'ello folks, first post on the Lounge as I'm starting to seriously consider getting an iPod. But before I do, I thought I'd plunge into recommending music. :p

If you're into electronic music with an ethnic rhythm, I'd strongly recommend checking out Karsh Kale. He leans more towards the electronic side than the Indian, but the love of his ancestral culture (he actually comes from Long Island) is definitely there.

I was floored by the quality of his music the first time I heard it, which was only really a few weeks ago. He and his group (Realize) were playing the Ottawa Jazz Festival. I went from having maybe only heard a few 30-second samples to buying two full LPs and getting them both signed by the band. Karsh and his bandmates are very friendly, by the way.

If you had to choose only one album, I'd go with Liberation. Realize (the previous album) is good too, but Liberation is just cool beyond measure. Those of you using the iTunes Music Store: Liberation is there under the Electronic section.

PS: Sam Godin (Karsh's live electronic/keyboard player) uses an 867 MHz 15" PowerBook on stage. :)