Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from DJ Mick Reed.

2018 was a great year for music. I don’t know what it is that causes artists to release their best material in waves like this but I am overwhelmed with joy whenever it does happen. 2016 and 2017 were such dry spells I didn’t have very high expectations and I’m thankful that this jaded precognition was challenged almost immediately. There were so many phenomenal releases this year I haven’t even been able to keep up despite my best efforts.

This list necessarily feels incomplete as a result and I know that if I had the chance to revise it in a few months it would likely include this year’s releases by River of Nihil, Portal, Kamasi Washington, Dur-Dur Band, Kero Kero Bonito, Earl Sweatshirt, Wume, Frontierer and many others I haven’t been able to give my full attention to yet. I’m hopeful that this wave of inspiration continues to gain momentum into 2019. With 50% of all new guitar purchases being made and DIY scenes in Chicago and elsewhere making better efforts to be more inclusive and prioritizing opening up space for marginalized voices to make themselves heard I don’t believe my hope to be misplaced.

Without further ado, here is my (definitely incomplete) list of Top Ten and Honorable Mentions for 2018.

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from DJ Mauricio Reyes.

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from DJ ZuZu.

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from DJ/Assistant Music Director/Softball Team Captain Austin B. Harvey.

43 albums this year. Why do I do this to myself. Let's go.

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2018. Our next list is from DJ Pete Zimmerman.