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algabor writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2018: Al Gabor
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Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from volunteer Al Gabor.
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#1 Chime by Dessa (Doomtree) |
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#2 Twin Fantasy by Car Seat Headrest (Matador) |
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#3 Landfall by Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet (Nonesuch) |
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#4 Tell Me How You Really Feel by Courtney Barnett (Mom + Pop Music) |
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#5 Sorry to Bother You: The Soundtrack by The Coup (UMGRI Interscope) |
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#6 Historian by Lucy Dacus (Marador) |
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#7 What a Time to Be Alive by Superchunk (Merge) |
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#8 boygenius EP by boygenius (Matador) |
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#9 LONER by Caroline Rose (New West) |
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#10 Whack World by Tierra Whack (Self-Released) |
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Honorable Mentions:
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Without compromising any of her wordcraft or passionate commitment, Dessa Wander goes for a more melodic sound--and the melodies here are earworm crazy. As always in Dessa’s work, the personal is the political, but the songs here seem more open--and more powerful because of that openness.
Will Toledo revisits his 2011 self-released album with his current band. The album examines the feelings, fears, awkwardness and occasional euphoria provoked by a messy relationship before he came out to his friends. If this sounds a little bleak, not to worry, Toledo’s self-deprecating humor and musical inventiveness make Twin Fantasy a rollicking ride.
A haunting look at loss and consolation after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
The lyrics reveal an artist besieged, but the self-assurance and power of the Barnett’s music subvert even the most resigned lyrics.
This soundtrack matches the movie’s creativity with high energy blend of hip hop, soul, R&B and garage rock. Some of the artists who collaborate with Boots Riley’s band include Janelle Monae, Killer Mike, and Tune-Yards. (Not to be confused with The Coup’s 2012 release with the same name.)
No sophomore slump here. Lucy Dacus has become the master of the slow build, with all kinds of musical surprises taking her songs to unexpected places.
We knew the Trump years were going to inspire some great punk/protest music. Superchunk addresses these turbulent times with ferocious passion and hard-earned insight.
Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker formed boygenius after booking a tour together. Although the songs came together in a matter of days, they show a supple merging of talent and strengths that elude a lot of bands that have been together for years.
Terrific, pithy, smartass pop.
15 songs in 15 minutes--and all have you wanting more.
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2018: DJ Stranger Waves
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2018: Nicole Oppenheim