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The French undead inspire another very much alive Mogwai album.
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A gorgeous half-portrait, when it peaks, of enjoyable, gritty complexity.
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A variously intimate, bold and engaging tribute compilation.
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A second LP of minimal flab that builds on the positives of its predecessor.
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A partial victory, and one buoyed by some outstanding surprise turns.
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Several sounds turned into a single gorgeous one, Fade is YLT’s most settled LP for years.
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A beautiful solo debut, unequivocally demanding of your attention.
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A worthy, satisfying indulgence that’s been a long time coming.
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Offers more than a whistle-stop tour of the hits.
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Brighton songwriter’s debut LP is an expert exercise in control and restraint.
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These 17 discs comprise essential foundations for any record collection.
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This idiosyncratic, experimental debut is a richly rewarding listen.
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Flashes of invention aside, album four is more of the same from the Irish singer.
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The Canadians’ fifth set tweaks their established formula with splendid results.
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An interesting project, certainly, but the Gibbs’ requiem lacks any gravitas.
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A classy and effortless-sounding set from the streamlined Oxford four-piece.
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Pianist Lim tackles these pieces with invention as much as she does with respect.
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One of Jurado’s strongest albums in an encouraging line of strong albums.
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One of Britain’s most intriguing hopes still has some serious thinking to do.
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An indispensable set for anyone looking to get closer to Mahler.
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Defiantly quiet, minimal music that whispers to tell its enveloping stories.
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Readings focused entirely on the composer, not on debating how things ‘should’ sound.
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Uniquely intimate and very satisfying fare from the ex-Hefner man.
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The Clan sounds lean, experienced and relaxed on a recommended new collection.
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Elements combine effectively to highlight what a baffling composer Beethoven could be.
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Near-perfect performances which deliver a tautly satisfying experience.
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Canadian sextet ditches punk for a high-concept rock opera, with stunning results.
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Married duo’s debut has its mesmerising moments, but overall is too reticent.
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Bootsy sets about waking up a new generation to funk’s heritage.
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Barenboim is a master, and should be celebrated as such.
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A marvellous little record where improvisation rubs shoulders with immediacy.
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The Minnesotan trio progress through shades of light on a fine ninth LP.
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The inspirational conductor holds onto his fine reputation.
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Oregon rock alchemists create soundworlds that one can be effortlessly immersed in.
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An entertaining listen, as changeable and dynamic as any of the composer's best work.
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Spencer’s sweet, barbed voice tells of secret liaisons and drunken encounters.
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Intelligent readings that show how varied the composer was in his dark, impulsive heart.
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Muti and company tackle the work confidently, and with vim to spare.
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A surprisingly varied collection of duets with acts including Outkast and Foo Fighters.
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An overblown, almost absurdly confident and superbly affecting record.
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Technical challenges are shaken off like rainwater, everything a joyous blur.
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By allowing his craft to grow slowly, results here are stronger than ever.
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He becomes a romanticist Einaudi, a crafter of tense milieu.
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An expertly constructed debut LP from the José González-fronted trio.
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A completist’s dream and a fitting way to mark two decades in the industry.
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This is, for want a better of a better expression, a right old laugh of a record.
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Thoroughly entertaining throughout, and the return to form Elton John required.
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A perfect mix of daring, intrigue and impeccable musicianship.
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This is intimacy on a purely aural level, the ultimate headphones album.
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A record best judged with preconceptions cast aside and broad strokes accepted.
