Each month, one of CHIRP Radio’s tastemaker DJs curates a selection of vinyl specially designed to make your ears happy. This month’s installment is curated by DJ Val Wojs.

Here’s a Concept: Narrative Albums!
Our selection this month celebrates the art of storytelling through four different genres, proving not all concept albums are prog Rock Operas. In a world of streaming and auto-generated playlists, the best part about concept albums is that they require a record to be played all the way through – a perfect reason to sit back and enjoy Both Sides Now.

Owen Pallett – Heartland (2010)
Set in the imaginary realm of Spectrum, the songs of Owen Pallett’s 2010 Polaris Music Prize nominated album Heartland tell the story of Lewis, a “young, ultra-violent farmer,” commanded by an all-powerful narrator named Owen. On Pallett’s first (and only) orchestral album, listeners are taken on a sonic journey through their mastery of pop melodies, blended with electronica and strings, accompanied by the story of deities, theologies, and the nature of fate.

Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville (1993)
In her critically acclaimed debut album Exile in Guyville, Chicago artist Liz Phair set out to craft a song-by-song response to the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Mainstreet, deconstructing white, male indie-rock oppression in the most poetic way possible. Themes aside, Exile in Guyville is a ‘90s low-fi feminist masterpiece that stands on its own as an all-time great.

The Roots – Undun (2011)
Undun is an existential narrative album from The Roots, told in reverse-chronology, about the fictional character Redford Stevens’s short, tragic life in urban poverty, touching on themes of morality, death, and social injustice. Featuring artists from Big K.R.I.T. to Sufjan Stevens, Questlove’s signature snare-driven beats, some neo soul elements, keyboard soundscapes, strings, and choral arrangements, Undun is an essential album in hip-hop history.

Rush – 2112 (1976)
It wouldn’t be a real conversation about concept albums without a bit of prog rock. The 21-minute opening title track of Rush’s 1976 album 2112 tells the story of a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime controls all aspects of life and suppresses individuality and creativity. The story’s protagonist discovers an ancient guitar and learns to create music, which he presents to the priests, hoping to inspire change. You’ll have to listen all the way through to find out how the saga ends.

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Step into a realm where the music takes center stage and vinyl records reign supreme. Introducing Both Sides Now: A CHIRP Vinyl Listening Bar — a monthly oasis for music aficionados and introverts alike. Nestled in the cozy upstairs room of Schubas Tavern, this unique event happens every first Wednesday of the month. Our vinyl listening bar, inspired by the captivating tradition popularized in post-World War II Japan, celebrates the pure joy of listening. Embracing the ethos of listening bars around the world, we prioritize the sublime experience of vinyl, brought to life through stellar sound systems. Experience your favorite albums played front to back in full high fidelity, while enjoying drink and food offerings from Schubas Tied House. Let the DJs from CHIRP Radio 107.1FM curate the sonic journey each month as you savor the symphony. “Both Sides Now” is your sanctuary, an introvert’s dream where the focus is on the music, not loud conversations or bustling dance floors. Join us and immerse yourself in the world of vinyl, one needle drop at a time.

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