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Gypsy Beats & Balkan Bangers Atlantic Jaxx ****

Those in the mood for a technicoloured funky, punky international soundclash should look no further. Helmed by Basement Jaxx's Felix Buxton, Gypsy Beats & Balkan Bangers is where the rest of the world can get into step with a new eastern European swing. Forget the usual slew of arts-and-crafts world music makers (worthy, but largely dull) from that part of the globe and concentrate instead on these bright, brash and breezy boom tunes. By mish-mashing traditional ex-Soviet folk jigs and reels with electronic panache, jaunty ska and punky house, a new generation of music-makers have cultivated a Balkan riot of their own. User-friendly cuts abound, especially Gogol Bordello's Start Wearing Purple, the Nike-endorsed Balkan Hot Step from N.O.H.A., Fanfare Ciocarlia's oompah-doused James Bond Theme, and Mahala Rai Banda's buckwild thriller Spoitoresa. Next-generation folk music of the finest kind. www.atlanticjaxx.co.uk  Jim Carroll