PUTUMAYO > WOMEN OF THE WORLD: ACOUSTIC
Ever wanted to travel the world with beautiful, soulful women? Now it’s only $15.98 (or less, on Amazon)-a portion of which goes to globalfundforwomen.org. Featuring songstresses from France, Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, Brazil, Cape Verde, Algeria, Croatia, Greece, Colombia, Cameroon and Canada-and styles just as diverse-this is perhaps the best album ever built for listening to while relaxing in a scalding hot bath, with Lumia candles and lotsa bubbles after your magazine came within two days of going out of business (but for the sudden, passionate support of your readers and advertisers).

THE PAPER STARS
Gentle yet charming, chill yet catchy, accessible yet chockful of character-The Paper Stars’ self-titled debut is a keeper.

I’ve known Tres, the lead-singin’ ladies’ man, for years-but when I first heard the fourth track in The Laughing Goat café (one of ele’s favorite “offices” in Boulder, Colorado), I jumped up and asked the lovely baristas whose album it was. You can find it at cdbaby.com, or go to thepaperstars.com-you won’t regret it. If you do regret it, Kirk Peterson will personally reimburse you.