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Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Clarence Ewing
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ and Online Media Co-Director Clarence Ewing.
Despite all the continuing problems in the world, 2021 was a fantastic year for music. As usual, I was able to enjoy just a sliver of what was out there, but even that resulted in a stack of sounds of amazing quality.
There was so much great stuff, in fact, for the first time I’ve been creating my lists I couldn’t figure out a ranking order. So here are 10 records from 2021 that stood out to me, listed alphabetically…
Abantu / Before Humans by BLK JKS (We Are Busy Bodies)
A big, dramatic explosion of drums, guitars, and horns from South Africa exploring an impressive range of rhythms, moods, and styles. The musical equivalent of an international thriller novel, with a strong social message. Put it on and let your mind wander.
Mike Scales writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Mike Scales
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Metal Detector Mike Scales.
Here's 10 of my favorites from this year in no particular order, except Turnstile is definitely #1 : )
#1 GLOW ON by Turnstile (Roadrunner)
Mike Nikolich writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Mike Nikolich
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ and Music Reviewer Mike Nikolich (DJ Mike on the Friday Spin).
Best of lists are always difficult to compile, but 2021 was an exceptional year for music. I picked LPs that I either personally reviewed for CHIRP and/or played multiple times on my CHIRP shows.
Leave The Bones by Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray (Anjunadeep)
Joseph Ray is a Grammy-winning electronic musician who began his career in the UK and now is based in Los Angeles. In 2015, he visited Haiti and discovered the Audio Institute, a music school for Haitian children. There he met Steeve Valcourt, one of the nine members of local band Lakou Mizik, and result is one of the best albums of 2021.
The sixteen tracks, which combine traditional Haitian roots music and electronic beats, are hypnotic and thoroughly mesmerizing, using indigenous instruments like the minuba, ogaan, plus lots of shakers, synths and samples. The tracks “Kite Zo A,” “Bade Zile,” Lamizè Pa Dous,” and Ogou” are pure delights, but every track is worth exploring.
Kelsey Stimple writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Kelsey Stimple
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Substitute DJ Kelsey Stimple.
In 2021, like 2020, I still spent a lot of time listening to music in my apartment or wandering around my neighborhood. But shows came back! Though it all feels uncertain now in December 2021, I am glad they felt safe for a while, and hopefully they will again soon.
I decided to do an unranked list this year and really limit myself to 10 albums (only cheating by mentioning three additional EPs below). Here are my favorites:
True Love by Hovvdy (Grand Jury)
Eric Wiersema writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Eric Wiersema
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Eric Wiersema.
2021 was far from a perfect year, but I will take it any day over the dumpster fire that was 2020.
Thanks to modern science (and begrudgingly Big Pharma), we were able to get vaccinated and sort of resume our normal lives. Despite the initial social awkwardness resulting from spending nearly a year and a half in isolation, it was great to reconnect with the people that we love in person.
An equally awesome benefit of getting vaccinated was being able to see live music again! The first show I attended since March 2020 was Archers of Loaf and Smoking Popes at Wicker Park fest on July 25tth. While I am only a casual fan of both bands and not a particularly emotional person, I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy and I vowed to never again take live music for granted.
This year was also my first full year as a regular DJ and an Assistant Music Director for the station. I was exposed to an even larger amount of fantastic new music than ever before. Please take these rankings with a grain of salt since I will likely change my mind as soon as this is published. However, each and every one of these albums is well worth your time!
#1 For the First Time by Black Country, New Road (Ninja Tune)
This is the debut album from the London seven piece and is unlike anything I have ever heard before! This album takes influence from post-rock, post-punk, and free jazz resulting in a truly original sound that takes several listens to fully appreciate.
I have been listening to this album since it was released back in February and still discover something new with each and every listen! RIYL: American Football, Black Midi, Slint, Tortoise. Favorite Track: Sunglasses