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Matt Barr writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Matt Barr
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Matt Barr.
As hard as I try, it is not possible to absorb all the music I'm exposed to, and I’m certain I missed loads of great albums. In fact, I have a list of at least 40 albums from this year I still haven't gotten to. And although I heard a ton of good music (I've already made three 80-minute iTunes mixes of 2021 songs), very few albums seemed to demand a spot in my top ten. My #1 was pretty definitive, but I had a hard time saying any album was great enough to be #2. In the end, this list doesn’t so much reflect the best albums, just my favorites at the moment.
#1 The Besnard Lakes are the Last of the Great Thunderstorm Warnings by The Besnard Lakes (FatCat)
Double albums are rarely worth it; they can usually be cut down to produce a killer single album. This one sprawls onto two records, but it’s not due to the number of songs. There is just a lot of space on this album. Nothing is immediate; most songs take a long time to develop. And therefore, it plays more like a single album. If you have some patience, it’s such a rewarding listen. Favorite track: Last of the Great Thunderstorm Warnings
#2 Reason to Live by Lou Barlow (Joyful Noise)
I didn’t expect to like this more than Sweep it into Space or the albums on this list, but Lou evokes a certain kind of feeling with these lo-fi tunes. Favorite track: Privatize
#3 Head of Roses by Flock of Dimes (Sub Pop)
This album was a surprise that I found myself enjoying, even before I realized it was the solo project of Jenn Wasner of the band Wye Oak. Favorite track: Price of Blue
#4 Sweep it Into Space by Dinosaur Jr. (Jagjaguwar)
The vocals are too loud, which bugs me. But there are enough good songs (and guitar solos) to keep me contented. Favorite track: I Expect it Always
#5 Present Tense by FACS (Trouble in Mind)
I was introduced to FACS with last year’s Void Moments album and spent most of the year trying to figure out if I liked them. Present Tense pushed them over the top, and I confirmed that opinion by catching FACS early set at Riot Fest this summer. Favorite track: General Public
#6 Helloween by Helloween (Nuclear Blast)
A few years ago, the band reunited with their classic 80’s singer and founding guitarist. No one was kicked out; they just got absorbed into the current line-up, creating a monster of a band with 3 guitarists and 2 singers. It’s another double album (see my note above), but it’s so great having the old guys back, I’m letting it slide. Favorite track: Skyfall
#7 Bodies of Water by Moontype (Born Yesterday)
A local band I know nothing about, but I was impressed by the songs on this debut and found myself returning to it often. Favorite track: Anti-Divinity (or Ferry)
#8 Emphatically No and Emphatically ‘Mo EP by Cheekface (New Professor)
I didn’t think anyone would like this goofy band but me, but apparently a bunch of CHIRPers like them, and they sold out their recent show in town. Favorite track: "Listen to Your Heart." "No."
#9 New Long Leg by Dry Cleaning (4AD)
Florence Shaw’s calm, spoken vocals are effective against the post-punk music of the band behind her, even if you don’t pay attention to what she’s saying. Favorite track: Strong Feelings
#10 Endless Arcade by Teenage Fanclub (Merge)
After 30 years, TF keep managing to make music I enjoy, despite abandoning their early alt-rock sound, and, more recently, suffering the departure of founding member Gerard Love. The lack of “Love” songs is a drag, but Norman and Ray managed to write a pretty nice album anyway. Favorite track: Everything is Falling Apart
Honorable Mentions
Sam Evian – Time to Melt
Pardoner – Came Down Different
Mastodon – Hushed & Grim
Bernice – Eau De Bonjourno
Amusement Parks on Fire – An Archaea
Monobody – Comma
Civic – Future Forecast
Film School – We Weren’t Here
Illuminati Hotties – Let Me Do One More
AJ Rosales – Manifestations
Arlo Parks – Collapsed in Sunbeams
Black Midi – Cavalcade
Mysteries of Life – Blue Jay
Favorite EPs:
Kishi Bashi – Emigrant
Real Estate – Half a Human
Boo Radleys – A Full Syringe and Memories of You
Stephen Chopek – Dweller
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