DJ Ravin takes the wheel behind Buddha Bar III, the namesake compilation from Paris' answer to Studio 54. Ravin forgoes the Dinner-Party division that Claude Challe opted for on previous instalments of the series, and instead casts Dream versus Joy on this 2-CD set. Dream, leaning on the traditional (syrupy Greek strings, Japanese bamboo flutes, Persian harmonists) and new-age Enigma-Deep Forest side of things (Oliver Shanti and Friends, Vangelis engineer Frederick Rousseau) is frankly too restless to be truly dreamy. The frenzied run-through so many styles, seemingly for the sake of diversity alone, ultimately feels about as sincerely global as a mad dash through Disney's Epcot Centre. The second CD in the set, Joy, pays a tad more attention to a general vibe, resulting in a much better overall effect. Rhythm rules the day here, from tabla-riffic entries by Mercury prizewinner Talvin Singh and fellow Outcastes Badmarsh & Shri to 7-drum troupe Kodo. And don't forget Ekova's "Starlight in Daden". Nothing that features Dierdre Dubois's glorious voice can be all that bad. --Bob Michaels