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Nicholas K Reetz writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Nick R.
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our first list for this year is from volunteer Nick R.
I tend to listen to music by doing deep dives into artists I'm interested in starting with their oldest work and moving forward in time from there. I also go to see these bands live whenever possible and listen to any related artists in the days leading up to the show.
Given both of these factors, my list focuses almost exclusively on great albums/EPs released by bands I've seen live this year. It is quite likely I've missed a lot of new albums that I would enjoy, but I'm OK with that.
Without further ado, here are the 2022 albums that I enjoyed most.
#1 See Through You by A Place to Bury Strangers (Dedstrange)
Pulsating noise rock that doesn't hold back on this new album from APTBS, which is the brainchild of the guy who runs Death by Audio. I loved this album so much I caught APTBS in both Milwaukee and Chicago. Highly recommend catching APTBS live!
#2 Arrangements by Preoccupations (Flemish Eye / Jagjaguwar)
Solid brooding post-punk with tinges of noise-rock throughout.
#3 Malign Hex by Meat Wave (Swami Records)
In my opinion the moodiest album yet from Chicago's own Meat Wave. Keeps the razor sharp riffs while opening things up to a noiser approach of their catchy punk style.
#4 A Light For Attracting Attention by The Smile (XL Recordings)
A new and lovely (and surprisingly very guitar-centric) collaboration album between Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood.
#5 Get Fucked by The Chats (The Chats)
Catchy no-nonsense 2-4 chord punk rock from this Australian 3-piece. Best album of theirs yet in my opinion.
#6 Moonburn EP by Tropical Fuck Storm (Joyful Noise)
Amazing Australian art punk! They blew the top off of Lincoln Hall when they played in October.
#7 The Mars Volta by The Mars Volta (Clouds Hill)
The long awaited return of The Mars Volta! The album's music in general is much easier to digest than their previous prog-leaning post-hardcore albums, but it still incorporates lots of interesting songwriting choices that keep the album in The Mars Volta's progressive style.
#8 The Katy by The Katy (Lovechild Productions)
A wonderful new album from the keyboard-centric Cleveland indie combo.
#9 Highgrade by Tirzah (Domino Recording Company)
Dreamy remix album updating Tirzah's music from Colourgrade.
#10 It Was A Home by Kaina (City Slang)
Excellent soul/pop/R&B from this Chicago-based artist.
Honorable Mentions
*Mahal by Toro Y Moi
*Pompeii by Cate le Bon
*Billionaire Blastoff by George Crustanza
Next entry: CHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Noah J.
Previous entry: CHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Nov 28 - Dec 4)