Good morning and welcome to Fitzie’s Wrapped!
After sharing my thoughts on Spotify Wrapped last week, I decided to reflect on my experiences in music over the past year in my own style.
In previous years, I enjoyed highlighting the records I purchased and concerts I attended. This year, however, I bought fewer albums, making it a bit more challenging, yet I still found some memorable moments. Let’s dive into some of the standout highlights.
One of my favorite purchases this year is Haim’s album “Women in Music Part III” on vibrant yellow vinyl. This album has quickly become one of my top picks in recent years, and while I’ve enjoyed the standard black vinyl, it was a delightful surprise to discover this variant at Reckless Records. Additionally, I came across some exciting Japanese pressings of iconic artists like Queen, Dexter Gordon, and Bill Evans. I might also have picked up a German pressing of The Beatles’ “Revolver,” although I’m not entirely sure if that was this year or last.
As for concerts, my absolute favorite was The Rolling Stones’ show in Denver, Colorado. After purchasing tickets for my dad back in 2019, our wait was extended due to the pandemic, but it was well worth it. Finally getting to see them live was an unforgettable experience, and they proved that they still put on one of the best performances, outshining many younger acts. Ronnie Wood truly stood out to me, and I loved seeing Keith Richards take the spotlight with his three-song segment while Mick Jagger rested offstage. The show was a non-stop journey through their iconic hits, starting with “Sympathy For the Devil,” showcasing how vast their catalog really is.
Other concerts that I enjoyed this year included performances by Jack White and Vampire Weekend. However, not all experiences were as uplifting. My least favorite concert was by The Decemberists in Washington, D.C. While I took a chance on them after enjoying their newer songs on the radio, the performance fell flat for me, even though I appreciated hearing “Burial Ground.” Their lengthy rendition of “Joan In The Garden” didn’t resonate well live.
When it comes to music preferences, my most-played band this year was likely The Grateful Dead, which might not surprise many of you.
As for radio, my favorite station remains 88.5M The SoCal Sound. While I was saddened to see my favorite DJ leave for a station in Chicago, I continue to appreciate the great music they offer.
Top new album of the year goes to “Songs of a Lost World” by The Cure, which I previously praised in a “Track of the Day.” It’s an excellent showcase of The Cure at their very best.
Finally, the top new song I enjoyed is “Coming to a Hoddle Near You,” and my featured track of the day is “Lost Changes” by Beth Gibbons.
To wrap things up, here are some interesting links to explore:
– “Things will get worse before they get better” for Spurs, by Jay Harris.
– Dan KP suggests Daniel Levy must support Ange Postecoglou in January.
– David Hytner discusses Postecoglou’s challenges with Spurs as fans call for more.
– PGMOL has made headlines by dismissing David Coote.
This year has offered a mix of music experiences, highlighting the joy and connection that concerts and albums can bring into our lives. Even amidst challenges, there are always remarkable moments waiting to be discovered.