Okay, I have to be upfront about this. I LOVE the Putumayo compilation CDs and have for years. I especially love the Putumayo Kids series, which is a great way to introduce world music styles to children and yet not bore their parents with "kid's stuff". There are also a few other benefits (mostly to the adults):
1. You get to discover new artists and seek out their other CDs. (The package lists the source of each of the licensed tracks)
2. In many cases - but not all - the label donates a portion of the net proceeds to a charity related to the theme of the album.
In the case of this particular album # 2 above does not apply but #1 is one reason to get this.
Now as to the music: It's great and - though kid friendly - and nice music to put your kids to bed with, it works for adults too! I've been playing the album to help me ease into sleep and it works. But it's also great to play in the background over Sunday morning coffee. There are a few common lullabies included ("Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"; "Brahms' Lullaby", but there are also tracks from Brazil and Japan and two from Hawaii (including one with my favorite artist, Jake Shimabukuro (the Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele).
Another well done Putumayo release you will play again and again and again and.....
Steve Ramm
:"Anything Phonographic"