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D Rock: Apocalipstick Beatz writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Danielle Sines
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Danielle Sines.
Jfc. Happy New Year. This year flew by and, at times, I only knew what time of year it was by looking back at the music I was listening to. This list is a perfect snapshot of what I was obsessed with in 2023. Oh and guess what?! I’m about to pick up test presses of the next Impulsive Hearts record at Smashed Plastic! (Cheers to new music in 2024!) Plus, if you wanna, you can vote for my band, Impulsive Hearts, as the best rock band in Chicago in the Chicago Reader’s Best Of 2023 list! ?(+ a lot of CHIRP noms, + a lot of local records mentioned on this list! [url=https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/]https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/[/url]) That was not anticipated on my 2023 bucket list & I’m still a little in shock. Anyway, here’s my yearly obsessions from 2023. Hope you enjoy these as much as I did! 😊
#1 Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers (Ninja Tune)
Scottish trio Young Fathers’ 4th album is filled with joyous hooks, infectious rap, and swelling gospel choruses in a short but sweet jam-packed 10 song album. I love albums that I can drive long distances to and this album has that “feel” - big beats to fuel your brain and songs to scream along to. The album seamlessly threads together beautifully. Try second track “I Saw” and let third track “Drum” keep playing to get a feel for the irresistible ear-worms. I told anyone that would listen about this record. It’s got swirling layered harmonies akin to TV on the Radio and could even be a modern day Paul Simon’s Graceland. I can’t wait to see them live in 2024!
algabor writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Al Gabor
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from volunteer Al Gabor.
#1 The Record by Boygenius (Interscope)
As formidable as Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker are on their own, they reach new heights when they combine efforts. On The Record, the harmonies are sibling-quality; the songcraft is superb. The songs here convey the charged nature of love and friendships of people in their twenties, how an unfolding relationship is not just discovering things about the new person in your life, but finding out things about yourself.
Geoffrey Wessel: Geoffrey's Regular Show writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Geoffrey D. Wessel
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ Geoffrey D. Wessel.
Memento Mori by Depeche Mode (Columbia)
Joanna Bz writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: Joanna B.Z.
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Joanna B.Z.
These are unranked and under the wire for 2023. There was an abundant and refreshing amount of releases this year- I appreciate any music lover who can select, pare down, and rank their faves. Bless!
Everyone's Crushed by Water From Your Eyes (Matador)
The Audible Snail writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2023: The Audible Snail
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ The Audible Snail.
What does music sound like as it emerges? Fucked Up’s “Cicada” comes to mind as a single track to wrap around 2023. Grappling with isolationism, war, disease, late capitalism swinging its ax with rigor and rage, we seek art, sweetness, connection, reconciliation with age. 2023 marks a year of whiplash, reaching back for what was, pushing forward for what could be. Jenny Lewis’ Joy’All is a masterpiece of reflection — ‘What the fuck was that?!’ on the song “Puppy and a Truck” is as a good a sentiment as any. My top 10 albums of 2023 are complied of new and rediscovered and reinviting bands and artists. A bit emo, a bit alt country, a love of rock ‘n’ roll, psych pop & r&b for the soul, punk rock always, a splash of experimentalism, and some good ole Massachusetts hardcore. Listen to these albums to emerge—or molt.
10,000 Gecs by 100 Gecs (Dog Show Records)
“Hollywood Baby” by 100 Gegs might be the catchiest song of the year. The track certainly hit CHIRP Radio’s heavy rotation airwaves with reckless abandon when 10,000 Gecs was released in March. Hailing from St. Louis, 100 Gecs is an electronic duo who won hearts this year with their playful lyrics and bouncy refrains. The track “Frog on the Floor” is an absolute joyful masterpiece of youth, curiosity, and compassion. This album charts my top 10 because of its innovation, creativity, positivity, sass, and experimental prowess.