The Critics

Throughout the Live! section's "Decade in Culture" series, we've asked for readers' input on the critics' picks for the most significant cultural developments from 2000 through 2009. Read More

I won't keep you quivering with anticipation any longer. 10. Read More

THEY may not be household names just yet, but you could be hearing a lot more about Ellie Goulding and Marina Diamandis over the next 12 months. Read More

She hailed from a different race and country, worshipped a different God and spoke a different language. Read More

As a music critic, I'm pretty much required by law to mention Radiohead as one of the decade's best musical acts, and it's tough to argue against. Read More

It's depressingly true, but female musicians are often judged more on their aesthetic value than on their overriding musical abilities. Read More

A RECORD by psychedelic indie act Animal Collective has been named Best Album of 2009 in a round-up of end-of-year polls by UK music critics. Read More

The vast, experimental soundscapes of "Kid A" marked a further shift away from the guitar-driven anthemic rock tunes of the band's early days. Read More

This is part eight of a 10-part series on Jared's favorite albums of each year of the decade. Read More

The first decade of the 21st Century was both the best of times and the worst of times -- depending, of course, on whom you ask. Read More