Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2024. Our next list is from volunteer Stephen Rynkiewicz (aka DJ Rynk).
The Chicago Public Library offers every album in my 2024 Top 10 on CD or vinyl. I'm recognized on sight at my local branch, which was my cue to redirect some music-discovery energy to CHIRP.
Another year has passed, which means another collection of fantastic music added to the CHIRP Radio library. And once again, our volunteers took a look back at the records that stood out for them.
Out of the almost 300 records hat got a shout-out, this year’s most-cited album is by a veteran Chicago band that’s been gracing the CHIRP airwaves since their debut LP release in 2016.
It continues to be CHIRP Radio’s purpose and pleasure to present all of this music and the amazing artists who make it. Our deepest thanks for your support, and Best Wishes from all of us to all of you for 2024 and beyond!
The only album on my list whose ranking most definitely won’t change is my AOTY, the fifth and latest release from our hometown heroes, Ratboys. I have been a huge fan of this alt-country/emo outfit ever since I first discovered them six years ago when a band photographer friend brought me to their GN album release show. I was instantly blown away and went straight to the merch table to pick up a vinyl copy immediately after the show. Every subsequent album has been better than the previous and The Window is no exception. It is insanely catchy, heartfelt, and frontwoman Julia Steiner’s twangy vocals perfectly compliment their incomparable blend of folk, country, and emo. --Eric Wiersema
Inject this straight into my veins. By far the best record release this year and its the only one I'm ranking because it truly deserves to be number one. The music Chicago's Ratboys makes is nearly impossible to disagree with and is full of Kentucky blues inflections that Julia (Vocals/Songwriting) grew up with. They're absolutely flourishing as a quartet. --Nik Hunder
A wide-ranging record with an appropriate name. I had this one on a lot in 2023 and it never failed to get me moving. A little bit of disco, a little bit of house, a little bit of soul.