Austin B. Harvey presents: The Liquid Diet writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Austin Bainard Harvey)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from Austin Bainard Harvey.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. Cults – Cults (In the Name of)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The girl-group splendor of 1960’s pop has seen its share of revival attempts, but what Cults managed with their much-anticipated debut album is more than tribute. These are pop songs not of any particular era, but simply a load of melodic hooks that shimmer enough to soundtrack a snowfall, but too exciting not to be summer jams. Ultimately, Cults may be a one-trick pony, but once stuck, this trick is impossible to remove from your head.
2. Razika – Program 91 (Smalltown Supersound)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Four 19-year-old Norwegian ladies who’ve known each other for over a decade record a full album on weekend breaks from school. Before you think the result will be akin to The Shaggs, you’ll hear a joyous, ska-influenced post-punk that plays up the band’s youth without sounding immature, snotty, or cloyingly saccharine. If 2011 was “The Year Of Boring”, this was the exception to prove the rule.
3. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Fat Possum)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   It takes guts to make a debut album this indecipherable. Garage production without the garage rock, this Kiwi-American trio have put together a quick half-hour of spare, danceable tunes penned by Flying Nun vet Ruban Nielson. UMO have hooks galore, but are just as content to ride the main riff of a track through the fade-out.
4. Radiohead – The King of Limbs (Tiker Tape Ltd.)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   For all intents and purposes, Radiohead made an album of dance music in 2011. The result is simply their best record since Kid A. Sonically dense and yet immediately listenable, and at times even fun, the Oxford quintet once again expand their palate with a new set of classics.
5. The Joy Formidable – The Big Roar (Atlantic/Canvasback)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This Welsh trio survive mediocre production and an overly-compressed mix to put together one of the year’s more emotionally intense records. Hard rock with an ear for melody and a riff, the songwriting chops are there, while Ritzy Bryan’s double-wallop of arena-ready guitar crunch and soaring vocals make me believe they’re going to be around for the long haul.
6. Village – Local Moves (Self-Released)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   I have to admit that I’d much rather listen to classic rock than chillwave, or rehashed 80’s soft-rock; and local guys Village do more than their part to sate the need. Part alt-country, and part barroom stomp, it’s a record that never tries too hard and never misses the mark. If you need a fix of the basics, this is where to go.
7. The Psychic Paramount – II (No Quarter)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   An instrumental rock record that emerges from the fog, destroys everything in sight, takes no prisoners, and walks away victoriously. Pulsing, loud, unapologetic, and brash, parts of this album reminded me of Steve Reich’s “Pulses” fed through a heavier sort of Krautrock. It’s a beast of a record, and you’ll feel better for having survived it.
8. Wild Flag – Wild Flag (Merge)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Sure, it’s 2/3rds of Sleater-Kinney, and has parts of Helium and The Minders, but never mind that. These ladies made perhaps the most fun record of the year by becoming greater than the sum of their parts, or their history. They also made a six-and-a-half-minute jam on being a racehorse into perhaps the year’s best straight-up rock song.
9. Veronica Falls – Veronica Falls (Slumberland)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   British indie from the mid-80’s is probably due for a revival of its own. With a cadre of influences that don’t include The Smiths in the first breath, this London quartet crafts cutesy indie pop with lots of dark undertones, but enough melody and sass to keep you from forgetting that Belle & Sebastian didn’t make an album this year.
10. Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi (Domino)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    Ms. Calvi’s songs range from quiet, desperate, and cavernous, to urgent, plaintive, and encouraging. Her songwriting chops are exceeded by her guitar wizardry and killer pipes. Melodramatic without going over-the-top, the London wunderkind’s continually impresses with repeated listens.

Honorable Mentions

• 11. Cave — Neverendless (Drag City)
  Chicago’s motorik masters have released their best yet. Don’t sleep on ‘em before they blow up.
  
  12. Office Of Future Plans — Office Of Future Plans (Dischord) J. Robbins of Jawbox fame snags a cellist in his new band. The result is grown-up DC emo with hooks galore.
  
  13. Austra — Feel It Break (Paper Bag)
  If The Knife were a little less creepy a little more dancey, they’d be dead ringers for this Toronto trio. Dark, cold, and wonderful.
  
  14. Wilco — The Whole Love (dBpm)
  Wilco’s best album in a decade sees the band taking risks for the first time in nearly as long. They sound more comfortable now than they ever have.
  
  15. Girl In A Coma — Exits & All The Rest (Blackheart)
  The San Antonio trio’s third album draws from punk, grunge, and guitar pop to give us the album of 90’s revivalism we’d all hoped for.
  
  16. PJ Harvey — Let England Shake (Vagrant)
  Polly Jean (no relation) explores her native country’s journey through wars and finds a new voice for herself, plus a shiny new Mercury Prize.
  
  17. Fucked Up — David Comes To Life (Matador)
  The hardcore sextet from Toronto create a four-act rock opera with tons of characters and even more bite. A monumentally tough, albeit rewarding listen.
  
  18. Kate Bush — 50 Words For Snow (ANTI-)
  Bush’s 2nd album of the year is a wintry-themed record with guest spots from Elton John and her own son. Piano-driven prog-adult contemporary that even indie kids can get behind.
  
  19. The Caretaker — An Empty Bliss Beyond This World (History Always Favours The Winners)
  James Leyland Kirby explores amnesia by remixing old 78’s and keeping the surface noise. Haunting, beautiful, and heartbreaking.
  
  20. Destroyer — Kaputt (Merge)
  Here because no other album captured the year’s indie trends (soft rock, saxophone, overly clean guitars and production), and still made them sound decent.

Mike Pakowski writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Mike Pakowski)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from Promotions Director Mike Pakowski.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. Detroyer – Kaputt (Merge)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Dan Bejar is one of the coolest people on the planet and this album is just effortlessly smooth and brilliant from beginning to end. Every time I listened to it I found something new that kept me coming back for more throughout the year.
2. PJ Harvey – Let England Shake (Vagrant)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Thank you Polly Jean for this amazingly sombre and beautiful gem. An incredible heartfelt album filled with powerful songs/stories.
3. Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (Constellation)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The most unique and exciting album I heard this year hands down. This is music I’ve never experienced before and the fact that it comes from one musician, playing one instrument, recorded in one take is absolutely mind-blowing.
4. Julianna Barwick – The Magic Place (Asthmatic Kitty)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   A beautiful, dreamy, hypnotic album. Julianna Barwick’s voice is enchanting, soothing and magical.
5. Dirty Beaches – Badlands (Zoo)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   I’m a sucker for nostalgia albums and there was no shortage of them this year. However with Badlands, Alex Zhang Hungtai did something really special with this low-fi take on 1950’s rock n’ roll.
6. Shabazz Palaces – Black Up (Sub Pop)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   A hip-hop album that sounds like it came from outer space instead of from Seattle.
7. tUnE-yArDs – W H O K I L L (4AD)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Such an enjoyable album from start to finish. There are so many musical genres uniquely blended together on whokill; and Merrill Garbus sings and plays her heart out on every track.
8. Tom Waits – Bad As Me (ANTI-)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   To be honest, I don’t have much of a history with the music of Mr. Waits. But after spending some time with the lovely and honest Bad as Me, I can’t wait to grab some whiskey and find out what I’ve been missing.
9. John Maus – We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves (Ribbon Music/Upset The Rhythm)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Thought-provoking minimalist synth-pop.
10. NewVillager – NewVillager (IamSound)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    This was my feel good album of 2011. Just a fun, enjoyable mix of soul and indie-pop.

Honorable Mentions

• Sandro Perri – Impossible Spaces (Constellation)
  Cults – Cults (In The Name Of)
  Eleanor Friedberger – Last Summer (Merge)
  Girls Names – Dead To Me (Slumberland/Tough Love)
  Black Lips – Arabia Mountain (Vice)

Sara writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Sara Miller)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from DJ Sara Miller.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound – Want More (Bloodshot)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Chicago’s favorite soul crooner is back in full force with the fabulous Uptown Sound for their first release on Bloodshot. The only thing better than this album is seeing these guys live.
2. Various Artists – Thai? Dai!: The Heavier Side of the Luk Thung Underground – Finders Keepers
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Finders Keepers is at it again with an awesome collection of tracks I would have never known existed if it weren’t for them. A grab-bag of funky, pyschy, rocky tracks from Southeast Asia; what’s not to like? Also of note this year from Finder’s Keepers, Bollywood Bloodbath. Musical bits and pieces from Bollywood Horror flicks – fantastic. Next time you see ‘em, buy those fellas at Finder’s Keepers a drink.
3. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Bulletproof Brass EP (ChoiceCuts)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Need to get pumped up about something? Then listen to “Touch the Sky.” This Chicago band of brothers (literally) will have you up and out of your seat in no time. If that song doesn’t get you moving, then let’s face it, you were never going to run that marathon anyway.
4. Darren Johnston’s Gone to Chicago – The Big Lift (Porto Franco)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Some of the finest players in Chicago improv jazz appear on this album led by San Francisco trumpeter Darren Johnston. Want a taste of what’s going on with jazz in Chicago these days? Then give this album a spin and take a ride with “Glass Ceiling, Paper Floor.”
5. A Lull – Confetti (Mush)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This is one of those albums I bought just for one song, “Weapons of War.” After hearing that single, I knew I had to find out what else this Chicago band had to offer, and they didn’t let me down. I’m not sure why, but this album has become my defacto morning commute album. It’s somehow upbeat and calming at the same time. Kind of a perfect combination for a Chicago morning, just add coffee.
6. Booker T. Jones – The Road from Memphis – ANTI-
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The brillant Booker T. is backed by the Roots on this album, and Questlove produces. That alone makes this a top ten. Add to that guest apperances by Matt Berninger, Sharon Jones, and Lou Reed. Must I say more?
7. Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting (Candent)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   I admit it, I have a crush on this man, and his music. I know James Blake is the young rising dubstep star of the year, and for good reason (he’s made my honorable mentions list); but there’s something about the R&B stylings of Woon than just slay me. I could listen to “Night Air” on repeat for days.
8. YACHT – Shangri-La (DFA)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Cramming for a final? Trapped at the office for another 15 hour day trying to meet a deadline? Try this album by YACHT. There’s enough dance pop energy here to get you through the longest of long terrible weeks. Liquified, it’s like drinking twelve 5-hour energies at once, just, not as bad for you.
9. Slow Club – Paradise (Moshi Moshi)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This Sheffield duo knows how to create some mighty fine pop music if you ask me. The songs “Two Cousins” and “If We’re Still Alive” took up some serious real estate on my stereo this past fall after the September release. Also of note, the gorgeous black and white video for “Two Cousins.”
10. The Roots – Undun (Def Jam)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    I just listened to this album for the first time when it came out in early December, and I’ve been listening to it nonstop ever since. Undun has already gotten a ton of acclaim, and it’s sure to be a huge win for the Roots. Apparently, it’s the 13th time that’s the charm.

Honorable Mentions

• James Blake
  Bill Callahan
  Colin Stetson
  El Rego
  tUnE-yArDs

algabor writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Al Gabor)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list (in no particular order) is from Al Gabor.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

• PJ Harvey – Let England Shake (Vagrant)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Grim, haunting songs sweetly sung. Next time, PJ, more guitar please.
• Brief Candles – Fractured Days (Guilt Ridden Pop)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Shoegazers from Milwaukee = bowling shoe gazers. Stellar from start to finish.
• Yuck – Yuck (Fat Possum)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  These kids do the 90s better than most 90s bands.
• Wilco – The Whole Love (dBpm/ANTI)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Best since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
• tUnE-yArDs – W H O K I L L (4AD)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Wha? Ukelele-driven African beats? One of the year’s best surprises.
• Little Gold – Weird Freedom (CDBY)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Former Woods guitarist gets his pubrock/psychedelic/alt country freak on.
• Cults – Cults (In the Name of)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Bouncy but creepy take on sixties girl group sound and themes.
• Eleanor Friedberger – Last Summer (Merge)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Stream of consciousness tour of Manhattan and other islands.
• Tom Waits – Bad As Me (ANTI-)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Waits and Nick Cave give aging rockers hope.
• The Decemberists – The King Is Dead (Capitol)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Decemberists get rootsy, release one of their strongest efforts to date.
• Archers of Loaf – Icky Mettle (Merge)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  Favorite reissue. 18 years later and still crunchy.

Matt Garman writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Matt Garman)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from of the Top 10 Underrated/Overignored Releases of 2011 is by Matt Garman.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. Madeline – Black Velvet (This Will Be Our Summer)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This latest album is a slightly more psychedelic, Southern Gothic approach to pop. Madeline’s greatest asset, however, remains her angelic Joni Mitchell-esque singing voice and strong songwriting ability.
2. The Lonely Forest – Arrows (Trans/Atlantic)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The third full-length from this Anacortes, Washington pop band is clean and smooth, crackling with arena-ready anthems that draw strength from lead singer John Van Deusen’s powerful voice.
3. Police Teeth – Awesomer Than the Devil (Latest Flame)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The third LP from this quartet is their best to date, a collection of melodic, catchy post-hardcore punk. Mixing chaotic heaviness with tuneful pop, you can hear the exhilarating influence of Superchunk, Drive Like Jehu, and the Wipers.
4. Cristina Bautista – Gold Parts EP (Local 638)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This is a punchy set of pop songs, hook-laden and earnest. Bautista’s greatest strength lies in her enormous voice, sounding occasionally like Neko Case and/or The Reputation’s Elizabeth Elmore, applying it to her irresistibly shiny power-pop compositions with dramatic effect.
5. Sandrider – Sandrider (Good To Die)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   A huge polished slab of triumphant stoner heaviness on this Seattle band’s debut, a succinct recording of catchy riffage, booming drums, dynamics, and surprisingly melodic vocals. Even if you don’t like metal or heavy rock, you might want to give this a try…and yes, the name is a Dune reference.
6. Frank Ocean – “Novacane” single (Self-Released)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This R&B number was an insidious earworm for me in 2011. “Girl, I can’t feel my face / What are we smoking, anyway?” You can’t smoke novacaine, Frank. But you can sure feel numb if you rub your life raw.
7. Seacats – “We Don’t Sleep” b/w “Hard Truth” 7” single (Fin)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   If “Novacane” was my jams for the second half of 2011, “We Don’t Sleep” by Seacats was there for the first. The song is simple pop catchiness, with moog synths and handclaps, all of it made by high school students. I’m not even kidding – these kids are literally kids. They wrote a song that is amazing!
8. Bone & Bell – Loom EP (boneandbell.com)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Chicago songwriter Heather Smith has a special talent for melancholy, precise folk songs that are instantly hummable and carefully crafted. Her music is regal and charming, possessing a literary feel.
9. Radiation City – The Hands That Take Us (Tender Loving Empire/Apes Tapes)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This is a mellow, lush exercise in pan-genre-pop: swirling atmospherics and chanting atop walls of guitar in one moment, cool soul in the next. As a means of combining eras and elements of various pop trends, from the quietly blipping drum machine percussion to the generous application of reverb and synths, this album is remarkable.
10. Slow Skate – Count the Days with Me (Parlour Trick)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    Languid, ethereal Americana featuring reverb-infused vocal and guitar lines from married duo Caitlin Sherman and Jason Goessl. Slow Skate resembles a jazzy Mazzy Star playing a Beach House where Joanna Newsom meets Portishead.

Honorable Mention

• Favorite New NOT Underrated/Overignored Release of 2011: Shabazz Palaces – Black Up (Sub Pop)
  BUY: Insound / iTunes
  “The shit I pop is heated cuz I love it and I mean it.”
  -Palaceer Lazaro