THERE is a world away from mainstream music which goes largely unnoticed so collections like those from Putumayo Records are as reviving as a cold shower on a hot summer's day.

This 12 CD series is a dip into unchartered waters for those who prefer to paddle in the stagnant pool of pop - but take the plunge and dive into an ocean of unspoilt music.

From the taster Travel The World With Putumayo to Islands - which features music from the islands of Martinique, Tahiti, Hawaii and Cuba - each CD features a 24-page booklet with interesting facts about each track.

Closer to home there is the Celtic collection but little you would have heard before - unless you're Radio 1's globe-trotting Andy Kershaw!ST

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.