Sunday, December 26, 2021

My Top 40 albums of 2021

By my rough count, I listened to somewhere around 224 new releases in 2021(albums and EPs). This is pandemic living: working at home, not going anywhere, and having more time to listen to music on my stereo and laptop. Of course, music continued to be strong therapy for me as 2021 did not turn out as we hoped. The promise of vaccines was dashed by anti-vaxxers, misinformation, and variants. At least there was some live music, and yet we head into 2022, not knowing if and when we get back something more akin to pre-2020 life. 

One thing about the incredible volume of music I listened to: so much of it was good. There are many fine albums that were pushed out, just because of there was so much to choose from, and if I did this list a month later, some of these selections would change. Anyway, the rankings aren't arbitrary, but the further down the list, the more incremental the quality differential is. Still, I like the order of making a list. One more thing -- this is my best of, which is really just my favorite records. If you disagree, make your own list. It's fun.

Saturday, December 25, 2021

December 25, 2021 CHIRP Radio Playlist (Show #602)

9:00 AM Pilot • It's Christmas • single • Parlophone

9:03 AM Norah Jones • Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones) • I Dream of Christmas • Blue Note

9:06 AM Jordanna • Saying Goodbye (featuring Mother Nature) • The Full Story • Self-Released

9:12 AM Ballboy • Merry Christmas to the Drunks, Merry Christmas to the Lovers • Merry Christmas to the Drunks, Merry Christmas to the Lovers • self-released

Saturday, December 18, 2021

December 18, 2021 CHIRP Radio Playlist (Show #601)

9:01 AM Michael Nesmith • Some of Shelly's Blues • Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash • RCA

9:04 AM Céu • Criminal • Um Gosto de Sol • Urban Jungle

9:08 AM Desert Liminal • Jewel Box • Glass Fate • Whited Sepulchre

9:14 AM Nell and the Flaming Lips • The Ship Song • Where the Viaduct Looms • Bella Union

Saturday, December 4, 2021

December 4, 2021 CHIRP Radio Playlist (Show #600)

9:00 AM Haircut 100 • Love Plus One • Pelican West • Arista

9:04 AM Jorja Smith • The One • Lost & Found • RCA

9:07 AM M Sage • The Cat Forgotten in the Moon (featuring Chihei Hatakeyama) • Wants a Diamond Pivot Bright • Florabelle

9:12 AM Kali Uchis & Ozuna • Another Day in America • single • Interscope