Isolation

Aussie guitar gang’s full potential epically realised

The Canadians’ resurgent sixth

Malian Wassoulou queen’s lockdown opus

Grizzly Bear mainstay finds comfort, wisdom and some bewitching tunes from going it alone

Look ahead to new releases by Animal Collective, Midlake and more

Elvis Costello has a brilliant new album to talk about, but as Michael Bonner soon discovers, his candour covers all bases. To be discussed: climate crisis, genre exercises, distorted truths, imaginary friends and the joys of beating up Sting. Every night.

These are the 50 best LPs that came out this year

Passion and poignancy on first from Aussie “supergroup”

Psych-boogie crew sprawl and soar on double album that redefines what they do.

Locked down in Melbourne, Courtney Barnett has busied herself buying plants, making soups and hoarding vintage gear. Finally, she emerges with a brilliant new album – but how do the Mojave Desert, Arthur Russell and Joni Mitchell feature in its creation?