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Matt Barr writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Matt Barr
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Matt Barr.
The “best” albums of the year are simply our favorites, completely subjective and instable as our moods shift and twist.
And even then, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish your favorite from you WANT to be your favorite. In 2022, I felt there were dozens of albums that hit about the same for me, and no clear-cut winners.
However, I didn’t want to deliver an un-ranked list, so I went with what I wanted. Big thanks to the CHIRP music department, without which I may not have heard some of these.
#1 Keep on With Falling by The Boo Radleys (self-released)
The Boos were one of my favorite bands in the ‘90s. After they split in ’99, guitarist and main songwriter Martin Carr maintained a steady solo career. My jaw dropped when I heard the Boo Radleys were releasing a new EP last year, and dropped AGAIN when I heard Carr was not involved.
This full-length from “the other guys” is surprisingly good pop rock. And while it may not truly be the best album of the year, it made me the happiest to listen to. Favorite tracks: “All Along” “Keep on with Falling” “I Say a Lot of Things”
#2 Deep in View by Cola (Fire Talk)
I heard this one on CHIRP and it seemed cool, so I bought the record and confirmed my suspicions – it is cool.
I was unfamiliar with their predecessor band Ought, but this album is like a laid-back version of the Strokes, with subtly clever guitar/bass interplay and nonchalant vocals. It didn’t take long to get comfortable in my brain.
Favorite tracks: “So Excited” “Degree” “Water Table”
#3 A Light for Attracting Attention by The Smile (XL)
Originally, I assumed this Radiohead side-project would be inferior to the real deal, and I didn’t bother listening to it until a friend recommended it to me. I’m glad he did, because this is essential listening for fans of Radiohead, and should probably be viewed as the follow up to A Moon Shaped Pool.\
Favorite tracks: “You Will Never Work in Television Again” “Free in the Knowledge” “Pana-vision”
#4 In These Times by Makaya McCraven (International Anthem)
Sometimes things come together just right. I was taking a walk in a park on a cool late summer evening, and decided to stream the new Makaya McCraven. The music clicked with the setting and my mood. I like to think In These Times could refer to the time signatures and rhythmic complexities that seem effortlessly employed on the record.
Favorite tracks: “Dream Another” “In These Times” “High Fives”
#5 Blue Rev by Alvvays (Polyvinyl)
Alvvays was a band I was supposed to like, but never did. They were poppy and shoegazey, like many of my favorites, but I never thought their songs were that good, and the reverbed production seemed forced.
But Blue Rev is an undeniable step forward on all fronts. It’s not flawless, but I can see myself enjoying for years to come. Favorite tracks: “Belinda Says” “Pharmacist” “After the Earthquake”
#6 PLOSIVS by PLOSIVS (Swami)
Still mad at myself for not buying advance tickets for their show at Sleeping Village with Meat Wave.
I enjoy this album, though. I’d probably still prefer a new Rocket From the Crypt reunion, but this album rocks and Rob Crow brings a little something different to the John Reis template. Favorite tracks: “Broken Eyes” “See You Suffer” “Hit the Breaks”
#7 Weird Nightmare by Weird Nightmare (Sub Pop)
Another find from the CHIRP new music rotation bin. I’ve never followed METZ, but guitarist Alex Edkins’ solo album scratches my insatiable itch for ‘90s sounding indie rock.
Favorite tracks: “Searching for You” “Sunday Driver” “Darkroom”
#8 Steady by Sloan (Yep Rock)
Another great album from one of my all-time favorite bands. There is always room for more of Sloan’s catchy rock. Favorite tracks: “Dream it All Over Again” “Spend the Day” “Magical Thinking”
#9 What Kind of Blue Are You? by Winter (Bar/None)
When I reviewed this album for CHIRP rotation, I did not expect it to stick with me, much less end up on my top ten list. Yet here we are.
It’s ‘90s flavored shoegaze and dream pop, with obvious nods to My Bloody Valentine. That’ll do it. Favorite tracks: “atonement” “write it out” “mr. on-my-mind”
#10 Radiant Bloom by Astronoid (self-released)
Had to knock a few other contenders aside, but I’m putting this one in here because I want to. Boston’s Astronoid play a blend of metal and shoegaze (blackgaze? dream thrash?) with fast pummeling drums and guitars topped with clean (as opposed to growled or screamed) melancholic vocal hooks.
Vocally, Brett Boland sounds a lot like Jonas Bjerre of Danish band Mew (another band I love). The major drawback is that all the songs sound the same, but the positive spin on there is if you like it, you like it all. Favorite tracks: “Sedative” “Eyes” “Sleep Whisper”
Honorable Mentions
Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (This is a case where the double album hurt their chances of making my list. I love some of these songs, but not enough of them.)
Hammered Hulls – Careening
The Beths – Expert in a Dying Field
Launder – Happening
Panda Riot – Extra Cosmic
Ghost – Impera
Black Midi – Hellfire
Limousine Beach – Limousine Beach
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
Baston – Le Martyre
Favorite song by an artist not mentioned above (and possibly my favorite song of the year): "Speeding 72" by Momma
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