Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2024. Our next list is from volunteer Stephen Rynkiewicz (aka DJ Rynk).

The Chicago Public Library offers every album in my 2024 Top 10 on CD or vinyl. I'm recognized on sight at my local branch, which was my cue to redirect some music-discovery energy to CHIRP.

#1 Samurai by Lupe Fiasco (Thirsty Tigers)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Immersive gameplay from a Chicago master.

#2 Phoenix Reimagined [Live] by Lakecia Benjamin (Ropeadope)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Rousing Brooklyn version of her Chicago Jazz Festival set.

#3 Underdressed at the Symphony by Faye Webster (Secretly Canadian)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Casual chic, here and in the CSO gallery.

#4 Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party (Island)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Debut puts it all on the table.

#5 Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend (Columbia)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Those frat tricksters are all grown up!

#6 Night Reign by Arooj Aftab (Verve)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The sound of moonlight.

#7 Little Rope by Sleater-Kinney (Loma Vista)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

High-stakes guitar duels.

#8 Tigers Blood by Waxahatchee (Anti-)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Southern Gothic.

#9 Where We've Been, Where We Go From Here by Friko (ATO)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Earnest DIY anthems.

#10 A La Sala by Khruangbin (Dead Oceans)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

All the comforts of home.

Honorable Mentions

Bill Charlap Trio, "And Then Again [Live]"; Charlie xcx, "Brat"; The Decemberists, "As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again"; Dehd, "Poetry"; Brittany Howard, "What Now"; Idles, "Tangk"; Jamie xx, "In Waves"; Dua Lipa, "Radical Optimism"; Pat Metheny, "MoonDial"; Shabaka, "Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace"; The Smile, "Wall of Eyes."