Mai + Charlie’s Top 5 Albums of 2022
By Mai
While 2021 felt like 2020 2.0, 2022 felt like a new page. The pandemic wasn't over (at least not in SF), but wary optimism meant local bands played and both U.S.-based and international bands toured. Sure, once in awhile, I'd see a band and later hear their subsequent shows got canceled. Or, bands slated to play would cancel due to sickness, sometimes because of body exhaustion and (in a refreshing era of transparency) sometimes because of mental exhaustion.
But as always, there were bright moments in music this year, including splurging on good seats for Bjork at the Chase Center and attending with my BFF while tripping on 'shrooms. I had a chance dinner with a musician I long admired and we discussed music and TV shows. While attending the Oakland Weekender I found camaraderie with other attendees as we listened to exceptionally good bands play. And I can't underscore the privilege I felt to be able to go to the Mosswood Meltdown to see The Linda Lindas, Bikini Kill, Hunx and His Punx, Brontez Purell, Kim Gordon, and Shannon Shaw and, of course, I ran into decades-old friends, all day long.
I spent this year healing from an operation, dealing with grief, and traveling to put myself in another frame of mind. Everything felt raw and living moment to moment was necessary for self preservation. Music, once again, saved and consoled me. It always does.
And while I can't predict the next 12 months, it's a comfort to know we'll always have music. So, here are my top five albums released this year.
