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Matt Barr writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2019: Matt Barr
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Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2019. Our next list is from DJ Matt Barr. My end-of-year lists typically favor new releases by my old favorite bands, and there were plenty of them this year. But becoming an Chirp DJ in 2019 helped expose me to loads of new music, and I found some great stuff to complete my top ten. |
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#1 Future Ruins by Swervedriver (Dangerbird) |
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#2 Omoiyari by Kishi Bashi (Joyful Noise) |
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#3 My Star by The Hecks (Trouble In Mind) |
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#4 Act Surprised by Sebadoh (Dangerbird) |
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#5 Ex Voto / Ex Nihilo by Versus (Ernest Jenning) |
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#6 This is Not a Safe Place by Ride (Wichita Recordings) |
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#7 Guv I + II by Young Guv (Self-Released) |
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#8 Speeding Away to Someday by Fleeting Joys (Only Forever Recordings) |
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#9 Deceiver by DIIV (Captured Tracks) |
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#10 Sunshine Rock by Bob Mould (Merge) |
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The next batch would probably include:
J. Robbins – Un-becoming |
Although this album may be just short of matching 2015's I Wasn't Born To Lose You, lead track "Mary Winter" is enough to push this one to the top of the 2019 heap all by itself. I also love "Drone Lover" and "The Lonely Crowd Fades in the Air."
Omoiyari is a less fun album than his previous releases (there are no "Mr. Steak"-style dance numbers), but that’s not surprising given one of the album’s themes is Japanese interment during WWII. However, the fun is replaced with beautiful songwriting and lush arrangements. Also, the best live show I saw this year.
Local band with an '80s inspired album of taut rockers filled out with synths. A total surprise for me, but I loved the sound immediately.
The next 3 albums by these old bands could be interchanged in this list. The new Sebadoh has some great songs once again by both Lou and Jason. Sound quality is the only drawback here – it’s all low-end and with no sizzle.
I’m coupling the full-length album, Ex Voto, with the EP that was also released this year, Ex Nihilo, because the two combined make a better overall release, the first in many years for Versus. They haven’t lost a step.
This is the follow-up to their comeback album, 2017’s Weather Diaries. A friend commented that this one is better. I’m still not sure if I agree or not, but it’s definitely good. They take some chances on new sounds and I think they work.
Originally released as separate albums, Guv I and Guv II are now packaged together. Lots of singable pop songs here, wrapped in a '60s-inspired fuzz.
Unhealthy doses of My Bloody Valentine are poured over this album, like syrup on pancakes. But... syrup tastes good.
Even more shoegaze!
And one last old fart, back with another bunch of indie-rock gems. What Do You Want Me to Do?
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2019: Mike Scales
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2019: Andy Weber