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Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2020. Our next list is from DJ and Online Media Director Clarence Ewing.
"Um...yeah, I'm going to go put my headphones on and listen to some more music now." --Me, pretty much every day In 2020
#1 UNTITLED (Black Is) by SAULT (Forever Living Originals)
Who are these people? The mystery is just one aspect of a deeply effective recording that seemingly came out of nowhere. A bunch of albums have been produced by this entity in a relatively short time span (including UNTITLED (Rise), released within months of this one and just as phenomenal). More, please.
#2 We're New Again: A Reimagining by Makaya McCraven by Gil Scott-Heron / Makaya Mccraven (XL Recordings)
Classic meets new, and the space time continuum is that much better for it.
#3 20/20 Vision by Anti-Flag (Spinefarm)
There's been a steady supply of artists willing to name names during the political sh*t show we currently live in. Few do it harder or angrier than Anti-Flag.
#4 Branches by Square Peg Round Hole (National Sawdust Tracks)
Just the thing to lower the blood pressure after reading the latest news report about...everything.
#5 A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1 by Common (Loma Vista)
As Rap enters its "I'm a grown-a** adult" phase, one of its elder statesman drops something charged-up but also earnest and heartfelt. His plain-spoken voice and lyrics have been something solid to hold on to in these times.
#6 Synthetic Soul by Chiiild (Avant Garden/Island)
If there's a God / I hope she's Black / And when I die / She brings me back to life
#7 Printer's Devil by Ratboys (Topshelf)
Their 3rd album, and they have yet to make a bad one. Or even a mediocre one. This is a seriously good band. Seriously. You should listen to them.
#8 Don't Break My House by Don't Break My House (Self-Released)
The local duo of Josh Fox (former CHIRP volunteer) and Sean Dixon. Music like this makes me feel so blessed to live in Chicago, where this kind of adventurous, eclectic music is being made.
#9 Nijimusi by OOIOO (Thrill Jockey)
Because sometimes you just need to go off-world for a little while and get your head together (after it gets lightly scrambled).
#10 Ajai + The Gentle Fall + With Greg from Deerhoof by Serengeti (Self-Released / Joyful Noise)
A CHIRP favorite whose been doing next-level hip-hop for a while now, always evolving and endlessly interesting.
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Patrick Masterson
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