. . . well, I'd better just say "chuffed" before Adam points out that I have been gone from the fair shores of Blighty for too long — but I recently scored myself a very nice, almost mint copy of Charlie's World 2001 compilation for only about $5!
It's fascinating listening back to the picture of world music as he heard it all those years back. Artists I missed at the time and artists I wasn't ready for and artists I thought I knew but hadn't heard quite so.
Over the past couple of years, I've managed to accumulate all of Charlie's World compilations except the very first, World 2000, which is fetching prices beyond my means — or at least what's for sale is at asking prices higher than I'll go. It's all great listening and even when I'm already familiar with the tracks, Charlie's DJ and compiler skills set them, polished, in an exquisite setting as a fine jeweler would a gem. And, considering the events of the past decade or so, there's a hidden social history and reflection of the tenor of the times in the musical expressions of so many talented artists.
I do actually have an mp3 copy of World 2000 thanks to the kind consideration of someone who's name I will not divulge. But, if there's anyone out there in the mood to pass along a CD copy of the title . . . . well, I promise it a good home.