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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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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."
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
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
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
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Mick R.
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