Chuck P hosted “Dead Air” on the late and great Indie 103.1; now he has an eponymous program on KCRW Sunday nights at midnight devoted to a blend of indie rock/pop and world curiosity. He was kind enough to share his top albums of the year with us and give us some insight as to why they appear on his list.

WILD FLAG – WILD FLAG

One of the mot satisfying rock records of the year from this indie rock supergroup.

BEIRUT – THE RIP TIDE

Zach Condon returns with another brilliant album of soulful gypsy styles.

EMA – PAST LIFE MARTYRED SAINTS

Erika Anderson is one of my favorite new artists of the year. An excellent
array of styles and moods on the debut LP.

TAMIKREST – TOUMASTIC

Another band in the vein of Tinariwen and Terakaft (who both also had excellent new albums this year).

BRAVE IRENE – BRAVE IRENE

The new album from Rose Melberg (of Tiger Trap and Softies fame) went under most peoples radars this year. Should have been on other folks top tens of the year because it’s pop perfection.

ALVARIUS B. – BAROQUE PRIMATIVA

One third of the legendary and sadly now defunct Sun City Girls, Alan Bishop released one of the most hard to find LPs of the year… luckily, it’s also been issued on CD for those who slept on the wax.

GOOGOOSH – GOOGOOSH

An amazing reissue of music from the Persian pop princess from Iran circa 1970.

THESE TRAILS – THESE TRAILS

Hawaiian psych folk from 1973. I’ve had this album for nearly 15 years waiting for it to be reissued and Drag City granted my wish.

VARIOUS ARTISTS – THE AMAZING ZIGZAG CONCERT

This compilation features 4 hours of music on 5 CDs from the 1974 live
event for the 5 year anniversary of Zigzag Magazine. A limited one
time run of 2000 copies of this never before released music. No
videos, but here’s what Rolling Stone’s David Fricke had to say about
it.

JOHN CARTER/BOBBY BRADFORD- THE COMPLETE REVELATION

In my search for free jazz from Los Angeles, I stumbled across John
Carter a couple of years ago. An amazing artist that influenced many
LA jazz musicians, this compilation featuring long time performing
partner Bobby Bradford is an excellent place to start.

LISTEN TO CHUCK P EVERY SUNDAY AT MIDNIGHT ON 89.9 KCRW OR ON KCRW.COM