Ishlihan N-Tenere: Guitar Music From the Western Sahel (2010)

“This compilation highlights recordings of local guitar bands in three areas of modern day Senegal and Mali. These bands are almost unknown outside of their homes but have a devoted local following. They play all events, celebratory or political. Their songs are folk anthems, hummed under the breath and chanted by children, traded by cassette and transferred by cellphone. The guitar bands are the pride of their towns.”

Get it here: Guitar Music From the Western Sahel


The album is available only on vinyl, however, you can download it via bandcamp for only two dollars. 60% of the profits go directly to the artists. Do it. Be moral.

Mata La Pena: A Compilation of International Music (2009)

"Global music of indeterminate origin, but indisputable beauty from Mississippi Records – from otherworldly vocals-only tunes, to lovely and lush arrangements – strains of calypso, Thai balladry, rural American yodeling, Hawaiian ukulele tunes, and beyond! There's no notes, but the mysteriousness is part of the allure!"

A taste of what's on the record:
Arizona Yodeler - The DeZurik Sisters & El Amanecer - Roberto y Su Orquesta Tipica


Get it here: Mata La Pena

Mississippi Records - I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (1927-1948)

This record is immigrant music recorded in America that’s barely, if at all, touched or infected by American music. It opens with Marika Papagika’s Greek masterpiece “Zmirneikos Balos” (she was a singer who “died of disappointment” in New York in 1943). It also has a beautiful sad song by the Blue Sky Boys called “Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone” and a bunch of Hawaiian and French recordings.  - VICE Magazine

Listen Here:

 

 Get It Here: Mississippi Records - I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore

Mississippi Records - Been Here All My Days (From the George Mitchell Archives)

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, GEORGE MITCHELL recorded extensively in the South. Mitchell concentrated mainly on local blues traditions recording some famous bluesmen and many otherwise ignored artists. The George Mitchell Collection was originally released as a series of forty-five EPs on Fat Possum, this LP contains Mississipi’s favorite fourteen tracks. This LP represents songs from many well known blues musicians such as FRED MCDOWELL, FURRY LEWIS and JOE CALICOTT, as well as some from criminally under represented artists like JESSIE MAE HEMPHILL, ROSA LEE HILL and JOHN LEE ZIEGLER. 


Track List:
1. Who's Gonna Be Your Man / John Lee Ziegler 4:47
2. Bullying Well / Rosa Lee Hill 4:47
3. Shake 'Em On Down / Fred McDowell 3:03
4. What Makes Grandma Love Grandpa / Jimmy Lee Williams 4:15
5. Old Country Rock #1 / James Davis 3:56
6. Big Road Blues / Houston Stackhouse 2:39
7. Search Me Lord / James Shorter 2:44
8. Home Going / Jessie Mae Hemphill 2:34
9. Georgia Buck / Precious Bryant 2:34
10. Country Blues / Joe Callicott 3:37
11. Rabbit On A Log / Lonzie Thomas 2:33
12. Trouble Brought Me Down / Greeb Paschal 1:47
13. Good Morning Judge / Furry Lewis 5:50
14. Hold My Body Down / Robert Johnson 2:51


Get it here: Mississippi Records - Been Here All My Days