I've just been given a copy of The very best of Ethiopiques, really nice and chilled. i'd love to be at a party with this playing. Can anyone tell me what direction i should go in next for more of the same or other "world" music.
cheers
First of all, if you don't have Ethiopiques Vol.4, get Vol.4. Its mostly (or entirely, I forget) Mulatu Astatqe, his stuff is famously good.
Soundway records do loads of compilation of similar stuff, Nigeria Rock Special is my favourite, but there's plenty to choose from!
http://www.soundwayrecords.com/catalogue
Orchestra Baobab are pretty chilled, Bamba is a good one.
If you're really lucky you might even track down a copy of 'Off the Beaten Track' by Quantic which has some really rare cuts of Orchestra Baobab, the Nairobi Sisters, etc.
+1000 for Vol 4, great album. The best of only has one of Mulatu's tracks on it.
How about a bit of Fela Kuti?
Fill yer boots