Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2014. Our next list is from DJ and Music Director John Lombardo.

Memorize Now by J Fernandez (Atelier Ciseaux)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

Impeccable homespun Pop from this underrated Chicago songsmith.

Habibi by Habibi (Burger)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

If Rock and Roll High School were set in Detroit, these sweet and sinister pop songs woulda made the entire faculty lose their mind.

Hidden Cities by Horse Lords (NNA Tapes)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

Tight, on-point skronky-tonk insanity.

Live in San Francisco by Icky Boyfriends (Castle Face)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

A legendary trash rock trio reunites for a special show and this time you get to hear it.

Im Sinne der Zeit by Klaus Johann Grobe (Trouble in Mind)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

Krautrock spun through a Swiss filter. Insanely hypnotic and meditative.

Evening Molasses by Energy Gown (Alona's Dream)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

Luscious Psych for the sick and sedentary.

Far Reaches by Trin Tran (Castle Face)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

The first taste of this genre/era-defying one-man band since 2007!

N.A.P. - North American Poetry by Juan Wauters (Captured Tracks)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

The former Beets guitarist strips down everything left from their minimalist pop sound. Equal parts beautiful and beguiling.

Overjoyed by Half Japanese (Joyful Noise)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

Royal reunion from the band that could be king.

Drop by Thee Oh Sees (Castle Face)
BUY: Reckless / Permanent / iTunes / Insound / Amazon

The Oh Sees album you never saw coming, with a new cast of regulars & guests.