Chicago has long been a great breeding ground for excellent music across multiple genres.
Two of the city’s most outstanding artists, Makaya McCraven and Wilco, released solid albums in 2022.
They were joined by a diverse group of fellow musicians who made this a banner year for local sounds.
They include Ben LaMar Gay, who collaborates with McCraven, and a young new group, Horsegirl, which was signed to the stalwart indie label Matador.
Both McCraven and Gay released albums on the Chicago label International Anthem, which, each year, turns out really intriguing music.
Another Chicago label, Drag City, released the latest from eclectic locals Bitchin Bajas.
Here are some releases I liked from Chicago artists in 2022:
Bitchin Bajas – Bajascillators
Ben LaMar Gay – Certain Reveries
Horsegirl – Versions of Modern Performance
Makaya McCraven – In These Times
All the Young Punks 