Critics Jump Thru Hoops for Brit's "Circus"

The people at Britney's record label are treating her new album like the frickin' Shroud of Turin -- putting legitimate music critics through a virtual gauntlet just to get a peek.

Even though the album already has been leaked online, we're told the rules of the review sessions for "Circus" have been insanely strict: No recorders, no computers, and only one person at a time hearing the album. We're also told reviewers haven't even been allowed to fast forward or rewind "Circus" themselves.