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Cher Vincent writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2015: Cher Vincent

CHIRP Radio Best of 2015

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2015. Our next list is from DJ Cher Vincent.

I was more into actual singles this year, but these albums kept me cozy and away from my Netflix queue.

 

#1   Currents by Tame Impala (Interscope Records )
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Tame Impala CurrentsIt might have been halfway through their set at Lollapalooza when I realized that Tame Impala are my favorite touring band. Besides having one of the most consistently grand live shows, Kevin Parker made a breakup album perfect for me in a moment when I was breaking up with someone and a city. His answer: dance your cares away. Choice Track – "The Less I Know The Better"

 

#2   Time to Go Home by Chastity Belt (Hardly Art)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Chastity Belt Time to Go HomeI can’t begin to tell you how happy I am people know this band. I was tossing their name and their debut into every conversation back in 2013, and they came back with a beautiful album about being a woman in 2015, having female friendships, not wanting romantic relationships, and having the freedom to want that life. They’re currently touring with Death Cab for Cutie, and I’m a proud mama bear. Choice Track - "Joke"

 

#3   To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (Interscope Records)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Kendrick Lamar  To Pimp a ButterflyThis album though. I won’t be able to do it justice here right now, or in the next 5 years. It needs to be unpacked and pondered, and isn't for everyone, which makes it that much better. Regardless, it is nice hearing that my skin, my life, and my existence, matters.Choice Track - "u"

 

 

#4   The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam by Thundercat (Brainfeeder)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Thundercat  The Beyond / Where the Giants RoamDue to Kendrick Lamar, more people know about this guy, and his incredible talent. I’ve had a crush on Stephen Bruner since 2011, and it hasn’t gotten any better. And to the girl that broke his heart, you on notice. Choice Track – "Them Changes"

 

#5   The Epic by Kamasi Washington (Brainfeeder)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Kamasi Washington The EpicThis is the only album in years that my entire family, including my grandmother, have listened to, enjoyed, and asked to repeat. It’s a generational album, and one I know I’ll continue to revisit for years to come. Choice Track – "The Next Step"

 

#6   Ratchet by Shamir (XL)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Shamir RatchetWhat a perfect angel Shamir is. He has the potential to be the next Prince, just needs to step up his live set game. However, this album is so fully-formed and completely him. Choice Track – "In For the Kill"

 

#7   Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit by Courtney Barnett (Mom + Pop)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Courtney Barnett Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just SitI cheated last year, and put her EP on my list that actual came out in 2013, just to mention her for a while. Barnett had a banner year, and while her album came out on the same day another album higher in my list, it was still a significant part of my year. Her lyricism, her wit, and her musicianship is so tight, I can’t imagine where she could go from her, which makes it that more exciting. Choice Track – "Kim’s Caravan"

 

#8   No Cities to Love by Sleater-Kinney (Sub Pop)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Sleater-Kinney  No Cities to LoveI think I like Carrie Brownstein more than most people in my life, and her re-emergence with Corin and Janet only solidified that. It was a welcome return in a time of reunions, resurgences, and reboots, and the only one I would like to see more from. Choice Track - "A New Wave"

 

#9   Prom King by Skylar Spence (Carpark Records)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Skylar Spence  Prom KingThis album made me happy. I wish there was more I could say, but I had a weird year, and Ryan DeRobertis helped me out with his sad boy lyrics and contagious dance beats. Thanks, man. Choice Track – "Can’t You See"

 

#10   Escape from Evil by Lower Dens (Ribbon Music)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Lower Dens  Escape from EvilJana Hunter is the Annie Lennox my generation needs and secretly wants. I was standoffish from the off-brand cheeriness of single, “To Die in LA”, but the rest of the album won more over. Sometimes it’s healthy to step out of the darkness and into the light. Choice Track - "Ondine"

 

Honorable Mentions:

Ibeyi – Ibeyi

THEESatisfaction – EarthEE

Vince Staples - Summertime '06

Joey Bada$$ - B4.DA.$$

Leon Bridges - Coming Home

Favorite Singles:

Tom Misch – “Sunshine”

Gavin Turek – “Don’t Fight It”

THEESatisfication – “EarthEE”

Missy Elliott – “WTF (Where They From)”

Tink – “Ratchet Commandments”

Joey Bada$$ - "Hazeus View"

 

1/2 Decade of Wonder (2011-2015)

Favorite Albums 2011 - 2015

2011: Destroyer - Kaputt

2012: Sharon Van Etten - Tramp

2013: Disclosure - Settle

2014: St. Vincent - St. Vincent

2015: Tame Impala - Currents

I still listen to all of these on a regular basis. Think I might listen to them now...

 

 

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Categorized: Best Albums of the Year

Topics: best of 2015

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