The Grammys “get hip”
Who the hell watches the Grammy awards anymore? Were they ever relevant? Don’t they just go by what sells the most? These are all questions that have probably streamed through your head once and awhile, especially this time of the year when announcements are made and the over-saturated music industry is narrowed down to typically it’s lamest and weaker areas (e.g. Hinder, anyone?). However, that doesn’t seem to be the case this time around, no not at all.
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will take place February 8, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The albums nominated were pulled from the “eligible year” that was October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. Yes, that means Radiohead’s In Rainbows is a contender, and yes, Radiohead’s In Rainbows is indeed a nominee. It might also surprise you to know that Lil’ Wayne is the top leading contender with eight, you’ve read that correct, nominations in tow. Then, naturally, there’s Coldplay with seven and Kanye West with six. However, a closer look down will show some nominations for Eddie Vedder’s “Rise” (”Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance”), Death Cab for Cutie’s tremendous Narrow Stairs (”Best Alternative Music” album), and even Beck’s Modern Guilt (”Best Alternative Music” album). Talk about hip, huh? Guess it took fifty years for common sense to kick in.
That’s not to say all things have changed. Just one glance at the “Best New Artist” nominations (e.g. Adele, Duffy, Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Jazmine Sullivan) will have plenty reaching for the doggie bag. Then there’s the “over the top” Kid Rock song (”All Summer Long”) chiming in for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance”. Really? How can that song be even considered? Too bad Warren Zevon bit the dust, because he’d shoot Rock himself for using his “Werewolves of London” melody, a song he hated himself. Also, where’s Vampire Weekend?
Gripes aside, it’s a good start.
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scott, do you think I could have a cut of the profits you receive from the Grammys? I’d love to be a PR rep too.
Haha, I kid. True. But the fact that Lil’ Wayne is a leading contender is pretty novel, even if I don’t agree with it at all. And as for Beck, it’s just nice to see the artist get some acclaim for that album. Personally, I feel that album was swept under the mat.
I have to disagree with the entire premise of the article. Every year, the Grammys nominate a few acts you’d consider “hip”. In recent years, nominees have included Sigur Ros, Bjork, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Arcade Fire. This year is no different in that regard. And why the mention of Beck as a sign that the Grammys are changing? This is his 12th nomination in the past 14 years.
Im totally excitted that The Raconteurs were nominated for best rock album, because it was truelly the best rock album of the year.
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