Europe (Reference)

This covers several threads of European popular and folk music.

The reference list includes records that have been obtained and/or rated (in blue) as well as many other records that have been recommended from various sources.

Ahilea

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

Haris Alexiou (1950– )

• Di Efchon [1998, Mondo Melodia], B+

Dan Ar Bras

• Allez Dire a la Ville [1978, Hexagone]
• Acoustic [1985, Green Linnet]
• Music for the Silences to Come [1996, Shanachie]

Ardecore

• Ardecore [2005, Il Manifesto], A–

Eleftheria Arvanitaki

• Meno Ektos [1991, Polygram Greece]

Charles Aznavour (1924– )

• Aznavour Live: Palais des Congres [1999, EMI France]

Balkan Beat Box

• Balkan Beat Box [2005, JDub], A–
• Nu-Med [2007, JDub], A–

Alain Bashung (1947– )

• Osez Joséphine [1991, Polydor]
• Compilation Bashung [(1992), Barclay]
• Fantaisie Militaire [1998, Polydor]
• Compilation Osez Joséphine [(1998), Polydor]

Franco Battiato (1945– )

• L'Imboscata [1996, Universal/Polygram]
• Shadow, Light [(1996), IRS]

Lucio Battisti (1943–98)

Begnagrad

• Begnagrad [1982, Mio], B

Sotiria Bellou (1921–97)

• Sotiria Bellou [Margo]

Wolf Biermann

• Gut Kirschenessen, DDR [1990, Wolf Bierman]

Vera Bila

• Queen of Romany [1999, BMG/Gig]

Georges Brassens (1921–81)

• Volume III [(1996), Polydor]
• Master Series: The Best of Georges Brassens [(1998), Poydor]

Goran Bregovic (1950– )

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

Jacques Brel (1929–78)

• Grand Jacques [1955, Polydor]
• Quand on n'a que l'Amour [(1996), Polydor]
• Master Serie [(1998), Polydor]
• Amsterdam: The Best of Jacques Brel [(1998), Polydor]

El Cameron de la Isla (1951–92)

• Calle Reale [1983, Philips]
• Autorretrato (Self-Portrait) [1992, Philips]
• Mejor de Camarron da la Isla: Una Leyenda ... [(1993), Philips]

Enrico Caruso (1873–1921)

• Great Caruso [(1997), ASV]

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–

Maurice Chevalier (1888–1972)

• Valentine [(1997), Arkadia]

Oana Catalina Chitu

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

Paolo Conte (1937– )

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

Csókolom

• May I Kiss Your Hand [1998, Arhoolie]

Dalida (1933–87)

• Best of Dalida [(1992), Alex]
• Paroles de Femme (Best of Dalida) [(1994), Alex]
• Les Années Barclay: The Best of Dalida [(1998), Polydor]

Lucio Dalla

• Dalla / Morandi [(1995), BMG]

De Almaden, Escudero and Ramos

• Flamenco de Triana [1997, Tradition]

Paco de Lucía

• Entre Dos Aguas [1986, Polydor]
• Sirocco [1987, Polydor]
• Fosforito [1991, Iris Music]
• Live: One Summer Night [Polydor]

Marlene Dietrich (1901–92)

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

Dissidenten

• The Jungle Book [1993, Triloka]
• Instinctive Traveler [1997, Blue Jackel]

Donnisulana

• Per Agata [1992, Silex]

El Guincho

• Alegranza [2008, XL], A–

Ersatzmusika

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

Róza Eskenázi (1900–81)

• Rembetissa 1933–1936 [1933–36, Rounder]

Famille Lela de Permet

• Polyphonic Voices and Instrumentals [1994, Indigo]

Fanfare Ciocarlia [1999– ]

• Queens and Kings [2007, Asphalt Tango], A–

Israel Fernandez

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

Charlotte Gainsbourg (1971– )

• IRM [2009, Elektra], B+(**)

Serge Gainsbourg (1928–91)

• Du Jazz Dans le Ravin [1958–64, Philips/Mercury], B
• Initials BB [1968, Philips]
• Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin [1969, Virgin France]
• Comic Strip [1966–69, Mercury/Philips], B+
• Histoire de Melody Nelson [1971, Poydor]
• Vu de L'exterieur [1973, Polydor]
• Rock Around the Bunker [1975, Polydor]
• Master Series: The Best of Serge Gainsbourg [(1998), Polydor]
• A Gainsbarre [(1999), Polygram]

Garmarna

• Vittrad [1995, Omnium]

Gipsy Kings [1988– ]

• Gipsy Kings [1988, Elektra], B–
• Live [1992, Elektra]
• Love and Liberte [1994, Elektra/Nonesuch]
• Volare! The Very Best of the Gipsy Kings [(2000), Elektra/Asylum]
• Pasajero [2007, Nonesuch], B+(**)

Gjallarhorn

• Ranarop: Call of the Sea Witch [1998, Elektra/Asylum]
• Sjofn [2000, NorthSide]

Boris Grebenshikov

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

Juliette Greco (1927– )

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

Groupa

• Manskratt [1990, Amigo]

Françoise Hardy (1944– )

• La Question [1971, Virgin]
• The Vogue Years [(2001), BMG, 2 CD]

Hedningarna [1988– ]

• Kaksi [1992, Northside]
• 1989–2003 [1989–2003, NorthSide], B+

Helena (1969– )

• Azul [2003, Sunnyside]
• Née Dans la Nature [2005, Sunnyside]
• 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

Pawlo Humeniuk

• King of the Ukrainian Fiddlers: The Early Years [1925–27, Folk Lyric]

Toni Iordache (1942–87)

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

Niño Josele (1974– )

• Paz [2006, Calle 54], B+(**)

JPP

• String Tease [1998, NorthSide]

Kepa Junkera

• Bilbao 00:00h [1999, Alula]

Kal

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

Maria Kalaniemi

• Maria Kalaniemi [1992, Xenophile], U
• Iho [1997, Hannibal]
• Bellow Poetry [2006, Alula], B

Kalesijski Svuci

• Bosnian Breakdown: The Unpronounceable Beat of Sarajevo [(1991), GlobeStyle]

Ketama [1987– ]

• Ketama [1987, Hannibal]

Kitka

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

Kottarashky

• Opa Hey! [2009, Asphalt Tango], B+(***)

Sanna Kurki-Suonio

• Musta [1998, NorthSide]

Albert Kuvezin

• Re-Covers [2006, World Village], C+

La Cherga

• Fake No More [2008, Asphalt Tango], A

Sinikka Langeland (1961– )

• Starflowers [2006, ECM], B+(*)

Ute Lemper (1963– )

• Berlin Cabaret Songs [1997, London]
• All That Jazz: The Best of Ute Lemper [1987–97, London], B
• Punishing Kiss [2000, Polygram]

Lotte Lenya (1919– )

• 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–
• The American Theatre Songs [1955–66, Sony Classical], U

Annbjørg Lien

• Baba Yaga [1999, NorthSide]

Carmen Linares

• La Luna en el Rio [1991, Audivis]

Lo'Jo

• Au Cabaret Sauvage [2002, World Village]

Kirile Loo

• Saatus [1997, Alula]

Gabi Lunca

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

Madredeus [1992– ]

• Ainda [1995, Blue Note]
• Faluas Do Tejo [2004, Metro Blue], B+

Mahala Raï Banda

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

Iorgos Mangas

• Iorgos Mangas [Globestyle]

Mano Negra [1989– ]

• Patchanka [1988, EMI/Virgin], U
• Amerika Perdida [1989–91, EMI/Virgin], U
• King of Bongo [1991, EMI/Virgin], U
• Casa Babylon [1994, Virgin]
• The Best of Mano Negra [(1999), Ark]

Mariza

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

Boban Markovic

• Live in Belgrade [2002, Piranha]
• Boban I Marko [2003, Piranha], A–
• The Promise [2005, Piranha], B+(***)
• Devla: Blown Away to Dancefloor Heaven [2009, Piranha], A–

Juan Martin

• Painter in Sound [1986, Jive/Novus]
• Camino Latino [2001–2, Flamencovision], B+

Martirio (1958– )

• Flor de Piel [2003, Sunnyside]
• w/Chano Domínguez: Acoplados [2004, Sunnyside], B
• Primavera en Nueva York [2006, Calle 54], B+(***)

Eddy Mitchell (1942– )

• Jambalaya [2006, Sunnyside], C+

Yves Montand (1921–91)

• Montand [1962, Sony]
• A Paris [(1998), DRG]
• By Request [Columbia]

Carlos Montoya

• Carlos Montoya [(1981), Allegro]

Fermín Muguruza

• FM 99.00 Dub Manifest [2000, Piranha]
• Brigadistak Sound System [2002, Piranha]

Muzsikás

• Muzsikás [1987, Hannibal]
• Prisoner's Song [1988, Hannibal]
• Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania [1993, Hannibal]

Mystère des Voix Bulgares

• Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares [1987, Elektra/Nonesuch], B
• From Bulgaria with Love: The Pop Album [1993, Mesa Blue Moon]

Negu Gorriak [1990– ]

• Borreroak Baditu Milaka Aurpegi [1993, Esan Ozenki]

The Ökrös Ensemble

• I Left My Sweet Homeland [2002, Rounder]

Ottopasuuna

• Ottopasuuna [1991, Green Linnet]

Ivo Papasov (1952– )

• Balkanology [1991, Hannibal], B+

Carlos Paredes

• Guitarra Portuguesa [1990, Elektra/Nonesuch], B+
• w/Charlie Haden: Dialogues [1990, Antilles]

Pata Negra

• The Best of Pata Negra [(1998), Milestone]

Paco Peña

• Flamenco [1971, Philips]
• The Art of Paco Peña [(1993), Nimbus]

Mari Boine Persen (1956– )

• Gula Gula [1989, Real World]
• Radiant Warmth [1996, Antilles]

Edith Piaf (1915–63)

• Live at Carnegie Hall [1957, Capitol]
• Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf [(1991), Capitol]
• 30th Anniversary Anthology [(1994), Angel]
• Mon Legionnaire [(1997), Arkadia Chansons]

Piirpauke

• Algazara [Rockadillo]

Les Primitifs du Futur

• World Musette [1999, Sunnyside], A–
• Tribal Musette [2007–8, Sunnyside], A–

Romica Puceanu (1928–96)

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

Quadro Nuevo [1998– ]

• Ciné Passion [2000, Justin Time], B
• Canzone Della Strada [2004, Justin Time]
• Tango Bitter Sweet [2006, Justin Time], B+(***)

Radio Tarifa

• Rumba Argelina [1996, World Circuit]
• Cruzando el Rio [2001, World Circuit/Nonesuch], B+

José Reyes

• Cantaor de la Camargue [Tudor]

Hege Rimestad

• White Arrow [1998, NorthSide]

Thierry Robin

• Gitans [1996, Silex]

Amália Rodrigues (1920–99)

• Fados e Guitarradas [1989, Festival]
• The Art of Amália Rodrigues [(1998), Hemisphere]

Draco Rosa

• Vino [2008, Phantom Vox], U

Darko Rundek

• w/Cargo Orkestar: Ruke [2004, Piranha]

Henri Salvador (1917– )

• Chambre Avec Vue [2000, EMI]
• Ses Plus Grandes: The Best of Henri Salvador [(2001), Universal International]
• Room With a View [2002, Blue Note]
• Révérence [2007, Circular Moves], A–

Marta Sebestyén

• Muzsikas [1987, Hannibal]
• Prisoner's Song [1988, Hannibal]
• Kismet [1996, Hannibal]
• Morning Star [1997, Hannibal]
• The Best of Marta Sebestyén: Voice of "The English Patient" [(1997), Hannibal]

Andrés Segovia (1893–1987)

• The Segovia Collection, Vol. 1: Bach [(1987), MCA]
• The Segovia Collection, Vol. 5: Five Centuries of the Spanish Guitar [(1989), MCA]
• The Segovia Collection, Vol. 9: The Romantic Guitar [(1991), MCA]

17 Hippies

• Heimlich [2007, Hipster], B+(*)

Dona Dumitru Siminica (1926– )

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

Slavic Soul Party

• Bigger [2005, Barbès]
• Teknochek Collision [2007, Barbès], A–
• Taketron [2009, Barbès]

Sorten Muld [1996– ]

• Mark II [1999, NorthSide], B+

Spook and the Guay

• Ocho Rios [1999, High Groove]

Kristi Stassinopoulou

• Echotropia [2001, Tinder]

Ion Petre Stoican

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

Tallari

• Homiammasti [1996, Kansanmusik]

Taraf de Haïdouks

• Musique des Tziganes de Roumanie [1991, Cramworld], B
• Honourable Brigands, Magic Horses and Evil Eye [1994, Crammed Discs]
• Taraf de Haïdouks [1999, Elektra/Nonesuch], B+
• Band of Gypsies [2001, Nonesuch], B+

Tenores di Bitti

• S Amore E Mama [1996, Real World]

Terem Quartet

• Terem [1992, Virgin]

Gianmaria Testa

• Altre Latitudini [2004, Le Chant du Monde]

Mikis Theodorakis (1925– )

• The Very Best of Theodorakis [(1999), Koch]

Tomatito

• Rosas del Amor [2001, EMI]

Charles Trénet (1913– )

• Anthologie [(1994), Angel]

Trio Bulgarka

• The Forest Is Crying [1988, Hannibal]

Two Siberians

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

The Ukrainians [1991– ]

• Pisni [Cooking Vinyl]

Márkos Vambakáris (1905– )

• Bouzouki Pioneer [1932–40, Rounder]

Värttinä

• Oi Dai [1990, Green Linnet]
• Kokko [1996, Elektra/Asylum]
• Vihma [1998, RCA]
• Ilmatar [2001, NorthSide]

Väsen [1993– ]

• Spirit [1997, NorthSide]
• Whirled [1997, NorthSide]

Gus Viseur

• Compositions 1934–1942 [(1996), Fremeaux]

Voches de Sardinna

• Voches de Sardinna [1999, Winter & Winter, 2 CD]

Vujicsics

• Vujicsics [1988, Hannibal]

Lena Willemark

• Nordan [1994, ECM]

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+(*)

Yuri Yunakov Ensemble

• New Colors in Bulgarian Wedding Music [1997, Traditional Crossroads]

Zap Mama [1993– ]

• Adventures in Afropea 1 [1993, Luaka Bop], B–
• Sabsylma [1994, Luaka Bop]
• Seven [1997, Luaka Bop]
• Supermoon [2007, Heads Up], B

Zucchero (1955– )

• The Best of Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari's Greatest Hits [(1999), Polygram]
• Zucchero and Co. [1988–2003, Concord/Hear Music], C–

Zuco 103

• Outro Lado [2000, Six Degrees]

Various Artists

• Bosnia: Echoes from an Endangered World [(1993), Smithsonian/Folkways]
• Cante Flamenco [(1996), Ocora]
• Cuisine Non Stop: An Introduction to the French Nouvelle Generation [1996–2000, Luaka Bop], B+
• Duende: From Traditional Masters to Gypsy Rock [(1994), Ellipsis Arts, 3 CD]
• Early Cante Flamenco: Classic Recordings from the 1930's [(1990), Arhoolie]
• La Chanson Française Traditionelle [(1995), EPM Musique, 3 CD]
• The Dance of Heaven's Ghosts [(1997), Hemisphere]
• Greek-Oriental Rembetika [1911–37, Arhoolie]
• Mourmourika: Songs of the Greek Underworld [1930–55, Rounder], U
• My Only Consolation: Classic Pierotic Rembetica 1932–1946 [1932–46, Rounder]
• Portugal: The Story of Fado [(1997), Hemisphere]
• 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+(*)
• Rembetica: Historic Urban Folk Songs from Greece [1906–46, Rounder]
• The Rough Guide to Fado [(2004), World Music Network], B+
• The Rough Guide to Gypsy Swing [(2004), World Music Network]
• The Rough Guide to Paris Café Music [(2002), World Music Network]
• 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 Portugal [(1998), World Music Network]
• 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
• Roumanie: Wedding Music from Wallachia [(1995), Ethnic]
• Russendisko: Hits [(2003), Trikont], A–
• The Story of Fado [(1997), Hemisphere]
• Unblocked: The Music of Eastern Europe [(1997), Ellipsis Arts, 3 CD]
• Voches de Sardinna [(1999), Winter & Winter, 2 CD]