Buddha Bar XV

After exploring the sounds of India on their 14th volume, the exotic and chilled Buddha Bar series heads to Russia for Buddha Bar XV; just don't expect stern winter music or anything approaching the poptastic power of T.a.t.u. Instead, the usual mysticism, nylon strings, drum machines, dreamy synths, and soothing vocals fill the release as Russian touches come in and out, most of it folk-music based in and from the outer regions. Forget the whole Eastern Bloc motif and the album works as well, flowing better than the previous volume with each of the two discs swelling toward their high point three-quarters of the way through, and then slowly drifting towards their finish. Fans of Buddha Bar and DJ Ravin should welcome this one with open arms and crossed legs, with ornate pillows underneath. ~ David Jeffries