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camlind7@gmail.com writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Cam Lind
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from volunteer Cam Lind.
#1 Orange Folder by Orange Folder (Self-released)
This DIY band released an album of previously recorded tracks and then promptly broke up. It's really a shame because I would have loved to see this perfect indie band live. Listen if you're nostalgic for college radio.
#2 Right Noise by Alicia Walter (BIG EGO Records & Alicia Walter)
I saw Alicia Walter live twice this year and both shows drilled this album further into my brain. The hooks allow for easy listening and are catchy enough to make you want to hear them again. A relistenable album makes for a great number two on the list.
#3 Eye On The Bat by Palehound (Polyvinyl)
Another perfect indie rock album with biting lyrics and the energy to cut through the summer haze that was all I could think about the day it came out.
#4 Practice by Free Range (Mick Music)
Local to their core, Free Range's debut album just blew me away. Ultimately the piercing songwriting and soft vocals got me, but the band's hometown appeal is what drew me in at first. They are not to be taken for granted.
#5 Susurros del Viento by Alba Armengou (NumadProCulture)
There were a lot of great EPs this year, but none of them packed the same punch as this collection of Spanish jazz from one of the young and vibrant singers and trumpet players on the scene. It's just so fun to listen to.
#6 Big Picture by Fenne Lily (Dead Oceans)
Fenne Lily invited me to get lost in her inner world when the first single from this album came out early in the year, and I didn't emerge until I saw her live in May. The awkward abrasiveness of her onstage personality added that much more depth to her already heartbreaking songwriting.
#7 Punk Tactics by Joey Valence & Brae (JVB RECORDS)
This thing is pure fun. It's Gen Z Beastie Boys with no shame at all.
#8 Honey by Samia (Grand Jury Music)
Out of all the sad girl albums I had to choose from, I ultimately put this one on this list for the weight that the title track pulls. The whole think is gutwrenchingly relatable to the former teenage girl.
#9 Bewitched by Laufey (Self-released)
You know how it is. She took the world by storm and I don't care if it's not really jazz.
#10 Sundial by Noname (Self-released)
Noname keeps everyone on their toes. That's just what she does. The album's flaws only color the blank spots in its rich and spiky narrative.
Honorable Mentions
I have way too many honorable mentions to name. Instead, I'll just say this list took me almost a month to complete.
Next entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Eddie Sayago
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Riley