While their blend of wild idiosyncratic noise may defy mainstream classification, this endlessly inventive band’s irresistible anthems make a for a live set of riotous joy

From melancholy pop to jubilant rap, potent African pop and accessible jazz, Guardian readers worldwide pick out the new music that has most impressed them so far this year

From veteran crowd-pleasers the Chemical Brothers to first-timer yeule, musicians discuss what they love about playing the great outdoors and give their top tips for festival-goers

The Edinburgh band’s fourth album is an enjoyable mix of driving beats and infectious enthusiasm

Yo La Tengo, Billy Nomates, Låpsley and Paramore have hotly anticipated albums due out – while the BBCSO puts on an Everest opera and Simon Rattle waves goodbye to the Barbican

As the Beeb celebrates its centenary, we take a look at its most memorable pop moments, from the birth of grime to the first sightings of Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, plus TOTP goes Madchester and countless classic Peel sessions

Our countdown is complete, and top spot goes to a timely blast of identity pop – adding to a fine selection of albums that range from the socially conscious to the political, as well as pure slices of ecstatic rock and cutting rap

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees, we run the rule over the 26 albums that have earned the crown, from Klaxons and James Blake to M People and Talvin Singh