I think you've got a good point. I can't really imagine somebody thinking, "Gee, I'd like to get into jazz... I wonder what 100 albums I can buy to start with." And anyone with their own musical taste who started with a few albums off that list would quickly be able to explore on their own and not need it anymore.
I don't see how this has to do with jazz, or any other specific genre... just with journalism, and the strange but prevalent phenomenon of relying on somebody else to tell you what's good. We've all done it/do it.
*googles Putomayo collection* Hmm, a whole label devoted to compilation CDs... some of which seem to be as broad as '10 commercial dance music tracks from Africa'. I guess it's cool that they have nice long samples to listen to, and some excellent bands. Virtually no folkloric or acoustic music though, all contemporary hybrid styles, making the differences between the regional musics rather watered down.