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Steven Grady writesCHIRP Radio’s Best of 2022: Steven Grady
Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2022. Our next list is from DJ Steven Grady.
#1 Shufflemania! by Robyn Hitchcock (Tiny Ghost)
In pandemic-riddled 2020, Robyn Hitchcock wrote and recorded several tracks and then emailed them randomly to various artists to overdub as they wished.
The result? His first studio release in five years, sporting a worthy cast of musicians including former Soft Boys mates Kimberley Rew and Morris Windsor, Johnny Marr, Seán Ono Lennon, Brendan Benson, and longtime companion Emma Swift. Hitchcock reinvents himself yet again, serving up a self-described antidote, not about the world we live in, but a reaction to it.
From Socrates to Scorpio to serpent gods, Shufflemania! is yet another masterpiece Hitchcock has added to his wonderfully unique discography.
#2 Godfinger by Outronaut (self-released)
Godfinger, the latest EP from Chicago powerhouse rockers Outronaut, manifests the magic energy of their charismatic live sets. One of 2022's finest recordings put to tape features a rare vocal offering from guitar whiz/songwriter Steve Gerlach.
No note is wasted on this hard-edged handful of mostly instrumental-crafted gems that collectively haunt, harass, and harmonize in several different tempos. Godfinger features Gerlach and fellow guitar gangster Peter Muschong attack through their respective axes creating a pleasing symphonically addictive twang.
The listener's only regret is that there aren't more songs to enjoy. Godfinger further cements Outronaut's place as one of the finest local bands, if not elsewhere.
#3 Innate Passage by Elder (Stickman)
Originally from Massachusetts, now Berlin-based quartet Elder has been releasing doom metal and stoner rock with psychedelic elements since 2006. Innate Passage reflects clearly Elder's conscious decision to detour sharply to the avenue of pure progressive rock.
The results are satisfying and impressive. Original members Nick DiSalvo (vocals, guitar) and Jack Donovan (bass) return with newer members Mike Risberg (guitar, keyboards) and Georg Edert (drums) to generate a handful of lengthy exciting prog tracks that delight those who fancy the complex guitar riff as well as the cool time signature change.
#4 Once Around Again by Phil Angotti (self-released)
Local treasure Phil Angotti has the gift of listening and allowing his writing style to reflect those who have a great influence on him. Angotti's Once Around Again channels some of the greatest songwriters and arrangers of the most important music of the 20th century, especially from the British Invasion era.
If you share Phil's appreciation for this sound, you can pretty much count on hearing the first few notes of each song on this album knowing that you will instantly like the entire song, start to finish.
#5 Minstrel Class by Ari Pappalardo (self-released)
Minstrel Class is a very powerful, well-balanced collection of "take me seriously" tunes, on the fringes of pop rock, from this talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Raleigh, NC. Pappalardo is a soul-connected artist to be reckoned with as his strong, emotive vocals on this record are emblematic of his songwriting talent.
#6 Dreamkiller by Sumerlands (Relapse)
This is predominantly 21st century-produced metal with a not unfamiliar sound that often harkens back to early 1980s metal.
Of significance is the replacement of former lead singer Phil Swanson by former Magic Circle frontman Brendan Radigan (Battering Ram, Stone Dagger) who boasts an almost superhuman vocal register. Sounding considerably less doomy than its first release, Sumerlands, at times, proves that it also can evoke a contemporary sound.
The majority of the record clings closer to the Maiden-era with a more “classic” metal style, courtesy of guitar player (and notably prolific producer and master engineer) Arthur Rizk. Rizk often weaves and harmonizes up and down the fret board well with fellow axeman John Powers throughout the LP.
#7 XOPA by Making Movies (Cosmica Artists)
Kansas City, Missouri's Making Movies recorded XOPA, a fusion of Afro-Latine rhythms with rock, in the birthplace of American rock 'n roll, Memphis, Tennessee.
XOPA is also a certain microcosm of the American history of music, in a way, sung entirely "in Spanish by an immigrant band with a Black drummer from America," as described by vocalist/guitarist Enrique Chi.
Making Movies decided to capture its live aura in the studio, blending retro and modern sounds after Ruben Blades invited them to share the stage with him in Mexico City at the Auditorio Nacional.
Making Movies wrote and recorded XOPA in 2020 when most of the world was dealing with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The collective result is stunningly powerful from the first listen.
#8 Godmother by Josephine Foster (Fire)
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and anachronistic folk recording artist Josephine Foster breathes new life into her fascinating and ever-evolving catalogue of music.
Co-starring with her most distinctively timeless voice and strumming acoustic guitar on Godmother, her 19th longplayer, is none other than a giant Technics thrift store keyboard.
At the recording and mixing board is Cooper Crain (Cave/Bitchin' Bajas) who blends Colorado-native Foster's vocals adroitly against themselves by way of double-tracking and harmonizing. This is a most unique record from a most unique artist who at one time, decades ago, made Chicago her home.
#9 Song of Salvation by Dream Unending (20 Buck Spin)
Prog doom project Dream Unending (guitarist Derrick Vella of Tomb Mold and drummer/vocalist Justin DeTore of Sumerlands, Innumerable Forms) wastes no time releasing its follow-up to 2021's debut Tide Turns Eternal with the ambitiously epic Song of Salvation.
Produced by esteemed metal recording veteran Arthur Rizk (guitar player of Sumerlands), Song of Salvation enlists several special guests summoned to offer their talents to this five-track collection.
#10 Fenice by Ufomammut (Neurot)
Italian alchemists and power trio Ufomammut return with their ninth studio album, Fenice, via Neurot Recordings.
For over 20 years, Ufomammut has combined the heaviness and majesty of dynamic riff worship with a nuanced understanding of psychedelic tradition and history in music, creating a cosmic, futuristic, and technicolor sound destined for absolute immersion.
Fenice (meaning Phoenix in Italian) symbolically represents endless rebirth and the ability to start again after everything seems doomed. The album is the first recording with new drummer Levre, and truly marks a new chapter in Ufomammut history.
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