THIS advertises itself as an engaging collection featuring many of the genre’s most renowned artists along with exciting new discoveries. Engaging? Bluegrass can be as cold as mournful ice, as this collection demonstrates.

It’s not an album to listen to in a soulless room when your girl has left, your team just lost 5-0 and there’s a bottle of whisky handy. The big names include Alison Krauss and Jerry Garcia and yes they are fine musicians, but God this stuff saps the soul. Sid Griffin said he formed the Coal Porters as a bluegrass band for people who hate bluegrass. The sound of a bluegrass Clash if you like; uplifting and infectious.

So give Putumayo presents Bluegrass a wide berth and instead head to row C in the record store. That way you’ll be safe enough in that soulless room when your girl has left, your team just lost 5-0 and there’s a bottle of whisky handy.