Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2024. Our next list is from DJ Tuesdays 9A-12p) Kevin Shields.

#1 Letter To Self by Sprints (City Slang)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

From my first listen in January, this was the record to beat. I've been a fan since I heard their first single "The Cheek" in 2020, had paid exorbitant shipping costs to get their early EPs, and was amazed at how nearly flawless their debut LP turned out to be. I play it over and over, never skipping a song because they are all SO GOOD!

One of my favorite live shows of 2024 was seeing Sprints at Schubas with bunch of fellow CHIRP DJs. Absolutely brilliant, can't wait for their new record.

#2 Nobody Loves You More by Kim Deal (4AD)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Kim Deal's first solo LP, and she did not disappoint. Great songwriting, expansive arrangements, and, of course, her voice. I'd stand in line to hear her read from the phonebook. Do they still make phonebooks?

#3 Follower by beastii (self-released)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

I didn't catch this record upon release, but after finally getting hip to Chicago frontwoman Jen Dot / Larson's earlier band Swimsuit Addition, I came back around to the band's new record and WOW - delicious punky surfy goodness from stem to stern. The deal was sealed with the red Sharpied "thanks" & heart penned by Jen herself on the package of records I ordered.

#4 Not God by Finom (Joyful Noise Recordings)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Not God, maybe, but Holy Moly!!! Wotta record from locals Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart. Not a bad tune to be found - beautiful, creative, personal, unique.

#5 This Could Be Texas by English Teacher (Island)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

First stumbled upon this Leeds 4-piece when they were Sprints' labelmates at Nice Swan. I was underwhelmed by their debut EP "Polyawkward", so I wasn't expecting much from their follow up LP.

#6 Eggsistentialism by The Lovely Eggs (Egg)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Another great record from the married punk duo from Lancaster, England on their own label. I love this band!

#7 I Got Heaven by Mannequin Pussy (Epitaph)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

#8 On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System by The Bug Club (Sub Pop)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

4th studio LP in as many years from this Welsh trio, packed with short, clever, catchy tunes.

#9 Fracassines by Combo Daguerre (Barbès Records)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

#10 NO NAME by Jack White (Third Man)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Honorable Mentions

Friko / Where We've Been, Where We Go From Here (ATO Records)
Mucho Mistrust / Fake Fruit (Carpark Records)
Previous Industries / Service Merchandise ( Merge)
Bloodhype / Trendoids (self-released)
Yard Act / Where's My Utopia? (Island)
Charli XCX / Brat (Atlantic)
Los Campesinos! / All Hell / (Heart Swells)
X-Ray Ted / Moving On (Bombing Strikes)
DEHD / Poetry (Fat Possum)
Soweto Gospel Choir and Groove Terminator / History of House (Chantty Natural Remix)
X / Smoke & Fiction (Fat Possum)
Amyl and The Sniffers / Cartoon Darkness (B2B)

EPs
Glass Beams / Mahal (Ninja Tune)
The Courts / Is A Place (Maladaptive)
wht.rbbt.obj / Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango (self-released)