ACL 2025 ~ The Top 20 Albums of the Year

This year’s top album was a revelation: one of the humblest records we’ve ever covered drew acclaim from our entire staff.  In a year of tumult, it comes as no surprise that we would be drawn to the quiet and

ACL 2025 ~ Top Ten Modern Composition

Elegance is the key word to describe our Modern Composition slate, whose orchestral timbres speak simultaneously to mind and soul.  Whether scoring the weather, remembering atrocities or challenging existing regimes, this music calls its listeners to a higher state of mind.

ACL 2025 ~ The Year’s Best Packaging

For collectors, the rarity of physical releases makes the gems sparkle all the more.  From gorgeous vinyl that begs to be released from its sleeve to liner notes far more elaborate than anything found in a digital release, this year’s