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The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Mike Bennett
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ and Board Member Emeritus Mike Bennett.
You know how sometimes a bad movie will get a sequel because it did well in the international market? And that sequel will be as bad or even worse? Well in 2020 was marred by the international pandemic, and 2021, despite glimmers of hope, came off more like an uninspired sequel.
All was not lost, as at least going to concerts became viable. And, yet again, so many musicians came through with inspired tunes that moved us in different ways and made cutting through the confusion, ennui, and depression, a little bit easier.
Being stuck at home meant I listened to over 150 albums in full (at least once, some many times). I guess I consider these the best, if "best" and "favorite" are totally interchangeable. That being said, there were many more fine albums I enjoyed not on this list.
#1 Wink by CHAI (Sub Pop)
It was CHAI’s distinctive approach to post-punk that drew me into their debut album. But as the band evolved, poppier influences steered their music. The pandemic forced the quartet to change how it made music, and they fell into songs that featured more electronics (since they weren’t playing together in one room) and were often more R & B-influenced.
And yet again, CHAI shows a great ability to meld styles and influences into something familiar yet distinct, infused with their personality, reflected in their sweet, positive lyrics. I knew I liked it when I first heard it, and then found myself listening to it all the time.
Ronald Pagan: The Pre Post Apocalypse writesCIHRP Radio Best of 2021: Ronald Pagan
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ Ronald Pagan.
Fire by The Bug (Ninja Tune)
Patrick Masterson writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Patrick Masterson
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from volunteer Patrick Masterson.
Per usual, my year-end list below is strictly Chicago. Hopefully you find and enjoy something new.
#1 Soul Trap by Tree (self-released)
I don't know why it bothers me so much that Soul Trap received such a muted reception upon its release, but even down the darker alleys of Rap City where guys like Ka and Boldy James and Roc Marciano (who guests on this record!) are talked about in hushed tones on cracked pavement and extended metaphors are parsed like the Voynich manuscript, Tremaine Johnson still doesn't seem to be getting his due.
That needs to change; nobody served up a better two-way game as both emcee and producer than Tree this year, and I'd put this record up against almost any other project the genre had to offer in 2021. His grizzled delivery has come to feel like a worn-in sweater over the years, his sample-based beats served up like piping fresh soup, his topics earthen, relatable. None of that changed for Soul Trap and it is — consequently, maybe — his finest full-length. I'm getting too old to make too much noise on a fellow adult's behalf about the lack of respect here, but I'm not too old to say you really owe yourself a listen. Don't be foolish.
Matt Garman writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: Matt Garman
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from DJ Matt Garman.
#1 Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz (Age 101)
subtextclapper writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2021: subtextclapper
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2021. Our next list is from Assistant Music Director subtextclapper.
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#1 Bo Jackson by Boldy James and The Alchemist (ALC)
