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Steven Grady writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2020: Steven Grady
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2020. Our next list is from DJ Steven Grady.
2020 can't come to an end too soon, but it certainly did not disappoint when it came to new music. Once again the Windy City (and elsewhere) proved how much quality it can generate sonically in a 52-week time frame.
#1 File Under Kool by The Markese-Fumo Express (info@markeseandfumoexpress.com)
An unforgettably addictive and inventive homage to 20th Century modern jazz legends performed by the most versatile multi-instrumentalist Don Markese and venerable trumpet master John Fumo. This record never gets old and I hear something new each time I play it.
#2 Kill The Light by Outronaut (self-released)
Breakout LP from Chicago guitar virtuoso Steve Gerlach's crime jazz surf noir joint. A stunningly cool soundtrack of mostly instrumental selections that any decent filmmaker could build a story around. Universally pleasing to the human ear. With guest vocals by Gerlach's unmistakably grizzled Depravos De La Mour bandmate, Louie Herscoe.
#3 Blonde On The Tracks by Emma Swift (Tiny Ghost)
One of the best collections ever of Dylan covers. This comes courtesy of the sweetly heartbreaking voice of the up and coming Australian singer/songwriter, by way of Nashville.
#4 The Symbol Remains by Blue Öyster Cult (Frontiers)
First longplayer since 2001 from the timeless thinking-man's heavy metal pioneers, featuring original members Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma. The dominance sustains.
#5 McCartney III by Paul McCartney (Capitol)
The legend continues, with the third of his post-Beatles self-titled decade starters. All Macca-made from bass to guitar and drums all all points in-between...back to basic reinvention at age 78 and counting.
#6 Be True To Yourself by Joey Molland (Omnivore)
The Badfinger guitar player has brought back the magic of his legendary power pop outfit with powerfully youthful vocals and expert production from veteran Mark Hudson.
#7 Hivemind by Rash (Convulse)
Home-grown no-nonsense Chicago hardcore from their sophomore effort, recorded over four days with Matty Russel at Altered States studio. One of the nastiest and finest records of 2020..
#8 Stone Cold Woman by Audrey Foxx (self-released)
Chicago singer/songwriter/arranger's EP melds late-night sultry vocals with a smooth jazz rhythm section while addressing four distinct themes of romance. A winning debut which includes three strong original tracks as well as a stand-out cover of Johnny Green's 1933 "I Cover The Waterfront."
#9 Let There Be Nothing by Judicator (Prosthetic)
This USPM concept album is a tale of a love triangle between General Belisarius, Antonina and Thedosious in the Byzantine empire of the Sixth century...and it rocks.
#10 Jungle Fire by Jungle Fire (Nacional)
One of Los Angeles' best live bands, 10-piece Jungle Fire's self-titled fourth LP is a successful amalgamation of Afro-Cuban dance, James Brown guitar funk, Fela Kuti beats, and a bit of psychedelia thrown in for good measure. Featuring the stylings of the very hip sounding baritone sax player, Sam Robles
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