Earl Sweatshirt: Some Rap Songs review – powerful, emotional poetry
Cut-up beats are a foil for candid reflections on the artist’s battles with drugs and depression, with moving moments of parental reconciliation - Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarSchumann: Frage CD review – Gerhaher launches epic project with verve
Schumann brings out the best in baritone Christian Gerhaher on this striking recording with pianist Gerold Huber - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarKeith Jarrett: La Fenice review – dazzling spontaneity from 2006
(ECM) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarMarianne Faithfull: Negative Capability review – up there with Cohen and Cash
(BMG) - Phil Mongredien
starstarstarstarstarTrifonov: Destination Rachmaninov. Departure review – peerless playing
Daniil Trifonov’s extraordinary eloquence removes every trace of over-familiarity – this is one of the releases of the year - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarRobyn: Honey review – beautifully personal pop perfection
By manipulating the modern pop palette to craft a complex heartbreak album, Robyn shows her imitators how it’s done - Alexis Petridis
starstarstarstarstarNeneh Cherry: Broken Politics review – raw-silk empathy in a shattered world
Cherry’s sage perspective weaves through these tender tracks, making it a beautiful and revelatory record - Laura Snapes
starstarstarstarstarLisa O'Neill: Heard a Long Gone Song review – raw and unvarnished folk for austere times
O’Neill has returned to her vocal roots and made an album that is rough, calloused and totally relevant - Jude Rogers
starstarstarstarstarIgor Levit: Life review – pianist's transcendental meditation on grief
Whether performing Liszt, Busoni or even Bill Evans, the pianist explores sorrow, grief and closure - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarFucked Up: Dose Your Dreams review – hardcore punks' joyful reinvention
The Toronto band’s fifth album adds new voices and sounds but keeps the punk spirit in their best songs yet - Dave Simpson
starstarstarstarstarPrince: Piano & a Microphone 1983 review – revelatory listen from a colossal talent
Prince’s amazing abilities as a pianist, on embryonic hits or cover versions, are all over this posthumous album – he’s on fire here - Dave Simpson
starstarstarstarstarLow: Double Negative review – the sound of the world unravelling
Shuddering blooms of static and an incantatory tone make this document of social collapse one of 2018’s most important albums - Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarBlood Orange: Negro Swan review – a dizzying triumph
(Domino) - Tara Joshi
starstarstarstarstarMitski: Be the Cowboy review – thrillingly dark bait-and-switch pop
There is a malevolent undertow to Mitski’s songs – surreal, funny and sad – that catches you off guard on this brilliant album - Laura Snapes
starstarstarstarstarClassical album of the week: Stravinsky: Perséphone review – beautifully modulated drama
Stravinsky’s hybrid ballet/cantata is rarely heard and this recording returns one of the best works of his neoclassical period to its rightful place - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarHelena Hauff: Qualm review – zeitgeist DJ bends techno to her will
Hauff’s second, rawer and louder, release finds harmonic charm in tough electronica - Lauren Martin
starstarstarstarstarErroll Garner: Nightconcert review – dizzying jazz talent, live in 1964
(Mack Avenue) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarClassical album of the week: Hindemith: Das Marienleben review
Banse and Helmchen’s 1923 version of Hindemith’s song cycle is a glorious achievement - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarDeafheaven: Ordinary Corrupt Human Love review – black metal with grey areas
By turning their outsider status – not quite metal, not quite indie, beholden to shoegaze and dreampop – into a virtue, Deafheaven have made a unique album - Lanre Bakare
starstarstarstarstarLet's Eat Grandma: I'm All Ears review – bold, intense pop that gets under the skin
The duo’s second album is all about abandoning fear and leaping towards desire - Laura Snapes
starstarstarstarstarGwenifer Raymond: You Never Were Much of a Dancer review – fingerpicking good
The Welsh musician serves up a stew of bluegrass, blues and haunted Americana - Michael Hann
starstarstarstarstarNeko Case: Hell-On review – a pitch-perfect roar of female defiance
The dauntless singer’s seventh album sees her recalling and reclaiming her life-story in the wake of a series of traumas - Laura Snapes
starstarstarstarstarSimian Mobile Disco: Murmurations review – hypnotic genius takes flight
Electronics meets human voices to dramatic effect - Damien Morris
starstarstarstarstarHugh Masekela: Masekela 66-76 review – crammed with great music
This rich collection of great music, some of which has been unavailable for years, represents the South African musician’s remarkable life’s work - Robin Denselow
starstarstarstarstarBrahms: Symphonies No 1-4 review – peak connection in bewitching Brahms
Conductor Robin Ticciati creates a distinct sound world for each symphony, while Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s playing is unfailingly vivid - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarKacey Musgraves: Golden Hour review – universal classic from acid-dropping country star
Drugs, futurism, LGBTQ rights … Musgraves’ new album confirms she is not your average Nashville star - Alexis Petridis
starstarstarstarstarCourtney Marie Andrews: May Your Kindness Remain review – Americana on the brink of eruption
- Michael Hann
starstarstarstarstarYoung Fathers: Cocoa Sugar review – sounds like freedom feels
(Ninja Tune) - Damien Morris
starstarstarstarstarFerneyhough: La Terre Est Un Homme / Plötzlichkeit review – massive and mesmerising
- Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarDeux: Kopatchinskaja/Leschenko CD review – their playing bristles with energy
(Alpha)Also reviewed: Lisa Batiashvili performs Prokofiev, and cellist Matthew Sharp rediscovers Hans Gál - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarReich: Pulse/Quartet CD review – pitch perfect performances
- Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarNo Age: Snares Like a Haircut review – vital dreamlike punk for all comers
- Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarJacob Obrecht: Missa Grecorum & motets CD review – a Renaissance revelation
The Brabant Ensemble/Rice(Hyperion) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarStravinsky: Chant Funèbre, etc CD review – Chailly brings fascinating insights to the road not taken
Lucerne Festival O/Chailly(Decca) - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarPowerdance: The Lost Art of Getting Down review – love is the message
The collective celebrate disco and post-punk from an age before tedious dancefloor Instagrams – but their bass-heavy toughness means they never become retro - Alexis Petridis
starstarstarstarstarMyra Davies: Sirens review – witty spoken-word skewering of violence, patriarchy and modern music
- Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarFela Kuti: Box Set 4, curated by Erykah Badu review – witty, informative selection of music from a master
- Robin Denselow
starstarstarstarstarREM: Automatic for the People, 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition review – the perfect mix of playful, angry melancholy
- Michael Hann
starstarstarstarstarMaryam Saleh, Maurice Louca, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh: Lekhfa review – remarkable Egyptian indie collaboration is a triumph
- Robin Denselow
starstarstarstarstarNelly Akopian-Tamarina: Brahms review – enchanting, intimate and irresistible
Akopian-Tamarina(Pentatone) - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarAlkan: 12 Etudes, Op 35 review – Viner rises to Alkan's extraordinary challenges
The young British pianist proves himself a hugely impressive interpreter of some of the most demanding and explosive 19th-century music - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarBeethoven: Quartets, Vol 4 DVD review – bright, volatile, exciting and terrific
- Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarKarine Polwart with Pippa Murphy: A Pocket of Wind Resistance review – warm, wise, compelling
(Hudson) - Emily Mackay
starstarstarstarstarAnna Ternheim: All the Way to Rio review – a wonderful, autumnal record
- Michael Hann
starstarstarstarstarBerlioz: Les Troyens CD review – electrifying performances set a new benchmark
John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato and a carefully assembled cast never let the pace slacken in a stylish recording full of tremendous dramatic commitment - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarAbrahamsen: String Quartets CD review – definitive recordings of a vital series
- Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarSabine Devieilhe: Mirages CD review – mesmerising, radiant, sensual singing
- Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarBach arr Alessandrini: Variations on Variations CD review – revelatory Goldbergs and more
Concerto Italiano/Alessandrini(Naïve) - Nicholas Kenyon
starstarstarstarstarDebussy: Sonatas and Trio CD review – fulsome and winningly authoritative
These late sonatas, with their fond neoclassicism, hint at where Debussy’s music might have gone after the first world war and are performed responsively - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarBartók: Concerto for Orchestra etc CD review – wonderfully alive
James Ehnes (violin), Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Gardner(Chandos) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarLankum: Between the Earth and Sky review – brilliant, raw, detonating folk
- Jude Rogers
starstarstarstarstarÉliane Radigue: Occam Ocean 1 CD review – ultra-slow, ephemeral and virtuosic
- Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarSeamus Fogarty: The Curious Hand review – magical amplified folk journeys through modern life
- Jude Rogers
starstarstarstarstarKayn: A Little Electronic Milky Way of Sound CD review – a cosmic achievement
- Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarSchubert/Zimerman: Piano Sonatas D959 and D960 CD review – thoughtful and technically impeccable
- Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarLeo Richardson Quartet: The Chase review – a superlative debut
(Ubuntu) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarSchubert: Der Einsame CD review – Young tenor Ilker Arcayürek is in a class on his own
- Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarDomenico Scarlatti: Sonatas Vol 2 CD review – another accomplished Angela Hewitt recital
Angela Hewitt (piano)(Hyperion) - Stephen Pritchard
starstarstarstarstarProtomartyr: Relatives in Descent review – sensational, bloodied but unbowed post-punk
- Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarCécile McLorin Salvant: Dreams and Daggers review – awe-inspiringly audacious jazz reworking
- John Fordham
starstarstarstarstarSchoenberg; Hindemith: String Trios CD review – assured and convincing performances
Trio Zimmermann give an utterly lucid rendition of Schoenberg’s fierce, challenging String Trio Op 45, and illuminate Hindemith with panache - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarIsabelle Faust: Mendelssohn CD review – raw-edged and compelling
Faust/Freiburger Barockorchester/Heras-Casado(Harmonia Mundi) - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarImogen Holst: String Chamber Music CD review – we owe it to ourselves to keep listening to her
- Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarGoldberg Variations, complete sessions CD review – Glenn Gould's obsession, meticulously assembled
This sumptuous, extraordinary set gives us every take of every variation in Gould’s historic 1955 recording of JS Bach’s masterpiece - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarHaydn, CPE Bach: Cello Concertos CD review – an album to treasure
Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen/Steven Isserlis (director, cello)(Hyperion) - Stephen Pritchard
starstarstarstarstarLost Is My Quiet CD review – beautiful, nuanced songs by Purcell, Schumann, Quilter and Mendelssohn
- Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarLCD Soundsystem: American Dream review – virtuosic comeback full of harmonies and humblebrags
Packed with aural allusions to Bowie and Eno, LCD Soundsystem’s comeback is a virtuosic tribute to their heroes – and themselves - Rachel Aroesti
starstarstarstarstarJohn Coltrane: Giant Steps in Mono review – an undisputed classic
(Rhino/Atlantic) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarVijay Iyer Sextet: Far from Over review – spine-tingling jazz for heart, head and feet
- John Fordham
starstarstarstarstarBeethoven: Diabelli Variations CD review – Filippo Gorini's fearless, breathtaking debut disc
Filippo Gorini(Alpha) - Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarDead Cross: Dead Cross review – energetic rock supergroup ups the ante
- Gwilym Mumford
starstarstarstarstarLal and Mike Waterson: Bright Phoebus review – siblings' folk masterpiece reissued
- Jude Rogers
starstarstarstarstarBrian Eno reissues review – beautiful, astounding music that goes back to the future
After leaving Roxy Music, Eno created solo albums presaging everything from post-punk to My Bloody Valentine - Alexis Petridis
starstarstarstarstarThelonious Monk: Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 review – long-lost classic
(Saga) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarStrauss: The Complete Songs 8 CD review – three great performers
Nicky Spence (tenor), Rebecca Evans (soprano), Roger Vignoles (piano) (Hyperion) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarSheer Mag: Need to Feel Your Love review – strutting garage rock classics
- Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarWalton: Violin Concerto, Partita and Hindemith Variations CD review – an exhilarating disc
Anthony Marwood (violin), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Brabbins(Hyperion) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarCarnevale 1729 CD review – Ann Hallenberg dazzles
Ann Hallenberg (mezzo-soprano), Il pomo d’oro/Montanari(Pentatone) (2 CDs) - Nicholas Kenyon
starstarstarstarstarAntoine Beuger: Ockeghem Octets review – tender and heroically controlled
- Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarRadiohead: OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997-2017 review – an album of depthless humanity
Radiohead’s 1997 classic with three previously unreleased songs shows the world’s greatest rock band at their best - Damien Morris
starstarstarstarstarRichard Strauss: Through Life and Love CD review – Louise Alder shines
Louise Alder (soprano), Joseph Middleton (piano) (Orchid Classics) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarLaurel Halo: Dust review – radical adventures in electronic impressionism
- Ben Beaumont-Thomas
starstarstarstarstarHaydn: Sun Quartets, Op 20 Nos 4-6 CD review – immaculate and spirited
The four musicians tackle the composer’s boldness with intensity and ferocity, but without losing poise and grace - Kate Molleson
starstarstarstarstarJaco Pastorius: Truth, Liberty & Soul review – audacious live jazz
- John Fordham
starstarstarstarstarKurtág: Complete Works for Ensemble and Choir CD review – a magnificent and lucid guide to a great composer
This Netherlands-sourced set, performed with devotion and commitment, brings together some of the composer’s greatest achievements - Andrew Clements
starstarstarstarstarBruckner: Symphony No 9; Symphony No 7 (Adagio) CD review – Furtwängler on the edge
Berlin Philharmonic/Furtwängler (Praha Digitals) - Nicholas Kenyon
starstarstarstarstarPixx: The Age of Anxiety review – riveting, cliche-free electropop joy
- Rachel Aroesti
starstarstarstarstarDiana Damrau: Meyerbeer: Grand Opera CD review – delightful all round
Damrau/Orchestre et Choeur de l’Opera de Lyon/Villaume(Erato) - Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarHank Mobley: Four Classic Albums review – bursting with wit and invention
(Avid) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarThe Beatles: Sgt Pepper 50th Anniversary Edition review – peace, love and rock star ennui
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band gets a muscular remix in this heritage outing for an album that seems as much about panic as hippy-era optimism - Alexis Petridis
starstarstarstarstarMozart: Gran Partita CD review – a virtuosic live recording
LSO Wind Ensemble (LSO Live) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarBrahms: Die Schöne Magelone CD review – shows how it should be done
- Erica Jeal
starstarstarstarstarFauré: The Complete Songs, Vol 2 CD review – like a recital among friends
Connolly, Davies, Johnson, Kelly, Murray etc, Malcolm Martineau (piano)(Signum) - Fiona Maddocks
starstarstarstarstarMark Lanegan Band: Gargoyle review – a career high
(Heavenly) - Phil Mongredien
starstarstarstarstarLisa Knapp: 'Til April Is Dead – a Garland of May review – dazzling folk wit
- Jude Rogers
starstarstarstarstarWilliam Petter: Ablaze With Light CD review – an outstanding tribute
The Rose Singers/Foggitt, Paul Plummer (organ) (Novum) - Stephen Pritchard
starstarstarstarstarKendrick Lamar: Damn review – another dial-shifting release
More than drugs, crime or gynaecology, greatness is arguably the meta-theme of all hip-hop, and Lamar both tells and shows his pre-eminence - Kitty Empire
starstarstarstarstarBNQT: Volume 1 review – melodic rock supergroup provide a real feast
- Jon Dennis
starstarstarstarstarDuke Ellington: An Intimate Piano Session review – always striking the right note
(Storyville) - Dave Gelly
starstarstarstarstarKendrick Lamar: Damn review – more mellow but just as angry
Luscious harmonies and hints of psychedelic soul – plus guest support from Bono and Rihanna – couch brilliant, sharp-edged storytelling from an artist at the top of his game - Alexis Petridis
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