In the wake of the most horrific classical CD cover of 2011, Classical KUSC has come up with a list of the Worst Classical Albums of All Time. Ever. Really. Top of the list is a truly appalling offering from the London Philharmonic – they really can’t keep out of trouble, can they? –

As well as such delectables as this all time favourite:

But allow me to append some of my own. Start with Carlos Kleiber’s Rosenkavalier. Or is it Einstein at the Blackboard Hiding Behind his Favourite Pupil when Mrs Einstein Dropped In?

This is a man playing Chopin. Really.

And so is this one. Really.

This café does not serve hot drinks.

And if you have an earthly what’s going on here, please drop it in the Comments box as you leave.

The death is privately reported of Michael Hastings, whose 1984 account of the T S Eliot marriage, Tom and Viv, was successful in the West End, on Broadway and around the world. William Dafoe and Miranda Richardson starred in the movie, ten years later.

Hastings, South London born, also collaborated with the composer Michael Nyman on two recent operas, Man and Boy: Dada and Love Counts.

His website description reads: Michael Hastings remains an insubordinate playwright, almost reckless with his own abilities, and it is impossible to know how far and wide he can yet throw his skills.

He was 73 and will be widely missed.