2007, Circular Moves], A–

Alejandro Sanz (1968– )

• Sirope [2015, Universal], B+(*)

Selo I Ludy Performance Band

• Bunch One [2019, self-released], B+(***)

17 Hippies

• Heimlich [2007, Hipster], B+(*)

Dona Dumitru Siminica (1926– )

• Sounds From a Bygone Age, Vol. 3 [1960, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)

Nana Simopoulos

• Skins [2016, Na], B+(**)

Slavic Soul Party [2002– ]

• Teknochek Collision [2007, Barbès], A–
• Plays Duke Ellington's Far East Suite [2014, Ropeadope], A–

Sorten Muld [1996– ]

• Mark II [1999, NorthSide], B+

Kristi Stassinopoulou (1956– )

• w/Stathis Kalyviotis: NYN [2016, Riverboat], B+(**)

Ion Petre Stoican

• Sounds From a Bygone Age Vol. 1 [1966–77, Asphalt Tango], A–

Stromae (1985– )

• Multitude [2022, Mosaert], B+(**)

C. Tangana

• El Madrileño [2021, Sony Music], B+(*)

Taraf de Haïdouks

• Musique des Tziganes de Roumanie [1991, Cramworld], B
• Taraf de Haïdouks [1999, Elektra/Nonesuch], B+
• Band of Gypsies [2001, Nonesuch], B+
• Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts [2015, Crammed Discs], B+(**)

Two Siberians

• Out of Nowhere [2005, WA/Heads Up], B+

Ramana Vieira

• Fado Da Vida [2015, Fate of Life], B

Sanda Weigl

• Sanda: Gypsy in a Tree [2010, Barbes], B+(*)

Savina Yannatou

• w/Primavera en Salonico: Terra Nostra [2001, ECM], B
• w/Primavera en Salonico: Sumiglia [2004, ECM], B+
• w/Primavera en Salonico: Songs of an Other [2007, ECM], B+(*)
• w/Primavera en Salonico: Songs of Thessaloniki [2015, ECM], B+(**)

Yelle

• L'Ère Du Verseau [2020, Recreation Center], B+(*)

Yuri Yunakov (1958– )

• Yuri Yunakov Ensemble: New Colors in Bulgarian Wedding Music [1997, Traditional Crossroads], B+(***)

Zap Mama [1993– ]

• Adventures in Afropea 1 [1993, Luaka Bop], B–
• Supermoon [2007, Heads Up], B

Zucchero (1955– )

• Zucchero and Co. [1988–2003, Concord/Hear Music], C–

Various Artists

• Brasslands [A Motion Picture Soundtrack] [2013, Evergreene], B+(**)
• Cuisine Non Stop: An Introduction to the French Nouvelle Generation [1996–2000, Luaka Bop], B+
• Gipsy Rhumba: The Original Rhythm of Gipsy Rhumba in Spain 1965–1974 [1965–74, Soul Jazz], B+(**)
• Mourmourika: Songs of the Greek Underworld [1930–55, Rounder], B+(*)
• Princes Amongst Men: Journeys With Gypsy Musicians [1964–2007, Asphalt Tango], A–
• Putumayo Kids Present: French Playground [1997–2004, Putumayo World Music], B+(*)
• Putumayo Presents: Acoustic France [1994–2007, Putumayo World Music], B
• Putumayo Presents: French Café [(2003), Putumayo World Music], B
• Putumayo Presents: Greece: A Musical Odyssey [(2004), Putumayo World Music], B+
• Putumayo Presents: Italian Café [1958–2004, Putumayo World Music], B+
• Putumayo Presents: Paris [1995–2005, Putumayo World Music], B+(*)
• The Rough Guide to Fado [(2004), World Music Network], B+
• The Rough Guide to the Music of Greece [(2001), World Music Network], B+
• The Rough Guide to the Music of the Gypsies [(1999), World Music Network], B+
• The Rough Guide to the Music of Russia [(2002), World Music Network], B–
• The Rough Guide to the Music of Scandinavia [(2000), World Music Network], B
• The Rough Guide to the Music of Wales [(2000), World Music Network], B
• Russendisko: Hits [(2003), Trikont], A–