(Best, schmest - just some great records)
1. Iva Bittova, ''Iva Bittova'' (Nonesuch)
Solo vocal and violin from a Czech avant-gardiste who is, for my money, the most original and interesting folk musician of the decade.
2. Los Super Seven, ''Los Super Seven'' (RCA)
A deep and exciting exploration of Mexican border music with the leaders of Los Lobos, Flaco Jimenez, Freddy Fender, Rick Trevino, Ruben Ramos, and Joe Ely.
3. Los de Abajo, ''Los de Abajo''(Luaka Bop)
Salsa horns, nasty guitar distortion, and political lyrics fuel a tough, swinging debut album from Mexico City's best (and only) tropical punk outfit.
4. Jeannie Robertson, ''The Queen Among the Heather'' (Rounder)
The queen of Scottish traditional singers may well be the greatest ballad interpreter on record. Ancient ballads, sly comic numbers, and a bit of chat make this a real pleasure.
5. Hijas del Sol, ''Kotto'' (Nubenegra/Intuition)
Two women from Equatorial Guinea, with strong harmonies and a tight band, produce a wonderfully varied and exciting album, from a cappella songs to reggae and Afro-pop.
6. Mike Seeger, ''Southern Banjo Sounds'' (Smithsonian Folkways)
An astonishing one-man history of the banjo, from African roots to bluegrass; as entertaining as it is educational.
7. Amalia Rodrigues, ''The Art of Amalia'' (Hemisphere)
A career retrospective of one of the world's greatest singers, the liltingly lovely and searingly soulful queen of Portuguese fado.
8. Skip James, ''Blues From the Delta'' (Vanguard)
The essential work of the deepest, eeriest, most soulful blues singer of all. James is little known because he spawned few followers; no one could duplicate his unique genius.
9. Toots and the Maytals, ''Sweet and Dandy'' (Jet Set)
From 1968, the defining album by the Jamaican soul master. Upbeat and brilliant, from ''Pressure Drop'' to ''We Shall Overcome.''
10. Dave Alvin, ''Blackjack David''(Hightone)
Alvin's most acoustic, folky album still has plenty of grit, showcasing fine, story-rich songwriting and a genuine affinity for the blues.
