Michelle Nadeau writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2012 (Michelle Nadeau)

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2012. Our next list is from DJ and Co-Director of Community Giving Michelle Nadeau.

1. Sharon Van Etten - Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Loved her first album. Adored the second. Didn’t know if she could continue to hang on for a third. But did she ever. Tramp definitely was the most played album in my library this year. A song for every mood. Oh and what a show she puts on. By listening to her music, you wouldn’t think she’s as goofy as she really is. But seriously, magic on stage.
2. Japandroids - Celebration Rock
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Make sure you’re hydrated, kids. Because you are gonna sweat. Oh and make sure those speakers work, because you are gonna play it loud. This sophomore effort from the Canadian duo (that’s right, all this rock comes from just two guys) is sure to pair well with any extreme emotion you may be feeling. Pissed? Play Track 7. So, wicked happy you could pee your pants? Track 6 is for you. And the list goes on...
3. California Wives - Art History (Vagrant)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Here's the deal: The debut album from this Chicago band isn't going to solve the crisis in the middle east. It won't move mountains. And it definitely won't be the number one listened to album on Spotify. But I'm not giving it this top ten classification for any of these reasons. What this album is, is good. No, it's great. Any album that just makes you want to sing your heart out and dance like you are in high school, to me, is worth it's weight in gold. Indie pop rock gold.
4. Frankie Rose - Interstellar (Slumberland)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Another one to add to the list of “Awesome Female Musicians.” Not like the infamous Frankie Rose really needs an introduction, but with a resume that boasts Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls and Crystal Stilts, she really does need to be honored. And the great part about this album is that it’s not like her past stuff. It’s not better. It’s not worse. It’s different, which is a testament to her natural talent. It’s just so good.
5. Hot Chip - In Our Heads (Domino)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Because I need to have one dance album that just rocks my socks off. Literally. I think I was wearing socks at Pitchfork before the dance party began. While Hot Chip is always a reliable go-to-source for any and all dance parties (and major cleaning sessions), this album really went to new heights. Playful, fun and always entertaining, I hope and pray these Brits keep ‘em coming.
6. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city (Interscope-Aftermath-Top Dawg)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   It’s chill. It’s upbeat. It’s a perfect R&B/Hip-Hop album. And considering it’s his second of the sorts, is it safe to say that we can and will expect more? Play it here, play it there, play it anywhere. Well, probably not around children - unless you have the edited version.
7. Tame Impala - Lonerism (Modular)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   I was so excited for this release, that I was scared. I mean, really, can you imagine anything worse than a lackluster sophomore follow-up to InnerSpeaker? Hence the reason I was so nervous. Thankfully for all of us, this Aussie group did NOT disappoint with Lonerism. Crisis averted.
8. La Sera - Sees the Light (Hardly Art)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Okay, so clearly this year was all about “going solo”. This is the second solo release from the former Vivian Girls member, “Kickball” Katy Goodman, but the first with a lasting impact. Great songwriting here. Worth a listen, or 18.
9. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange (Def Jam)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   The critics were right. This is fantastic.
10. Wild Nothing - Nocturne (Captured Tracks)
    BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
    I first put this on as background music. I didn’t know much about Wild Nothing. I didn’t listen to any of their other albums. I still haven’t. Probably should, but that’s what holiday vacations are for, right? In any case, this album is charming, serene, synthy, indie and pop. All additions for an all-around great album.

Honorable Mentions

• First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
  Bat For Lashes - The Haunted Man
  The Babies - Our House on the Hill
  Grizzly Bear - Shields
  Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls
  Chromatics - Kill For Love
  Dirty Projectors - Swing Lo Magellan