• Genre: Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: This aural scrapbook of the early Makaha Sons — when there was that Ni'ihau attachment to the name, when Skippy Kamakawiwo'ole and Mel Amina were in the group along with Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi — is a must-have for fans of Hawaiian music. The live-in-concert format, and the beguiling harmonics of the group, capture the "young" Sons at the early stages of their career, at a club long gone but one that was an important watering hole for budding artists and enthusiastic fans alike. Skippy was then leader of the group; Iz was the mouthpiece, who introduced tunes and established audience rapport. What is impressive now, 25 years later, is how fresh and inspired the Sons were, with sweet vocal blends on tunes that suited their chemistry. Mickey Ioane's "Hawai'i '78," which eventually became a signature anthem for the Sons, Bruddah Iz, and a generation of Hawaiian activists lamenting change, is here, plain and simple, along with some pure and precise readings of "Green Rose Hula," "Ka Makakaua," "Wahine 'Ilikea," "Noho Paipai (Rocking Chair Hula)" and "Opae E." The updated liner notes and translations by Puakea Nogelmeier, displayed in a dandy 16-page booklet, are pluses for those who need the introduction and for those who simply want to relive the past.

• The outlook: This is a snapshot of a legacy in the making — the Sons had "it" way back when.

• Our take: A stroll down memory lane, by one of the enduring staples of Hawaiian music.

"'Opae E" by The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Micronesian music.

• Distinguishing notes: Despite the diverse Polynesian music sung and performed in Hawai'i today, Micronesian music is underrepresented in our cultural stew. No more. The fare, mostly originals by Doweiti, has parallels to country music, in tone, form and theme, with contemporary instruments providing the undercoat. Thus, while ethnic, the sound is a brew of intrigue and exotica — enticing, inviting — with Doweiti's family providing artistic support. Lance Motogawa provides keyboard work, Selwyn Valdez plays guitar. The titles mean little to Westerners, but "Tung & Asor," "Queen Lun Acn Kosrae," and "Sramsram-Kihn Kom" have melodic appeal, with mundane views of love, relationships and family. And tune into "Sa-yonara," a song about parting.

• The outlook: Getting this one exposed will be a major challenge.

• Our take: Limited appeal, but an excursion worth taking.

"'Tung & Asor" by Doweiti Luey. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Reggae, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: Reggae masters — Fiji, B.E.T., The Heartical Crew, Marty Dread, Butch Helemano, Chief Ragga and more — pass the weed around, with obvious and enticing titles as "Marijuana," "Legalize It," "Island Herb," "International Farmer," "Pakalolo," "Pass the Kutchie," and "My Pakalolo" — and you're asking, what were they thinking?

• The outlook: Not likely to be welcome by the masses.

• Our take: The ultimate musical high.

"'Marijuana" by Fiji. Audio sample available in mp3 format.