Album: Various artists, Listen to the Banned (Freemuse)

From Israel to Iran, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, musicians have been at best banned, at worst imprisoned or even murdered, for the music they produce.

Perhaps because this CD has been compiled by Deehah, who is herself a composer as well as being a human-rights activist, the quality control is pleasingly high. So even if it wasn't for the importance of the context, this collection of austere, haunting ballads and exuberant dance music would be a compelling and moving listen.