Putumayo Presents Americana

Putumayo is known for putting together incredible compilations that serve not only to introduce their listeners to the genre (or, often, country) featured, but also to honor the musical style contained within. On their CD, Americana, Putumayo collects the work of inimitable folk artists ranging from Tim O'Brien to the Little Willies and Eliza Lynn.

Putumayo defines Americana as "bluegrass, folk and traditional country with occasional elements of blues, jazz and others thrown in." Based on that definition, their Americana collection does an exquisite job of collecting incredible tunes, old and new, in one place.

Choosing a best song from a Putumayo collection isn't the easiest thing to do, and the Americana CD is no different. From RobinElla's "Down the Mountain," to Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel" and Josh Ritter's "Harrisburg," the CD covers numerous styles and generations.

Tackling the song that's been done a thousand times, a thousand ways, Tim O'Brien comes in halfway through the disc with "House of the Rising Sun." O'Brien's musical versatility shows nicely on this song, rivaling Eliza Lynn's "Sing a New Song" and Terri Hendrix's "Prayer For My Friends" as one of the most memorable songs on the album.

From classic folk songs to newer originals, Americana presents some of the brightest up-and-coming artists, as well as some tried and true living legends. Ruthie Foster's "Hole in My Pocket" aptly closes the disc, tempting any listener to give the album one more spin.

Putumayo has, almost without exception, staked its business on its impeccable taste in music. Providing listeners with an array of traditional music from around the world is exactly what they do best, so it's no surprise that Americana is one of the best CDs of the year so far.