Now Playing
Current DJ: Yang
Fazerdaze City Glitter from Soft Power (section1) Add to Collection
The CHIRP Blog
Shawn Campbell writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2019: Shawn Campbell
|
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2019. Our next list is from Founder and General Manager, DJ (Saturday 12-2pm) Shawn Campbell. I've seldom tended to order my lists, and I didn't again this year with the exception of #1. I couldn't be happier for the year Lizzo has had! |
|
|
|
Cuz I Love You by Lizzo (Nice Life/Atlantic) |
|
|
|
|
|
A Distant Call by Sheer Mag (Wilsuns RC) |
|
|
|
|
|
Keepsake by Hatchie (Double Double Whammy) |
|
|
|
|
|
Doko Rien by Ibibio Sound Machine (Merge) |
|
|
|
|
|
Meaning by Field Mouse (Topshelf) |
|
|
|
|
|
You Deserve Love by White Reaper (Elektra) |
|
|
|
|
|
Grey Area by Little Simz (Age 101) |
|
|
|
|
|
If You're Not Afraid, I'm Not Afraid by Queen of Jeans (Topshelf) |
|
|
|
|
|
An Obelisk by Titus Andronicus (Merge) |
|
|
|
|
|
Athena by Sudan Archives (Stones Throw) |
|
|
|
Beach Slang's heart-on-sleeve tribute to Tommy Keene, 'Tommy In the 80s,' probably was my favorite single to drop in 2019. A shocking number of People Who Should Know Better made the mistake of thinking the tribute was to Tommy Stinson, who's been playing some shows with the band. But anyone familiar with Keene's work would instantly recognize the Slang's heartfelt mimicry of his signature chiming guitar sound and songwriting style. Look for it on their next full length due in early 2020. |
From time to time, what's good and what's popular collide, and in the 21st century, it's seldom been more the case than with Lizzo's second full-length. A buoyant, affirmation-packed (but never cloying) celebration record. Lizzo was everywhere in 2019, and I was always happy to see and hear her.
Undeniable snot-nosed rock out of Philly. Throw it on and start the party.
Lush and lovely with strong poppy songwriting chops, this debut album from Australian Harriette Pilbeam was a grower for me throughout the year.
The eight-piece outfit out of London merging Afrobeat, electro, and post-punk delivered another excellent record in 2019 that kept me dancing. I was so sorry visa issues prevented them from playing their scheduled Lincoln Hall show this summer. Hopefully they'll be able to get here in the new year.
I'm ever a sucker for dreamy, C86-inspired pop, and this year's Field Mouse record fit that bill perfectly. Warm, charming, and very, very catchy.
Seamlessly blending garage rock and power pop, White Reaper delivered a major label debut in 2019 that built on the accomplishments of their two previous releases and got them into a ton of new ears. One of the best live bands working today -- see them next time they come to town.
At age 25 and with 16 years in the business under her belt, Simbi Ajikawo's third album is a triumphant, confident offering, melding personal experience and incisive social commentary on tracks that stay with you long after you stop listening.
Another great band out of Philly, another strong release on the Topshelf label. Miriam Devora's voice draws you in, and you want to stick around for her stories. Catchy pop songs with something to say.
A tight 38 minute set of raucous, quality rock 'n' roll. Sometimes that's all a girl can ask for.
Brittany Parks delivered on the promise of her two EPs with a full-length packed with soulful, infectious songs, her violin weaving spells throughout.
Next entry: CHIRP Radio’s Top Ten Albums of 2019!
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2019: Mick Reed