Summer is a-comin' in, and it's once again time for AMG's classical editors and writers to sort through the CDs they've reviewed over the past six months and to pick the best albums for their mid-year survey. Don't let these recent gems slip your notice!

Read the full article »

Deerhoof have made the sheet music to the first single from their upcoming album, Offend Maggie, available for download. Fans are encouraged to record their own version of "Fresh Born" and then upload an MP3 to Deerhoof's site for everybody to hear. [Deerhoof.cashmusic.org]

Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong have decided not to release their already finished debut album. Says the band's management, the duo "recorded too early in their career." [Idolator.com]

A new law in Russia might make emo music illegal. Russian critics of the genre have deemed it a "dangerous teen trend" that encourages anti-social behavior and suicide. [NME.com]

Read the rest of this entry »

It used to be that a list of albums offered up in December or January could paint a definitive, or at least representative, picture of The Year in Music. While that annual list is still a great way to say goodbye to the past year’s music and hello to what is to come, nowadays so many new albums and reissues vie for listeners that even a list of the best music from the past six months can seem quaintly out of touch. For this list, we focused on just the standout albums from April, May and June – and even then, it took a while to whittle it down to a reasonable size. Here are the spring and summer releases you just might be listening to come fall and winter (and check out our list of great music from the first three months of 2008 while you’re at it).

Read the full article »