I RECENTLY found myself in a conversation with a tattooed, rock acolyte being told in no uncertain terms that heavy metal was the only genre of music that mattered and that all else failed to match up to it.

Two things, however, immediately undermined his argument. First, the fact that he was wearing a Limp Bizkit t-shirt and second, the continued existence of Twisted Sister.

For me the enjoyment of music comes from having a broad-minded approach to it. If you are a foodie, then surely you frequently sample many styles of cuisine. If you like travelling then your destinations are varied and many.

Therefore, if music has an important place in your life then is it not best to experience all of its many facets? My suggestion that he went home and listened to some Marvin Gaye was met with a derisory snort – his loss, I guess.

This week’s offerings are indeed varied and many, so if you like music in all its forms, you have a treat of a week coming up.

Blues is the order of tonight. Having interviewed Elles Bailey recently at an “in session” show on a local radio station, I already know what an incredible talent she is, the rest of you will have to head up to The Beehive to check out her sultry blues delivered with a sensuous, husky vocal and an energetic stage presence.

A more funky take on the genre can be found in the top bar of The Victoria as Jim Blair breaks out his trademark slide blues and whiskey cracked vocal.

Friday continues in a similar vein with The Husky Tones at The Rolleston. This raw and energetic band mix up their own vibrant, electric guitar-driven compositions with standards from some of the genre’s greats. At The Victoria a tribute to one of the finest southern blues acts can be found in the shape of The ZZ Tops.

Saturday is where things get a lot more eclectic but again a clash of bookings means that fans of the distinctive Caribbean sound will have to make a choice.

At The Victoria, the Shocks of Mighty Reggae Club Night features Sidewalk Doctors, London’s finest purveyors of Rocksteady – that brief but breezy interlude that provided the link between the existing ska sound and the evolving reggae genre.

It’s also the sound at the heart of support band The Erin Bardwell Collective’s music.

Ska and Rocksteady can be found at The Rolleston too, as Boy le Monti also revel in that glorious 60s vibe, so expect off-beat, staccato guitars, pulsing basslines and glorious blasts of brass.

Honestly, they are like buses, you wait ages for one to come along and then three show up at once. Actually a similar thing was overheard at the recent Bruce Springsteen look-alike competition. (He’s called The Boss . . . think about it. No? Well please yourself, it made me laugh anyway.)

Of interest to the gig-goers at the two shows I have just mentioned, The MECA have a night of DJs spinning Northern Soul and Motown, going on until 2am so you know where to go for the after party.

Imagine Vic Reeves leading a band. Okay, forget that, just head up to The Beehive on Saturday and catch Bill Smarme (king of the social club crooners, love guru, connoisseur of fine wines and marmalades and building contractor) and his band The Business. I will say no more, but do catch them.

Cover band fans can catch all their favourite tunes from Penfold who celebrate their birthday bash out at Riffs Bar. Those with a penchant for the heavier sounds should head to The Swiss Chalet and tuck into a bit of Shepherds Pie.

The Sunday afternoon session at the Beehive features the pop vibes of James Cottriall, a man who won the Austrian version of The Voice in 2009.

Now I know that sounds like me setting up a joke and you are waiting for a witty punchline, but in this case it happens to be true.

And finally on Wednesday, The Roaring Donkey is the place to find Ells and The Southern Wild, a wonderful trio who weave folk, pop and rock together to deliver delicate, accessible and memorable songs.