Putumayo World Music hasn't slackened its pace of putting out several global compilation discs each month. As always, they're "guaranteed to make you feel good!" Just like all deep, meaningful music is, right?

The best of the recent bunch are the seductive "Acoustic Brazil"and the engaging "Mali.""Brazil" features beautiful, stripped-down numbers by Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Chico Baurque and Mônica Salmaso. The soothing sounds of bossa novaand relaxed sambaare perfect for unwinding during the evening.

"Mali" is a fascinating journey through the many styles of this landlocked West African country. Contemporary acts Habib Koité, Issa Bagayogo and Tinariwen offer Western-informed selections, while Kélétigui Diabaté and Boubacar Traoré provide more traditional fare.

Tom Diakité sings a moving reminder of Mali's troubles, calling attention to the many children left parentless through war and violence.

Not as impressive in the Putumayo catalog are the upcoming"North African Groove"(in stores Tuesday) and "Italian Café"(available July 5). "North African Groove" features a lot of juiced-up ditties that sound alike, and doesn't really mine the depths of its cultural/geographic area.

"Italian Café" includes some rare Italian oldies by Fred Buscaglione and Quartetto Cetra, but it's not as eclectic and stimulating as Putumayo's other café concoction, "French Café."

-Richard Chang