We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
The CHIRP Blog
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Jan 15 - Jan 21)
Upcoming Events:
- Saturday Jan 20: CHIRP Radio welcomes DRAMA to the Salt Shed
- Saturday Feb 3: CHIRP Radio welcomes Meat Wave to the Empty Bottle
- Saturday Feb 3: CHIRP Radio Rock & Bowl Fundraiser
- Tuesday Feb 13: CHIRP DJ Night at the Native (feat. DJ Sondra the Audible Snail)
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Jan 8 - Jan 14)
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday Jan 9: CHIRP DJ Night at The Native feat. Matt Barr
- Wednesday Jan 10: CHIRP Radio welcomes Half Gringa to Schubas
- Wednesday Jan 10: CHIRP Radio presents Both Sides Now: A Vinyl Listening Bar at Schubas (upstairs)
- Saturday Jan 20: CHIRP Radio welcomes DRAMA to the Salt Shed
- Saturday Feb 3: CHIRP Radio welcomes Meat Wave to the Empty Bottle
- Saturday Feb 3: CHIRP Radio Rock & Bowl Fundraiser
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.
Shawn Campbell 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.