Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2016. Our next list is from DJ and Board Member Emeritus Tony Breed.

What a year it's been! A complicated and difficult year, and a year that's generated a lot of complicated and difficult music. Or maybe that's just what resonated for me this year.

Song of the year: "Free Room" by Ravyn Lenae feat. Appleby

#1   Blackstar by David Bowie (Columbia)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Dark and beautiful

#2   A Seat at the Table by Solange (Saint/Columbia)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

A great and timely album with a lot to say

#3   Emily’s D+Evolution by Esperanza Spalding (Concord)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Complex and gorgeous; Spalding's move toward funk ends up reminiscent of Joni Mitchell's move toward jazz.

#4   Lemonade by Beyoncé (Parkwood)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

I don't normally go for megastars—I'm an indie rock DJ, after all—but this album is an amazing piece of work.

#5   case/lang/veirs by case/lang/veirs (ANTI-)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

A collaboration between three great artists that is as amazing as you'd hope.

#6   Kidsticks by Beth Orton (Anti-)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

I'm so glad Beth Orton is back.

#7   It's a World of Love and Hope by The Flat Five (Bloodshot)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

A palate cleanser for a difficult year: sweet harmonies and hopeful or silly lyrics.

#8   Post Pop Depression by Iggy Pop (Loma Vista)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

A few bangers, and a closing track that feels like a punch in the face.

#9   O by De Staat (Universal)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Music to strut to

#10   Amen & Goodbye by Yeasayer (Mute)
BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Yeasayer is getter a bit prog-ish… like Shriekback meets Yes.

Honorable Mentions
Every one of these is also fantastic:
Alicia Keys / Here
AHNONI / Hopelessness
Klaus Johann Grobe / Spagat der Liebe
Pillar Point / Marble Mouth
The Posies / Solid States
Suzanne Vega / Lover, Beloved: An Evening with Carson McCullers
Wussy / Forever Sounds