The PR says it’s 15 years since the release of Katie Melua’s debut album (Call Off The Search) but we reckon it’s only five years … it’s only listening to Ms Melua’s music that makes it seem like 15.

It’s true! We never meant to be mean about this; we were expecting nice folky pop and a neutral review, but apparently Melua fans, of which there are many, survive on a diet of funereal acoustic gloominess.

True, she has an angelic voice, and each track is nice in its own right. But 32 tracks of more-or-less the same sound is a lot to tolerate. We played CD2 first, and towards the end realised it was perhaps the acoustic version, but CD1 is not a whole lot different.

All your favourites are on here, from a slow and moody cover of What A Wonderful World to a slow and moody cover of Fields Of Gold, and two new recordings, slow and moody covers of Bridge Over Troubled Water and Diamonds Are Forever.

Obviously, people also like Clannad in their droves, and other bands whose success we find equally mystifying, and it’s all part of life’s rich tapestry. Still, possibly for fans only, or people who find Ed Sheeran way too cutting edge.

Support your local record shop! If you’ve not got one, support us (an independent newspaper) and buy this (presumably as a gift for someone) from here: