World music is the rhythm of the new millennium, as vast and diverse as the global cultures it represents. What to buy? Where to start? The first buyer's guide to the global beat, MusicHound World provides a much-needed roadmap.A mix of familiar and not-so-familiar names and sounds, featured musicians span the globe from our closest neighbors to the farthest reaches. MusicHound World also reviews and recommends the work of U.S. musicians inspired by world greats like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel. MusicHound World covers more than 1,100 acts and 300 compilation CDs with reviews and ratings to guide buyers. World music veterans Angelique Kidjo (born in Benin, Africa and based in Paris) and David Byrne (formerly of the Talking Heads) kick off the journey with their forewords. Nearly 200 photographs contributed by noted world music photographers Jack and Linda Vartoogian add to the musical adventure.

The tried-and-true MusicHound format offers a unique guide to making no-miss world music purchases even more essential given the level of air-play many of these artists receive. Entries offer background details on the band or performer, followed by recording reviews organized by what to buy, what to buy next and, whenever necessary, what to avoid. A resource section guides listeners to books, magazines, Web sites, mail order retailers and other sources of world music. Indexes, including the "Five Bone" pick of the litter index, make easy work of choosing the best music.

From the Clancy Brothers to Miriam Makeba to Nusret Fatah Ali Khan, MusicHound World provides readers with a guide to the undiluted practitioners of venerable and exciting art forms. Paddy Maloney's Wicklow Recordscontributes a free CD sampler of some of today's hottest world music. A pioneering work, MusicHound World will please the enthusiast and provide a pathway for the novice.