But the best part of all this is how I’m getting nudged in the direction of fabulous music by readers. Like Sammy Bhattacharya who, after reading my mention of Iceland’s post-rock minimalists, Sigur Ros, sent me a list (complete with links) of not one but eight Icelandic bands, including Amiina (a bit like Sigur Ros) but also Quarashi, a surprisingly good hip-hop band from Reykjavik.

I sampled some Quarashi and was instantly drawn by their unique blend of rock, techno and hip-hop, deciding that I’d like to follow this band. Alas, then I learnt they disbanded in 2005.

Never mind, I’m on a mission now to get the six or seven albums that they released during their nine-year tenure. Hat-tip to Sammy! Not only for the Icelandic trove that he’s pointed me towards but also the little amuse bouche that came the other day, an emailed mp3 of Massive Attack’s Teardrop, only this was an acoustic cover of their original version by Jose Gonzalez. Massive Attack is, of course, an acclaimed trip-hop band from the UK, whose music is a fusion of jazz, hip-hop and rock, but the version by Gonzalez, whose parents migrated from Argentina to Sweden (he lives in Gothenburg), is truly unique.

Last week, I got another email full of music. This time from Rupak Das, who obviously is a musician himself. Rupak sent me video links of his own band’s very competent covers of a few classic songs captured and uploaded on YouTube. They performed at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, last November and their setlist included Cocaine (the Clapton version), Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall and Time, besides a couple of Joe Satriani numbers. I’d, however, vote for their version of Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile. Rupak plays a mean guitar and his vocals are excellent too. Rupak’s mail was minimalist (it only had the links to the videos), so I had to scour the web to learn that he’s got a day job as a doctor but also has a band that does regular gigs.

And then, also last week, there was the tip from Keller Williams’ most recent podcast of his radio programme, Keller’s Cellar. This time, he played an alternative country musician, Todd Snider. Now, I’m no great fan of country music but the track he played, Age Like Wine, off a 2004 album, East Nashville Skyline, hooked me instantly. Snider uses a guitar and harmonica, not much else, but his lyrics ooze with wry wit and candour. I found the album on emusic as well as four or five more, including the live Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and have become a fan.

All said, it was a great week for music. With (more than) a little help from my friends!

Sanjoy Narayan is Editor-in-chief of Hindustan Times