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Marites Velasquez writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Marites Velasquez
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from Outreach Director and occasional DJ Marites Velasquez.
2023 brought me lots of new albums from seasoned favorites — that's basically my top 10 this year. All of these albums, except for one, are not the first for each of these artists. Like fine wine, they get better with age. 2023 was also a high for me, personally, as a musician — my band, Ovef Ow, released our debut full-length this year, Vs. The Worm. I'm not going to put it on this list because it's its own thing in my heart, but I'm forever grateful to the support we've gotten from the community here at CHIRP. Now, on to the list...
#1 Sit Down For Dinner by Blonde Redhead (section 1)
I'll admit, I was only a casual Blonde Redhead fan until this year. Whenever a song came up on a playlist from this album, I would think, "This is great. What is this?" And it was Blonde Redhead every time. That happened enough times that I finally dug into the album, and then back through the rest of their catalogue. Their performance at Thalia Hall in October blew my mind. Now, I'm all in.
#2 Good Living Is Coming For You by Sweeping Promises (Feel It)
I actually got to hear "Eraser" for the first time off of a test pressing at Caufield and Lira's house in Lawrence, Kansas, when my band had stopped over on tour. (NBD!) I was floored by Lira's vocals and couldn't wait to hear more. Mad respect for this band.
#3 Sorry I Haven't Called by Vagabon (Nonesuch)
The 3rd album from New York-based Cameroonian-American producer and songwriter Laetitia Tamko is an exploration of dance music, R&B, and electronic indie pop. Building off the sonic themes of her previous work, Sorry I Haven't Called celebrates life, joy and how she communicates with close friends and lovers. Her lyrics are blunt and conversational without a lot of imagery or metaphor. Every song is good. Get on it.
#4 Good Sex Music by Edging (self-released)
Wow, wow, wow. The only album on my list that's a debut from a new Chicago band, Good Sex Music is a visceral yet playful punk romp that reminds me of other favorites like Romeo Void or X-Ray Spex but it takes you all the way to the, well, edge and back!
#5 New Blue Sun by André 3000 (Epic)
I like this. I know it's different from what most people expected or hoped for, but I get what he's doing and I'm into it. I can vibe with the winds. Keep doing what speaks to you, André.
#6 Dramatica by Leggy (self-released)
The first new album in four years from this Cincinnati-based indie pop band is luscious in sound with a slinky attitude. "Lipstick on the Mic" is the standout track, but the whole album packs a lot of drama.
#7 Mommy by Be Your Own Pet (Third Man)
Worship the Whip was my jam for most of the summer, sometimes played on repeat while driving around and singing "whip whip whip whip whip..." I'm glad BYOP is back — their lyrics are now from a more grown-up 30-something but still with a very feminist perspective that I'll never grow tired of.
#8 Still Life In Decay by FACS (Trouble In Mind)
The latest output from FACS is the most compelling to date. After hearing "Slogan" and "When You Say," I knew I had to add the album to my collection.
#9 The Record by boygenius (Interscope)
The super powers combined from Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker creates charming songs with riveting storytelling. I can understand why their fans go crazy for them. They make it feel okay to feel your feelings.
#10 Radical Romantics by Fever Ray (Mute)
What a beautiful weirdo. "Even It Out" and "Kandy" stood out above the rest, but the album and accompanying music videos are worth a visit.
Honorable Mentions
Like Blonde Redhead, PJ Harvey was another seasoned artist that I really got into this year. I've always known she was great, but it's nice to come into that conclusion on my own. I Inside The Old Year Dying was a fine addition, but her entire early catalog became my go to for most of the year.
Next entry: CHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Dec 18 - Dec 24)
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Mike Bennett