Putamayo, known for its "world music lite" compilations, has finally assembled a collection that"s nearly as attractive to the ears as the colorful CD package is to the eyes. Roots reggae fans will be pleased to hear Nigeria"s Majek Fashek, South Africa"s Lucky Dube, and Martinique"s Kreyol Syndicate and the top extra-Jamaican acts here upholding reggae"s original mission to transform Babylon "shitstem." Seminal Jamaicans Burning Spear and guitarist Ernest Ranglin more than redeem the rep of reggae"s birthplace. But one has to question the inclusions of Bob Marley clone Rocky Dawuni, from Ghana, and American folkster Peter Rowan"s criminally pallid rendering of Marley"s "No Woman No Cry." --Elena Oumano