There are composers from the classical era who are so obscured in the shadows of Beethoven and Mozart that their contributions are barely recognized. Just recently some major recording projects have emerged that reveal the merits -- and some limitations, but not as many as one might think, given the received wisdom about the era -- of two significant individuals from around 1800 who played key roles in the rise of romanticism; Joseph Wölfl (1773-1812) and Anton Eberl (1765-1807). Their names are as difficult to remember as they are to pronounce, but in terms of the development of Romantic style, both men had something to say.

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The XX are getting loads and loads of hype. All justified, truly. If you still aren't sure, check this breathtaking (yeah, yeah...people are always using that word but I really, really mean it this time!!) version of "Islands" from their self-titled debut album. It's live from Jools Holland's TV program and it's simply staggering how much raw soul they pour into the sparse and precise arrangement.

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Once again, we take a short break from covering current releases by looking back at a year from this nearly-complete decade and compiling lists of our personal favorites. Five years on from 2004, it's easy to forget what a good year it was for almost every kind of music. Some of the decade's biggest indie-rock acts, including TV on the Radio, the Fiery Furnaces, the Arcade Fire and Deerhoof, asserted themselves with definitive albums. Madvillain, MF Doom, Diplo and Dizzee Rascal kept rap's cutting edge sharp. The year's finest electronic music spanned Annie, Junior Boys, Fennesz and Mouse on Mars, while pop ranged from Kelly Clarkson to the Scissor Sisters, and country ran the gamut from Big & Rich to Loretta Lynn. Last but not least, Green Day's American Idiot summed up the year's political tenor. There aren't many overlapping picks on our lists, which only goes to show how strong and eclectic the year's music was. If you're posting a list of your own in the comments, try limiting yourself to 20 picks for albums and singles (like we had to) for an extra challenge!

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