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The Audible Snail writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: The Audible Snail
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ The Audible Snail.
Entwined with the best of albums is the elation of attending more live shows again. Some of these albums stationed themselves in my heart because I saw the bands live, sometimes in advance of full album releases.
The generative joy of music making, orchestration, and ensemble so readily felt in Chicago music venues, and through our bodies, deepened an appreciation for how very important music is. Let these albums carry our feet, our hearts, our collaborations, our collective wonder and sorrow in the new year. Enjoy!
Too Late for Edelweiss by The Tallest Man on Earth (ANTI-)
Banjos come full circle on this album. The Tallest Man on Earth was the last musician I saw live before the quarantine shelter in place order in March 2020, so my music heart is sentimental mush for this album. It opens with Swedish vocals, which is rare for Kristian Matsson, and absolutely gorgeous.
The cover of Nico’s “Fairest of the Seasons” reminds us of the regret and revision we long for in the new year—and it will feel like kinship.
Songs for wonder: “För sent för Edelweiss,” “Metal Firecracker,” “Blood Bank,” “Fairest of the Seasons," and “Pink Rabbits.”
I Walked With You A Ways by Plains (ANTI-)
Plains is folk American sorrow and love lorn lament at it’s best. A fan of Waxahatchee for years, Katie Cruthfield and Jess Williams’ folk collaboration shines in exactly the right light.
One of my favorite things about folk music is the absolutely beautiful—and simultaneously cringe worthy—puns and similes. A nod to John Prine’s lyrical prowess, “Bellafima” checks this box with fire and glory: “Her eyes, / they were set like a cannon, / and boy they’d blow you away. // She’d cross your mind / like a cheap box of wine / where each sips’ like a track switching train. // She swore like a dry county welder.”
Folk ballads to play on repeat: “Problem With It”, “Abilene,” “Hurricane,” “Bellafima,” and “I Walked With You A Ways.”
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You by Big Thief (4AD)
Folk bluesy and masterfully produced, with an album title for the weird world we want, Dragon New Born Mountain I Believe In You is good for the soul.
Big Thief have gone above and their music is getting bolder, and better. I saw Big Thief perform at the Riv in Chicago just before this album was released and the happiness on the stage was palpable. Big Thief shines in the face of new direction and I look to forward to where they keep going.
Let these tracks hold you: “Change,” “Spud Infinity,” “Certainty,” “Red Moon,” “Wake Me Up to Drive,” and “Dried Roses.”
Reset by Panda Bear and Sonic Boom (Domino)
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom’s Reset is electronic psychedelic pop joy. An upbeat and meditative collaboration guided by Panda Bear’s emotive, soothing vocals and Sonic Boom’s experimental synth, it’s easy to imagine this playful album was fun to make.
The third track, “Everyday” sounds like a Beach Boys surf rock holiday with a carnival nod to Buddy Holly. It’s fun to hear wind instruments in the mix, which uplift the songs in places that make your toes dance.
This album is rockabilly, uninhibited, and sunny. Oops! I danced to these songs: “Gettin’ to the Point,” “Everyday,” Edge of the Edge,” “Whirlpool,” and “Living in the After.”
Asphalt Meadows by Death Cab for Cutie (Atlantic)
Over the years, Death Cab for Cutie never quite made it into my musical sphere, so I don’t have a framework for discographic comparison. With that, Asphalt Meadows is a compositional masterpiece, cascaded with serene, poetic regret anchored in indie rock continuity.
A heart melting listen on a quiet evening, recommended tracks to listen in low light include: “Roman Candles,” “Foxglove Through The Clearcut,” “I Miss Strangers,” and “Wheat Like Waves.”
The Will to Live by Titus Andronicus (Merge)
The opening track, “My Mother is Going to Kill Me” is sirens that sound like babies crying, or babies crying that sound like sirens. Swarming electric guitar solos with their signature ballads in the backdrop, Titus Andronicus is experimenting with new sound, and they are doing it magnificently.
There is something childish and angsty about this album, the track list reminiscent of a bratty kid. “Dead Meat” is about escape, or escaping in quick shouts, while “An Anomaly” is a more sinister track, perfect for a Halloween play.
“Give Me Grief” brings back some of the poetic heart in vocals Titus Andronicus is known for, while “We’re Coming Back” is the uplifting punk power ballad battle cry that makes every Titus Andronicus concert a chorus of collective joy. The last track, “69 Stones” is a soothing lullaby of roots and resilience.
Growing Up by The Linda Lindas (Epitaph)
The Linda Lindas 2022 album Growing Up kickdrummed the music festival scene in Chicago, both at Pitchfork and Riot Fest. It’s a power-ballad, bratty, feminist album sure to capture the hearts of both riot grrrl fans and punks alike, with lyrics: “We’ll all become braver and braver. We’ll dance when nobody’s there.”
This album received an honorable mention and praise by Clem Burke, drummer for Blondie and Marky Ramone. What better applause than that?
The last song on the album is a much needed battle cry, warning, and reminder for young punks everywhere: “We rebuild what you destroy.” Sing loudly along to these songs: “Growing Up,” “Talking To Myself,” “Why,” “Remember” and “Racist, Sexist Boy.” Bonus 2022 Christmas Single: “Groovy Xmas.”
Two Ribbons by Let’s Eat Grandma (Transgressive)
Synth, pop, and glitter, this album is a great end and beginning. Released in April, the first track, “Happy New Year” is a welcome listen in the heart of December.
The album begins with a bright, upbeat dance routine that transitions to a lighter, down tempo dreamy mood in the middle at “Half Light.”
Cheat Codes by Danger Mouse and Black Thought (BMG)
Cheat Codes is a magnificent hip-hop album. Social/political rap commentary in lyrical poetics, this album is smart. Funk and R&B pick up the beat throughout. It’s an album that elevates. Run the Jewels and Raekwan, among others, add to the album’s collaborative master mixing.
Tracks to spin: “Sometimes,” “Cheat Codes,” “Belize,” “Aquamarine,” “Strangers,” and “Violas and Lupitas.”
Fosorra by Björk (One Little Independent)
In the '90s, Björk released “Human Behavior” and I absolutely fell in love. “Army of Me” came soon after on the Tank Girl soundtrack.
Over the years, a dear friend would add Björk songs to mix CDs. When Fosorra was released this year, it felt like coming home. This album is joyful and creative. It brings hope and connectivity and is exactly the Icelandic human and natural soundscape we need. Also, mushroom love. Play these: “Atopos,” Ancestress,” “Fungal City,” and “Her Mother’s House.”
Honorable Mentions
Iron & Wine - Lori EP
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cool It Down
Jeff Rosenstock and Laura Stevenson - Younger Still EP
Zola Jesus - Arkhon
Will Sheff - Nothing Special
Skullcrusher - Quiet the Room
Spoon - Lucifer on the Sofa
FKA Twigs - CAPRISONGS
!!! - Let It Be
Stars - From Capelton Hill
Pussy Riot - Matriarchy Now
Nnamdï - Please Have a Seat
Next entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Matt Barr
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