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The CHIRP Blog
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio’s Top 10 Albums of 2023
Another year has passed, which means another collection of fantastic music added to the CHIRP Radio library. And once again, our volunteers took a look back at the records that stood out for them.
Out of the almost 300 records hat got a shout-out, this year’s most-cited album is by a veteran Chicago band that’s been gracing the CHIRP airwaves since their debut LP release in 2016.
It continues to be CHIRP Radio’s purpose and pleasure to present all of this music and the amazing artists who make it. Our deepest thanks for your support, and Best Wishes from all of us to all of you for 2024 and beyond!
#1 The Window by Ratboys (Topshelf)
The only album on my list whose ranking most definitely won’t change is my AOTY, the fifth and latest release from our hometown heroes, Ratboys. I have been a huge fan of this alt-country/emo outfit ever since I first discovered them six years ago when a band photographer friend brought me to their GN album release show. I was instantly blown away and went straight to the merch table to pick up a vinyl copy immediately after the show. Every subsequent album has been better than the previous and The Window is no exception. It is insanely catchy, heartfelt, and frontwoman Julia Steiner’s twangy vocals perfectly compliment their incomparable blend of folk, country, and emo. --Eric Wiersema
Inject this straight into my veins. By far the best record release this year and its the only one I'm ranking because it truly deserves to be number one. The music Chicago's Ratboys makes is nearly impossible to disagree with and is full of Kentucky blues inflections that Julia (Vocals/Songwriting) grew up with. They're absolutely flourishing as a quartet. --Nik Hunder
Shawn Campbell writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Shawn Campbell
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from Founder and General Manager Shawn Campbell.
That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware (EMI)
A wide-ranging record with an appropriate name. I had this one on a lot in 2023 and it never failed to get me moving. A little bit of disco, a little bit of house, a little bit of soul.
Craig Reptile: Your Sunday Sonic Sundowner writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Craig Reptile
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Craig Reptile.
#1 Sit Down for Dinner by Blonde Redhead (Section 1)
For my assessment of this album, read my preview of their October 31 st show here.
The Panda writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Mike Sirvinskas
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from Mike Sirvinskas.
2023 was a busy year for everything, and especially (thankfully) for music. If you did not hear anything you liked, you did not listen hard enough!
Why Does the earth Give Us People to Love by Kara Jackson (September)
Austin B. Harvey presents: The Liquid Diet writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Austin B. Harvey
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from Assistant Music Director Austin B. Harvey.
i barely had any time to do anything this year, let alone critically listen to music. My baby and I liked these tunes.
#1 The Window by Ratboys (Topshelf)
I think about the title track from the latest (and best) Ratboys’ album often. The lyrics recount the mid-2020 death of lead Ratboy Julia Steiner’s grandmother from non-covid causes through the eyes of her grandfather, who had to observe the painful events and say his goodbyes through the titular open window. It’s wistful, heart-wrenching, melodic, and incredibly moving all at once. It’s a Tom Petty arrangement with a Dolly Parton melody. It’s jangly country-emo without affect or petulance. “The Window” is a tidy four-minute AOR radio hit that will stop you where you stand. The only other comparison I have is Alvvays’ “Belinda Says” from last year, and even that juggernaut doesn’t possess the heft, or the ability to tackle the immense psychological weight of the first couple years of the covid era (better than any other song has to this point, it should be said), of “The Window”. Much like Alvvays’ 2022 magnum opus Blue Rev, The Window exists with its massive climactic track as merely one focal point of many on a mood board of what are mostly exquisitely-crafted post-breakup grunge anthems. Steiner is, at varying points, sad, embarrassed, lustful, pissed, and, by the end of proceedings, exhausted. This album is a triumph which readily admits that, once you reach the summit, you still have to get back down.