CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Sara Miller writes

CHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Sara Miller)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from DJ Sara Miller.

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

1. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound – Want More (Bloodshot)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Chicago’s favorite soul crooner is back in full force with the fabulous Uptown Sound for their first release on Bloodshot. The only thing better than this album is seeing these guys live.
2. Various Artists – Thai? Dai!: The Heavier Side of the Luk Thung Underground – Finders Keepers
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Finders Keepers is at it again with an awesome collection of tracks I would have never known existed if it weren’t for them. A grab-bag of funky, pyschy, rocky tracks from Southeast Asia; what’s not to like? Also of note this year from Finder’s Keepers, Bollywood Bloodbath. Musical bits and pieces from Bollywood Horror flicks – fantastic. Next time you see ‘em, buy those fellas at Finder’s Keepers a drink.
3. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Bulletproof Brass EP (ChoiceCuts)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Need to get pumped up about something? Then listen to “Touch the Sky.” This Chicago band of brothers (literally) will have you up and out of your seat in no time. If that song doesn’t get you moving, then let’s face it, you were never going to run that marathon anyway.
4. Darren Johnston’s Gone to Chicago – The Big Lift (Porto Franco)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Some of the finest players in Chicago improv jazz appear on this album led by San Francisco trumpeter Darren Johnston. Want a taste of what’s going on with jazz in Chicago these days? Then give this album a spin and take a ride with “Glass Ceiling, Paper Floor.”
5. A Lull – Confetti (Mush)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This is one of those albums I bought just for one song, “Weapons of War.” After hearing that single, I knew I had to find out what else this Chicago band had to offer, and they didn’t let me down. I’m not sure why, but this album has become my defacto morning commute album. It’s somehow upbeat and calming at the same time. Kind of a perfect combination for a Chicago morning, just add coffee.
6. Booker T. Jones – The Road from Memphis – ANTI-
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   The brillant Booker T. is backed by the Roots on this album, and Questlove produces. That alone makes this a top ten. Add to that guest apperances by Matt Berninger, Sharon Jones, and Lou Reed. Must I say more?
7. Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting (Candent)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   I admit it, I have a crush on this man, and his music. I know James Blake is the young rising dubstep star of the year, and for good reason (he’s made my honorable mentions list); but there’s something about the R&B stylings of Woon than just slay me. I could listen to “Night Air” on repeat for days.
8. YACHT – Shangri-La (DFA)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Cramming for a final? Trapped at the office for another 15 hour day trying to meet a deadline? Try this album by YACHT. There’s enough dance pop energy here to get you through the longest of long terrible weeks. Liquified, it’s like drinking twelve 5-hour energies at once, just, not as bad for you.
9. Slow Club – Paradise (Moshi Moshi)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   This Sheffield duo knows how to create some mighty fine pop music if you ask me. The songs “Two Cousins” and “If We’re Still Alive” took up some serious real estate on my stereo this past fall after the September release. Also of note, the gorgeous black and white video for “Two Cousins.”
10. The Roots – Undun (Def Jam)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    I just listened to this album for the first time when it came out in early December, and I’ve been listening to it nonstop ever since. Undun has already gotten a ton of acclaim, and it’s sure to be a huge win for the Roots. Apparently, it’s the 13th time that’s the charm.

Honorable Mentions

• James Blake
  Bill Callahan
  Colin Stetson
  El Rego
  tUnE-yArDs