CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Pete Zimmerman writes

Pete Zimmerman's Best of 2010

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2010. The next list is from CHIRP Radio DJ Pete Zimmerman.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   The record that I listened to the most this year. Sure, the comparisons to early Bob Dylan are inevitable, but I don’t mind since I love early Bob Dylan. The record also made me sign up for guitar lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music so be afraid, ears of people who know me.
2. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening (Virgin/DFA)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Not only did James Murphy put out an awesome record but he also made an appearance on The Soup with Community’s Donald Glover and that is pretty cool.
3. Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me (Drag City)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   I hate you, Andy Samberg.
4. Janelle Monáe – The Archandroid (Bad Boy)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   The only negative to this record is that it makes me want to dance and nobody should be subjected to that.
5. Aloe Blacc – Good Things (Stones Throw)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Thank you to HBO and “How to Make it in America” for introducing me to Mr. Blacc. Sometimes watching too much TV pays off.
6. Girl Talk – All Day (Illegal Art)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Two words: Spacehog. Toadies.
7. Allo Darlin’ – Allo Darlin’ (Fortuna Pop!)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Having a bad day? Need to feel better? I first put this record on 3 months ago and still have a smile on my face.
8. Robyn – Body Talk (Konichiwa)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   See description for #4. Robyn’s show at Pitchfork was one of the highlights of the summer and she ends the year with a bang.
9. Wild Nothing – Gemini (Captured Tracks)
   BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
   Sometimes being reminded of high school is okay.
10. Orgone – Cali Fever (Ubiquity)
    BUY: Amazon / Insound / iTunes
    If my guitar lessons don’t work out, I’m totally taking up the trombone.

Favorite Local Records of 2010
1. In Tall Buildings – In Tall Buildings (Whistler)
2. Gold Motel – Summer House (Good as Gold)
3. Disappears – Lux (Cranky)
4. Canasta – The Fakeout, The Tease, and the Breather (RWIM Chicago)
5. White Mystery – White Mystery (Self-Released)