Katie O. - Local Love writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2013: Katie Owens

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2013. Our next list is from Local Features Director Katie Owens.

1. Twin Peaks – Sunken (Autumn Tone)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Why is this album rated number one? Because this album demonstrates the best music coming out of Chicago right now. It’s fuzzy but polished. I can’t help but be biased by a band who puts on an amazing live show. Go out and buy this album and then go catch one of their shows.
2. Pascal Pinon – Twosomeness (Morr Music)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Twosomeness is a stunning Icelandic bedroom pop treat. Some songs are in English and some are entirely in Icelandic. The entire album is dreamy.
3. Rogue Wave – Nightingale Floors (Vagrant)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Another great album from Rogue Wave, but Nightingale Floors brings more soul. I’ve played this album countless times since its release on my birthday. Nightingale Floors is a thoughtful, cathartic album perfectly conveying emotions following the loss of a loved one.
4. Wxahatchee – Cerulean Salt (Don Giovanni)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Katie’s are just extra special people. Katie Crutchfield created a masterpiece in Cerulean Salt. This album will make you cry. You won’t be able to turn it off, and you won’t want to.
5. The Strokes – Comedown Machine (RCA)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   This is a solid last album for The Strokes under their RCA contract. Comedown Machine listens easier when you split it up into two halves. The first half is much punchier, while the second half is slower, but stronger. Did The Strokes recap their career with Comedown Machine? I think so.
6. Foxygen – We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic (Jagjaguwar)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Foxygen is a mess but they know how to make a great, cohesive record. Whether this is Foxygen doing psychedelic or just Foxygen, no one does it better than them.
7. Serengeti – SAAL (Graveface)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   This Chicago rapper goes to Germany to make an album, incorporates violins and hits it square on the head. The instrumentation on SAAL perfectly compliments Serengeti’s vulnerable vocals and lyrics.
8. Wampire – Curiosity ( Polyvinyl)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   Wampire are weird in the best way possible. If you’re looking for some gothic pop rock with a twist, look no further than Curiosity.
9. Oshwa – Chamomile Crush (Naked Ally)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   
   This is another can’t-miss Chicago release. Alicia’s voice is something special and when it’s folded in with the rest of Oshwa you’re left with a record that puts a fun twist on indie math rock.
10. Wymond Miles – Cut Yourself Free (Sacred Bones)
    BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
    
    Wymond Miles not only has the best hair, he’s also embodied Robert Smith if Robert Smith was in his 30’s, living in California in 2013. If you’re a fan of The Cure, you can’t miss this album.

Honorable Mentions

• Water Liars - Wyoming
  TodaysHits - Home Court Advantage
  Palma Violets 180
  Little Comets - Life Is Elsewhere