Originally Posted by fazstp

Talking Timbuktu - Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder (1994)



This one's new to me but sounds promising.

Originally Posted by Ashbery

I'll throw out a nomination for one album that'll definitely be a contender for my album of the year .

Mamani Keita - Gagner l'argent français (Working for French Money), 2011



Mamani Keita's 3rd solo album is another extension of her expert fusion sensibilities. On Gagner l'argent français, she mixes traditional Malian folk music with western rock, funk, and electronic styles. Each of the 10 songs has an undeniably unique personality, granted in no small part by Keita's own vocal style. While she sticks closely to the traditional west-African chanting that's common in her culture, she also augments it at times to fit the eclectic blend of sounds that she fronts on this album.

Perhaps most importantly, Gagner l'argent français is an album that celebrates diversity. I have not found an official lineup for the album, though the sheer number of instruments from different cultures that can be heard throughout is a testament to this. Though it covers a lot of ground, the heart of this music comes from Africa and is an expression of Malian culture. Fun fact: Since Mamani Keita is Malian royalty, the caste system in her country technically forbids her from making music. She is the sister of the "golden voice of Africa," Salif Keita, who broke this taboo many years ago, and she naturally followed suit. I like the think the world is better off for it.

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

This Is Fire (2006) by Spires That in the Sunset Rise



This Is Fire, Spires That in the Sunset Rise's most accessible album, is not only a great entry point for the band (an all-female one at that), but also free folk and avant-folk. Of course, I use the term "accessible" lightly mainly due to the fact that this album is still very experimental... Squeaky/beautiful violins, ominous guitar playing, and vocals similar to that of The Raincoats and (occasionally) the almighty Comus. This band is slowly becoming one of my favorite folk artists... along with Big Blood, Jandek, and Bert Jansch, and I hope we all get a chance to listen and discuss it in the future.

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Desertshore (1970) by Nico



You probably know of this album... So I won't say too much about it. It's experimental, folky, dark, drone-like, and it has very unique female vocals. I'll finish on a few quick notes: she's not tone-deaf (like many claim), she has the most interesting solo career out of all the other Velvets (in my opinion), and this album isn't completely murdered by her harmonium playing (such as in a few of her previous releases).

Originally Posted by Moshe

"DESERT WIND"-OFRA HAZA



From the late Nineties, this was Ofra's attempt to reach an international market without abandoning her Israeli Mizrachi roots.
A gorgeous album, IMO. Ofra Haza passed away of Aids related illness.

Originally Posted by fazstp

Let's see, how about;

Fred Neil (1966) by Fred Neil

Originally Posted by fazstp

Colour Green by Sibylle Baier (Recorded 1970-73, released 2006)