Andy Weber writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2012 (Andy Weber)

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2012. Our next list is from DJ Andy Weber.

I really had a hard time picking my favorites this year. Nothing seemed to stand out to me so I have spent the last 4 weeks listening and re-listening to a number of albums.

1. Panoramic & True - Wonderlust (Raymond Roussel Records)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   These guys took my top spot because local trumps everything. This is their second album and they create an incredibly lush sound. I would like to see them get some more notoriety within the local scene. There is a lot of talent here.
2. Tame Impala - Lonerism (Modular)\
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   No need to dive into this one too far. They rock and they are making a lot of year end top 10 lists. Another sophomore release which is impressive.
3. Django Django - Django Django (Ribbon Music)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Out of London...Their album was released back in January and due to the saturated world of music the ears at CHIRP did not pick up on it until a little later. But wow! Very diverse within the album.
4. Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action at a Distance (Kranky)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Lots of bands are attempting this sound and admittedly I am a sucker for it. Lockett Pundt is just doing it better than the rest right now.
5. Outer Minds - Outer Minds (Southpaw)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Just fun! The best part about this band is their live show and I think they represent the current sound of Chicago well.
6. El Ten Eleven - Transitions (Fake Record Label)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   I am a sucker for instrumental albums and these guys do a good jobl!
7. Serengeti - C.A.R. (Anitcon)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Look ma, a hip hop album in my top 10! Hey if you pitch on the CHIRP softball team you get preferential treatment when it comes to my top 10! Plus you need to release some solid music as well. Which he did!
8. TEEN - In Limbo (Carpark)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   This is an album which snuck onto my list after listening to it again in the past couple weeks. This album is much deeper than one would expect at the onset.
9. Willis Earl Beal - Acousmatic Sorcery (XL)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Even though this album has some throw away tracks I wanted to list it here more because I see the genius on the horizon. Mr Beal could really harness the future of the blues with his neo-blusey raw sound. Get us some more music very soon!
10. Arc In Round - Arc In Round (La Société Expéditionnaire)
    BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
    This is Philadelphia's version of Panoramic & True. Deep instrumentation and they show a lot of influences throughout the album.

Honorable Mentions

• Daphni - Jialong
  King Tuff - King Tuff
  
  Reissues:
  Alex Chilton - Free Again - The 1970 Sessions
  Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones - Checkerboard Lounge: Live Chicago 1981.