Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2024. Our next list is from CHIRP Founder and General manager Shawn Campbell.

I never make an ordered list, but here are some of the records I went back to again and again in 2024. Lots of locals on the list again this year -- let's hear it for our city's music scene!

Every Heaven by Humdrum (Slumberland)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Every year I hope for an upbeat, jangly pop record that I can play over and over without getting tired of it, and I'm lucky, because I feel like every year I find one that works perfectly for me. In 2024, it was Chicago's own Humdrum, who delivered a debut album tailor-made for the Slumberland label - bright, chiming, fuzzy guitars, lovely harmonies, catchy tunes.

Bed I Made by Softies (Father / Daughter)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The Softies might've taken 24 years in between records, but you'd never know it. The band with the most perfectly descriptive name ever delivers another lovely, gentle, dreamy set of pop songs. Are we sure the past quarter-century really happened?

Fate & Alcohol by Japandroids (ANTI-)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Japandroids go out in style, delivering a Chicago anthem among other great rockers. I'm just sorry they didn't tour this one.

Radio DDR by Sharp Pins (Self-released)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Kai Slater shows that his record collection is deep, and he's absorbed all of it, even if spending quite a bit of time with the B's (Beatles, Beach Boys, Byrds, Big Star).

Bite Down by Rosali (Merge)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

I loved this warm blend of Americana, country, rock, and a little bit of soul. It's Rosali's fourth album, but the first one I kept coming back to.

#6 Trendoids by BLØØDH¥PE (Dark Circles)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

This Chicago duo makes music that is danceable, fun, funny, and just a little bit weird. I kept finding things that surprised me over multiple listens.

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

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Another success story for young Chicago rockers! A little bit of power pop, a little bit of sweetness, some distortion, some rocking out -- it's all good.

New Hobby EP by Trinket (Sad Club)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Sure, it's just four songs, but there's a whole lot of jangly pop goodness packed into just under 13 minutes. Maybe the closest thing to new Sundays music that we're going to get.

Service Merchandise by Previous Industries (Merge)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Open Mike Eagle, STILL RIFT and Video Dave take a journey back in time to an era of Zayre, Showbiz Pizza, and Kay Bee Toys -- in other words, my childhood! Good beats, laid back raps, and abundant nostalgia.

The Future Is Our Way Out by Brigitte Calls Me Baby (ATO)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Another young Chicago band with a killer record collection. They love the 80s -- but also the 50s and 60s, and a little bit of everything else as well. BCMB gets compared most to the Smiths, and since Moz has long passed his sell-by date, I'm all on board for the new guard.