His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I Emperor of Ethiopia speaks on the world arms race and indirect consequences of military spending, in an address to Belgrade Conference, Sept. 3, 1961.

One of the best of our contemporary roots artists, Luciano keeps to reggae's high road on Lessons of Life. Veteran Jimmy Cliff returns with a long-overdue new recording, Black Magic. Glen Washington, Daweh Congo, Boom Shaka and Yahadanai appear with new albums; retrospectives from Millie Small, reissues from the Wailers, Lee Perry and the Mighty Three are covered; plus a handful of local lights, a fistful of dub and ska albums and much more.

Music from Sweden's Triakel and Vasen brings The Whale up from the depths. Further explorations include Bill Laswell's latest dub transmission, new releases from Mory Kante, the Rough Guide to Manu Dibango, Stephen Kent and The Unseen Guest.

Mr. Music hits the road with a visit to a classic album of truck drivin' tunes and then voyages 'round the world with the historic recordings of Hot Women: Women Singers From the Torrid Regions of the World. Jimmy Bosch, Ricky Gonzalez, Gerardo Rosales, Charanga Habanera, Daara J, and JJC and the 419 Squad all take a turn on the dance floor.

Roberto Poveda's Son Electrico is a welcome new discovery and Ricky Gonzalez's Oasis is an exciting surprise from the world of salsa. Jimmy Bosch, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sonora Carruseles, Raul Acosta and Oro Solido, Carlos Vives, Ely Guerra, Son de Madera and John Santos heat up the night.

Martin Sinnock appreciates the career contributions of Congolese guitar legend Michelino to the orchestras of both Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau; Langa Langa Stars reunite for a comeback; Benz Petrole organizes a star-studded studio session; and Ballou Canta and Luciana jump on the acoustic rumba bandwagon with a joint effort.

Sid Whelan hails new album by Tuareg Afro-Arabic rock 'n' roll band Tinariwen; salutes Sally Nyolo and Mory Kante releases, appraises Festival in the Desert dvd and new cds by Rokia Traore, N'Faly Kouyate, Daby Toure, Daara J, Golden Sounds Band and Suzzana Owiyo.

Steve Heilig contemplates becoming a mountain hermit in the face of the U.S. presidential election, but turns to reggae for solace: Bob Marley's latest reissues lead the way, followed by Linton Kwesi Johnson, the Royals, Luciano, King Jammy, Mike Brooks and Nasio Fontaine. The Afrobeat craze carries on with compilations, reissues and remixes from Orlando Julius and Fela Kuti, and Tinariwen continues to sing the desert blues.

Brazilian reggae has come of age, with Tribo de Jah, Cidade Negra, Edson Gomes and Sensimilla Dub leading the charge.

Roger Steffens brings us up to date on his recent runnings.

Interview with Haiti's Emeline Michel and discussion of her new album, Rasin Kreyol; from the French Antilles, Caribbean jazz from Mario Canonge, a best-of from Malavoi, and new recordings from Paulo Albin, Freddy Caracas and Victor Delver, Sonia Dersion, Christiane Valejo and Jim Rama.

Barrington Levy, Buju Banton, Capleton, Luciano, DJ Buddha, Sizzla, Sistah Joyce, Vybz Kartel, Daddy G, Nahki, plus a trailer load of dancehall riddim compilations.

Twilight Circus, Dub from the Secret Vaults, by Robert Nelson.

Dub Trinity, Dub Trinity, by Ron Sakolsky.

Yahadanai, One Atonement, by Ted Boothroyd.

U Laka Laka La: Carnaval La Habana 2003, by Norman Weinstein.

Michael Kuelker, ed., Book of Memory: A Rastafari Testimony Composed by Prince Elijah Williams, by Ted Boothroyd.