Good morning and welcome to Fitzie’s Wrapped!
Last week, I expressed my frustrations with Spotify’s Wrapped feature, but this time I’m sharing my own year-end reflection.
In previous years, I enjoyed showcasing my record purchases and the concerts I attended. Unfortunately, my album purchases were lower this year, but I still found some standout moments and lucky experiences at concerts. Let’s dive into the highlights.
Fitzie’s favorite purchase: Haim’s “Women in Music Part III” on yellow vinyl. This album has quickly become one of my favorites, and I’ve played the standard black vinyl often. It’s been quite a challenge to find variants, so I was thrilled to discover this one at Reckless Records. Additionally, I stumbled across some fascinating Japanese pressings from Queen, Dexter Gordon, and Bill Evans. Though I can’t recall if I picked up a German pressing of The Beatles’ “Revolver” this year or last, it’s certainly a cherished find.
Fitzie’s favorite concert: The Rolling Stones in Denver, Colorado. After years of anticipation, I finally got to see The Rolling Stones live. I initially bought tickets for my dad back in 2019, but then the pandemic hit, causing rescheduling delays at the venue. Nearly five years later, we attended the show, and it was absolutely worth the wait! The Stones delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing their energy and talent, leaving younger artists in the dust. Ronnie Wood stood out during the concert, and Keith Richards had his own three-song segment that was a blast. The setlist was a treasure trove of hits, starting with “Sympathy for the Devil.”
Other concerts that I enjoyed included performances by Jack White and Vampire Weekend.
Fitzie’s least favorite concert: The Decemberists in Washington, D.C. Perhaps they’re just not my cup of tea? I took a chance on this show after hearing a few newer songs on the radio. While I enjoyed “Burial Ground,” the overall experience felt lackluster, especially with their lengthy 16-minute rendition of “Joan in the Garden” that didn’t quite translate to a live setting.
Most-played band of the year: The Grateful Dead. No surprise there!
Fitzie’s favorite radio station: 88.5M The SoCal Sound. This station has been my go-to since 2018. Although I was saddened by my favorite DJ’s departure to a station in Chicago, the great music continues.
Top new album: “Songs of a Lost World” by The Cure. I previously highlighted it as a Track of the Day due to its brilliance—it’s truly The Cure at their finest.
Top new song: “Coming to a huddle near you.”
Fitzie’s track of the day: “Lost Changes” by Beth Gibbons.
In addition to my highlights, here are some relevant links regarding football and sports updates:
– Jay Harris discusses the future outlook for Spurs.
– Dan KP emphasizes the need for Daniel Levy to support Ange Postecoglou in January.
– David Hytner explores Postecoglou’s challenges amid fan demand for more.
– The PGMOL has made headlines with the sacking of David Coote.
Overall, while the past year may have had its challenges in music attendance, there were still plenty of memorable moments to celebrate. Looking ahead, I remain hopeful for more fantastic music and concert experiences in the coming year.