Anda Union's "The Wind Horse"

Album: The Wind Horse (2011, Hohhot Records)

Artist: Anda Union

Vibe: Mind-bending folk music from the mountains of Mongolia. 10-piece band employing driving percussion, throat singing, and horse-head fiddles that sound like actual horses! Epic!

Frank Zappa and the Mothers' "The Grand Wazoo"

Album: The Grand Wazoo (1972, Bizarre Records)

Artist: Frank Zappa and the Mothers

Vibe: Frankie Z and the Mothers going off in a big band way. Instrumental jazz fusion. Check out the track "Blessed Relief." Golden.

Ali Farka Touré's "Niafunké"

Album: Niafunké (Hannibal Records, 1999)

Artist: Ali Farka Touré

Vibe: Unsurprisingly great record from Touré. Malian rhythms.

Aurelio's "Laru Beya"

Album: Laru Beya (Sub Pop, 2011)

Artist: Aurelio

Vibe: Wonderfully enjoyable Afro-Latin vibes from Garifuna's top cultural ambassador.