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Patrick Masterson writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Patrick Masterson
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from volunteer Patrick Masterson.
Per usual, my year-end list below is strictly Chicago. Hopefully you find and enjoy something new.
#1 Soul Trap by Tree (self-released)
I don't know why it bothers me so much that Soul Trap received such a muted reception upon its release, but even down the darker alleys of Rap City where guys like Ka and Boldy James and Roc Marciano (who guests on this record!) are talked about in hushed tones on cracked pavement and extended metaphors are parsed like the Voynich manuscript, Tremaine Johnson still doesn't seem to be getting his due.
That needs to change; nobody served up a better two-way game as both emcee and producer than Tree this year, and I'd put this record up against almost any other project the genre had to offer in 2021. His grizzled delivery has come to feel like a worn-in sweater over the years, his sample-based beats served up like piping fresh soup, his topics earthen, relatable. None of that changed for Soul Trap and it is — consequently, maybe — his finest full-length. I'm getting too old to make too much noise on a fellow adult's behalf about the lack of respect here, but I'm not too old to say you really owe yourself a listen. Don't be foolish.
Matt Garman writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Matt Garman
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ Matt Garman.
#1 Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz (Age 101)
subtextclapper writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: subtextclapper
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Assistant Music Director subtextclapper.
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#1 Bo Jackson by Boldy James and The Alchemist (ALC)
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Dec 13 - Dec 19)
Upcoming Events:
- Friday December 17: CHIRP Radio welcomes The Sueves, Spread Joy, and Happy Day to The Empty Bottle (CHIRP Radio DJs will be there too!)
- All December: CHIRP Radio's volunteers share their favorite albums of 2021!
On the Podcast:
- Lee Gomez talks with METZ
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 12/6/21:
p.a. Pritchett vs. BassKase – Throwdown At The No K Corral (Soundpoint)
Kevin Fullam writesFrom the Chicago Critics Film Festival: “Red Rocket”
by Kevin Fullam
“You invited me. It is not my custom to go where I am not wanted.” -- Mystery Man, Lost Highway
In some lore, vampires are rendered powerless in homes unless they have been formally invited inside. In the case of washed-up "adult film" star Mikey Saber (Simon Rex), he might not exactly have been invited into the dens of his potential marks... but he's also not swiftly booted out after he manages to wedge his feet in the doorways, either.