Erin Van Ness writes
Technically, yes, you have until 11:59pm tomorrow evening when the ball drops to become one of the shiny, happy, proud 2011 members of the best radio station in Chicago. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be so busy checking out a show, enjoying the company of your loved ones, or watching the Navy Pier fireworks blaze that we thought we should send you a reminder today.
CHIRP has had an amazing ride in 2011. Through the highs (two best radio station nods!) and lows (a devastating flood in July) we’ve persisted with one major goal in mind: to provide you with the best local independent radio station there is. At the end of this rollercoaster that we call 2011, we ask you to take a minute to think about what CHIRP means to you.
Did you discover a new band or learn about a local organization? Did you listen to an interview with your favorite artist or see an amazing show? Did you purchase some unforgettable albums or attend a cool community event?
There’s More…
Erin Van Ness writes
Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from Erin Van Ness.
(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)
- The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart (Sub Pop)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
Beautiful harmonies and lyrics that sound like home. I might just be a small town girl at heart after all.
- Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now (Thirty Tigers)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
A breath of fresh air. This is what REAL country sounds like.
- M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
Anthony Gonzalez reimagines the grooves of the 80s and makes them sound new again. The child-like “Raconte-Moi Une Histoire” might be my favorite song of the year.
- Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire (Capitol)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
Heartfelt themes of lost love, longing, and regret show the softer side of this notoriously moody fella.
- Beirut – The Rip Tide (Pompeii)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
I love me some trumpet, what can I say? Same gorgeous sound, with an air of growth and maturity that makes this album feel more genuine to me.
- The Antlers – Burst Apart (Frenchkiss)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
There’s something about the Antlers’ music that just pulls at me, and this album is no exception. Lush, melodic, and beautiful.
- Tennis – Cape Dory (Fat Possum)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
If you can get past the ridiculous album cover, you’ll find a solid throwback pop album, perfect for reminiscing about breezy summer nights.
- The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow (Sensibility Music)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
Joy Williams and John Paul White were made to sing together. It’s as simple as that.
- The War on Drugs – Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
If Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen had a baby that grew up to be a musician, it might sound like this.
- Thao & Mirah – Thao & Mirah (Kill Rock Stars)
BUY: Insound / iTunes
Cute, playful, and quirky, this album plays to the strengths of both of these amazing ladies.
Erin Van Ness writes
Feeling an overflow of holiday cheer and not sure where to share it? How about sharing it with CHIRP by becoming a member of the Best Overall Radio Station in Chicago*!
As a 501(c )(3) charity organization, CHIRP will ensure that your tax-deductible gift of holiday cheer goes to good use this season—and all throughout the next year—by supporting our daily operations and continuing to provide you with the best local community radio in Chicago.
Become a member of CHIRP today by visiting chirpradio.org/donatenow and help us finish out the year strongly. Make a gift of $100 or more before December 31, and we’ll even give you one of our exclusive 2012 screen-printed calendars.
There’s More…
Erin Van Ness writes
In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, don’t forget the music!
When you click through our Insound affiliate links, CHIRP gets a percentage of the proceeds. Not only that, you can also receive a 10% discount on your purchase, perfect for last minute gifts and New Year surprises. Just visit chirpradio.org/insound and use coupon code holidaycheer10 before January 5, 2012.
Insound is an online multimedia record shop that stocks a medley of LPs, CD’s, DVD’s, record players, downloads, and other fabulous audible accompaniments. Insound also carries a limited edition of You Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977-1984, which includes a rare track LP, DVD, and a double-sided newsprint poster – a perfect gift for the little punk rock heart in all of us.
There’s More…
Erin Van Ness writes
When you hear the phrase “tis the season,” what’s the first thing you think of?
While it can mean something different to everyone – reliving concerts from the year with best friends, getting together with family far away, or finding the perfect present for a loved one – there is one meaning that everyone can agree upon: tis the season to give.
This holiday season, we encourage you to give back to CHIRP. Your tax-deductible gift will help CHIRP continue to provide the best in local, independent radio, homegrown here in Chicago.
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