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Riley Beck writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Riley
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from volunteer Riley.
JAGUAR II by Victoria Monét (Lovett Music; RCA)
Andy Vaso writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Andy Vasoyan
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ Andy Vasoyan.
2023 was an absolutely magnificent time to be sad, and some of the best albums this year wrestled with themes of alienation, ennui, and loss on a titanic scale - the year of boygenius. In an effort to keep things a little bit less somber, some of those heartbreakers have been moved to the honorable mention category, opening space for a few records about moving through grief and coming out on the other side. There’s something for folks at every point in their healing journey.
& the Charm by Avalon Emerson (Another Dove)
The story of Avalon Emerson’s transition from a buzzy techno DJ to a dream/synth pop chanteuse is going to be the first thing most people hear about this album, but that’s a disservice to & the Charm’s lovely, welcoming energy. Lush beats and layers soak the liminal spaces that Emerson’s songs occupy: at every level, & the Charm is never exclusionary, off-putting, or stern. A Berghain bouncer, Emerson is not. Top Tracks: Astrology Poisoning, Karaoke Song, Entombed in Ice
Owen Harris writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Owen “Kiwi Brunch”
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ Owen "Kiwi Brunch."
A year with less standout faves than usual for me, but some surprises that bear repeated listening. Rodney Crowell has delivered one of his best, The Chills remix puts the album where it should have been decades ago, and...
Sundae Painters by The Sundae Painters (Leather Jacket Records)
D Rock: Apocalipstick Beatz writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Danielle Sines
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Danielle Sines.
Jfc. Happy New Year. This year flew by and, at times, I only knew what time of year it was by looking back at the music I was listening to. This list is a perfect snapshot of what I was obsessed with in 2023. Oh and guess what?! I’m about to pick up test presses of the next Impulsive Hearts record at Smashed Plastic! (Cheers to new music in 2024!) Plus, if you wanna, you can vote for my band, Impulsive Hearts, as the best rock band in Chicago in the Chicago Reader’s Best Of 2023 list! ?(+ a lot of CHIRP noms, + a lot of local records mentioned on this list! [url=https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/]https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/[/url]) That was not anticipated on my 2023 bucket list & I’m still a little in shock. Anyway, here’s my yearly obsessions from 2023. Hope you enjoy these as much as I did! 😊
#1 Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers (Ninja Tune)
Scottish trio Young Fathers’ 4th album is filled with joyous hooks, infectious rap, and swelling gospel choruses in a short but sweet jam-packed 10 song album. I love albums that I can drive long distances to and this album has that “feel” - big beats to fuel your brain and songs to scream along to. The album seamlessly threads together beautifully. Try second track “I Saw” and let third track “Drum” keep playing to get a feel for the irresistible ear-worms. I told anyone that would listen about this record. It’s got swirling layered harmonies akin to TV on the Radio and could even be a modern day Paul Simon’s Graceland. I can’t wait to see them live in 2024!
algabor writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Al Gabor
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from volunteer Al Gabor.
#1 The Record by Boygenius (Interscope)
As formidable as Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker are on their own, they reach new heights when they combine efforts. On The Record, the harmonies are sibling-quality; the songcraft is superb. The songs here convey the charged nature of love and friendships of people in their twenties, how an unfolding relationship is not just discovering things about the new person in your life, but finding out things about yourself.