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Marites Velasquez writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Marites Velasquez
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from Outreach Director and occasional DJ Marites Velasquez.
I really got into new music this year! I expanded my horizons with so many amazing albums to dive into that it took me a while to narrow down my top ten. Here is the music that shaped my 2022:
#1 Mahal by Toro y Moi (Dead Oceans)
I had no idea Chaz Bear was Filipino, but "mahal" is one of the few words in Tagalog I know well. When the title of the new Toro y Moi album was announced, my ears perked up. I've never really listened to Toro y Moi before, and now I've caught up on a decade's worth of music; Mahal is a standout.
I love that the album sounds like you're scanning the radio in your Jeepney on a chill, sunny day listening to jam after jam.
#2 Growing Up by The Linda Lindas (Epitaph)
I'm not just impressed with The Linda Lindas because they're young. These ladies have a strong ear for catchy, hooky melodies with lots of attitude and fun.
Every song on the album is good, whether it's about their cat or finding your voice while growing up in this world. There's something really earnest and sweet about their songs that feels more real than most other teen bands out right now. I love them!
#3 Malign Hex by Meat Wave (Swami)
Meat Wave 4eva.
#4 Squeeze by SASAMI (Domino)
When I saw Sasami play live at Schubas in 2019, I was struck by how it was way more rockin' than her first album lets her on to be. I was excited to hear her explore that heavier metal influence on this new release alongside gut-wrenching ballads like "The Greatest." She is the greatest and I'm ready for more.
#5 a lot's gonna change by Claude (American Dreams)
I love this album because the lyrics read like my LiveJournal during the mid-aughts and I'm just a sentimental gal for my youth like that.
#6 Stay Proud Of Me by NoSo (Partisan)
What a powerful debut from Baek Hwong. A beautiful album about identity, love and self-discovery.
#7 Wet Leg by Wet Leg (Domino)
What can I say? I like the songs. They're popular for a reason and I'm hooked.
#8 Slingshot by JayWood (Captured Tracks)
Catchy, jazzy, funky with something real to say about his identity and the unique Black experience of living in the predominantly white province of Manitoba, Canada. Pick up this album if you missed it earlier. Worth visiting.
#9 Back Home by Big Joanie (Kill Rock Stars)
Great musical exploration expanding on their previous DIY lo-fi punk sound into something bigger and better.
#10 Exes and Hexes by Bev Rage and the Drinks (What's For Breakfast?)
Such a fun album — Bev Rage and the Drinks are at their best! Love the riffage and hard-hitting beat on "Permanent Receptionist."
Honorable Mentions
Así Así - Mal De Otros
Cate Le Bon - Pompeii
Chat Pile - God's Country
Danger Mouse and Black Thought - Cheat Codes
Dehd - Blue Skies
Little Simz - No Thank You
Petrol Girls - Baby
Scout Gillett - no roof no floor
Spacemoth - No Past No Future
Spread Joy - II
Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen
Next entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Tony Breed
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Kelsey Stimple