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Matt Barr writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Matt Barr
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Matt Barr.
The “best” albums of the year are simply our favorites, completely subjective and instable as our moods shift and twist.
And even then, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish your favorite from you WANT to be your favorite. In 2022, I felt there were dozens of albums that hit about the same for me, and no clear-cut winners.
However, I didn’t want to deliver an un-ranked list, so I went with what I wanted. Big thanks to the CHIRP music department, without which I may not have heard some of these.
#1 Keep on With Falling by The Boo Radleys (self-released)
The Boos were one of my favorite bands in the ‘90s. After they split in ’99, guitarist and main songwriter Martin Carr maintained a steady solo career. My jaw dropped when I heard the Boo Radleys were releasing a new EP last year, and dropped AGAIN when I heard Carr was not involved.
This full-length from “the other guys” is surprisingly good pop rock. And while it may not truly be the best album of the year, it made me the happiest to listen to. Favorite tracks: “All Along” “Keep on with Falling” “I Say a Lot of Things”
The Audible Snail writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: The Audible Snail
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ The Audible Snail.
Entwined with the best of albums is the elation of attending more live shows again. Some of these albums stationed themselves in my heart because I saw the bands live, sometimes in advance of full album releases.
The generative joy of music making, orchestration, and ensemble so readily felt in Chicago music venues, and through our bodies, deepened an appreciation for how very important music is. Let these albums carry our feet, our hearts, our collaborations, our collective wonder and sorrow in the new year. Enjoy!
Too Late for Edelweiss by The Tallest Man on Earth (ANTI-)
Banjos come full circle on this album. The Tallest Man on Earth was the last musician I saw live before the quarantine shelter in place order in March 2020, so my music heart is sentimental mush for this album. It opens with Swedish vocals, which is rare for Kristian Matsson, and absolutely gorgeous.
The cover of Nico’s “Fairest of the Seasons” reminds us of the regret and revision we long for in the new year—and it will feel like kinship.
Songs for wonder: “För sent för Edelweiss,” “Metal Firecracker,” “Blood Bank,” “Fairest of the Seasons," and “Pink Rabbits.”
Patrick Masterson writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Patrick Masterson
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from volunteer Patrick Masterson.
Per tradition, this list features Chicagoland acts only. There are a lot of strange absences on here as I look back at what I did (and didn't) listen to, but the great thing about CHIRP's polyphonic Favorite Albums of the Year series is that we can each listen through my gaps via other volunteers' lists together as we roll into 2023. I hope you look forward to doing so as much as I do.
#1 Malign Hex by Meat Wave (Swami)
Meat Wave has been doing this a long time — a decade, in fact, if you're going by the self-titled debut recorded wherever The Kitty Box in Algonquin and Joe's garage were in Chicago at the time.
Though the trio has always been great at the kind of gritty, rhythm-forward post-punk at which they've honed their trade, Malign Hex felt more like a spiritually aligned hex coming out on John Reis' Swami imprint.
The ghosts of Hot Snakes and, to a lesser extent, Drive Like Jehu ("Jim's Teeth" breaks five minutes, the first time the band has done so on record that I can recall) really shine through here, and though the pandemic delayed its release, the wait was worth it.
I knew from the from the first play of "Honest Living" that this one would be up there and am pleasantly unsurprised it landed on top. Great cover, too.
subtextclapper writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Matt Jaccarino
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from Assistant Music Director Matt Jaccarino.
#1 Sick! by Earl Sweatshirt (Tan Cressida/Warner)
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Clarence Ewing
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ and Online Media Co-Director Clarence Ewing.
It's been another great year for music. As the years pass, I’m even more grateful for the existence of outlets like CHIRP Radio (and its spiritual siblings across the country) that continue to flourish at exactly the same time commercial music radio has bottomed out.
Here are 10 albums that perked my ears up in 2022, and here’s to more in 2023 and beyond...
#1 Social Music at Troost Vol. 3: (Other) People's Music by 75 Dollar Bill featuring Sue Garner, Cheryl Kingan & Chris Nelson (Social Music 2022)
The kind of rustic, crunchy, fiery, funky, raw, and groovy stuff that pairs just as well with a frozen winter day as with standing in front of a midnight summer bonfire.