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The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Suggs Edition
Today let’s pay tribute to the lead singer for one of the most successful bands in British history, Madness. Graham “Suggs” McPherson may not be the rangiest singer, but he was perfect for both the early ska hits that put Madness on the map, and their later forays into classic Brit pop. He was a subtle sly wit in the middle of the chaos some of his bandmates created. He even had a pretty decent solo career when Madness first split, but the band is back in action, having released one of their best albums just two years ago. One more thing – he always came across has approachable yet cool in all of the band’s great videos. So in honor of the lead Nutty Boy, grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle, and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Tony Breed writesMore comics about music: “The Chairs’ Hiatus”
Hey folks! It’s been a while since I’ve shared any comics about music with you. I suppose I’ve seen them, but nothing really grabbed me enough to want to share.
But today I found this story, by Matthew Bogart, called The Chair’s Hiatus, and I highly recommend you read it.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle— Happy Birthday Syd Barrett Edition
Today, let’s celebrate a great talent who flamed out too soon. Syd Barrett was the original creative force propelling Pink Floyd, with classic singles like “See Emily Play” and the album Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Unfortunately, drug use and mental health problems led to his departure from the band in 1968. He put out two influential solo albums (in particular, Robyn Hitchcock has taken a lot from Syd) but declined too much to continue, passing away at the age 60 in 2006. Let’s pay tribute to this unique and talented artist by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Tony Breed writesWhat if you were to graph your rock & rock lifestyle?
Let’s say you are a computer programmer/nerd/punk. Could there be a more perfect expression of your person than a graphic visualization of your concert attendance for the year?
This is how my friend Pam has chosen to sum up 2011, and frankly I think it’s so awesome I wish I’d done it myself.
How would you sum up your year?
Erin Van Ness writesLast Chance to Support CHIRP in 2011!
Technically, yes, you have until 11:59pm tomorrow evening when the ball drops to become one of the shiny, happy, proud 2011 members of the best radio station in Chicago. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be so busy checking out a show, enjoying the company of your loved ones, or watching the Navy Pier fireworks blaze that we thought we should send you a reminder today.
CHIRP has had an amazing ride in 2011. Through the highs (two best radio station nods!) and lows (a devastating flood in July) we’ve persisted with one major goal in mind: to provide you with the best local independent radio station there is. At the end of this rollercoaster that we call 2011, we ask you to take a minute to think about what CHIRP means to you.
Did you discover a new band or learn about a local organization? Did you listen to an interview with your favorite artist or see an amazing show? Did you purchase some unforgettable albums or attend a cool community event?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re the perfect candidate to become a member of this station. So before you crack open another bottle of champagne, put on your dancing shoes, and get those lips puckered up, head on over to chirpradio.org/donatenow, and show your support today.
Please don’t delay. This is absolutely, positively your last chance to become a 2011 member of the Best Overall Radio Station in Chicago*!
Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy 2012 from your friends at CHIRP!
*As voted in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2011Poll