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Entries categorized as “Best Albums of the Year” 481 results
Nicholas K Reetz writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Nick R.
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our first list for this year is from volunteer Nick R.
I tend to listen to music by doing deep dives into artists I'm interested in starting with their oldest work and moving forward in time from there. I also go to see these bands live whenever possible and listen to any related artists in the days leading up to the show.
Given both of these factors, my list focuses almost exclusively on great albums/EPs released by bands I've seen live this year. It is quite likely I've missed a lot of new albums that I would enjoy, but I'm OK with that.
Without further ado, here are the 2022 albums that I enjoyed most.
#1 See Through You by A Place to Bury Strangers (Dedstrange)
Pulsating noise rock that doesn't hold back on this new album from APTBS, which is the brainchild of the guy who runs Death by Audio. I loved this album so much I caught APTBS in both Milwaukee and Chicago. Highly recommend catching APTBS live!
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio’s Top Albums of 2021
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio has been sharing its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. The list below shows the most-often cited records out of the 200+ albums mentoned.
The most-often cited recording is the third release from the band fronted and led by creative force Michelle Zauner. It's a record that, like many on the list, uses music to express hope, joy, anger, amd optimism in a world that seems to take two steps back for every step forward. In his review of the album, Austin Harvey describes it as "...the sound of Zauner accepting the past and moving into an unknown future with the sun shining." That's pretty much all anyone can ask for, and it's a joy that these records can help us with that.
From all of us at CHIRP Radio, HAPPY NEW YEAR and best wishes for 2022!
#1 Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast (Dead Oceans)
A sharp, shimmering wide-ranging classic of an album (Slinky dance numbers! Warm and fuzzy dream pop! Smart singer-songwriter tracks!) that I'll be listening to for years to come. --Shawn Campbell
Shawn Campbell writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Shawn Campbell
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Founder and General Manager Shawn Campbell.
Albums! We still love you! Lots of good records came out this year, including...
#1 Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast (Dead Oceans)
A sharp, shimmering wide-ranging classic of an album (Slinky dance numbers! Warm and fuzzy dream pop! Smart singer-songwriter tracks!) that I'll be listening to for years to come.
Owen Harris writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Owen Harris
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ Owen Harris.
Leave Love Out Of This by Anthonie Tonnon (Rough Trade)
Wildewoman writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Allison Parssi
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Music Co-Director Allison Parssi.
When going back and thinking about my favorite releases this year I asked myself, what albums did I come back to in my free time? What would I listen to on my commute to work, while I cleaned the house, while on a bike ride? There were a lot, and I didn’t limit myself to a set number. Many of them break genre barriers. Many are emotional. Many are danceable. All of them are beautiful.
Occult Fractures by Arthhur (self-released)
Chicago rockers are back with their high energy sophomore release. Arthhur pairs witty and political lyrics with a cacophony of sounds you can’t help but dance to. The project is ambitious in the best way. What else can you say of an album that successfully combines elements of disco, funk, soul, punk, and krautrock? The group’s ever-expanding imagination takes center stage and brings the listener on a wild adventure with them.