[terry parr]

but the grammys try to portray themselves as if they were handing out the equivalent of the music oscar. 

i just object to the grammys use of the word "best."  how is it that the "best" something or other is also one of the most popular at the same time?  shouldn't it occasionally be the case where "the best" artist, album, performance by a duo or group or whatever would be something that most of the viewing public has never even heard of?  it would stand to reason, right?

at the oscars, at least some of their selections arn't also the highest box-office grossing films of the year.

it's possible that a film or a piece of music is better, than it is popular.   isn't it, grammys? 

sometimes artistic excellence and popularity can go hand in hand.  but not nearly as often as the grammys would like the general public to think.
     

[decal]

I often wonder why folks get so worked up over awards shows.

[Diamond Dog]

The Grammys aren't about art. They're about commerce. Not all that different from the Oscars, really.

D.D.

[terry parr]

i guess it's the pretense of it all.  (not that there won't be any good moments tomorrow night on the show.  there usually are some good moments
here and there).

but to have the organization giving the awards named the "national association of recording arts and sciences" and for them to say they are
"awarding excellence..."   really?  will this apply to everyone who makes it up on stage to accept an award? 

for anyone watching the show, keep that phrase in mind and see how often it applies to the winners as they give their acceptance speeches.

i just think the grammys has, in large parts turned into an almost cartoonish vegas-looking show. do the
producers feel they need to do this much, in order to keep peoples' interest in a music awards show?  (the brightly-colored, flashing lights, the
strobes, smoke effects, camera shots that quickly sweep and pan back-and-forth,  the quick edits (how long do they stay on the same shot, anyway?)  not long).  (a lot of it seems to be geared toward someone with attention deficit).   

my point with all this (and it's been a bit tongue-in-cheek.  i sound like a bitter old man who's positively outraged at how things have changed), my
point is that we already have awards shows that award the most popular and the biggest sellers.   

the grammys are pretty much doing the same thing, although the promotional material makes it sound as if the grammys are the benchmark
award for excellence in the field.

by the way, don king will be producing tomorrow night and handling publicity,  doug henning will be directing, siegfried and roy will be working the lights and jessica simpson's sound man has graciously agreed to lend his talents to the proceedings by being in charge of audio. (it's been
reported that he's insisting on a generous amount of canned, pre-recorded audio, saying:  "live audio can be a nightmare.  this ain't austin city
limits, you know.")     

   
 
     

           

[lonewolfny42]

And the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees Are...

[Diamond Dog]

And the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees Are...

As usual, a pretty mixed bag. Two observations: 

1) Nominations for Rock Song of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for Muse would seem to indicate that in America, cheese consumption was indeed up over the past year...and

2) If Frank Ocean beats Chris Brown for Best Urban Contemporary Album, Brown could be leaving in a police car tonight. Heads up, Rhianna !

D.D.

[Letitroll98]

As usual, a pretty mixed bag. Two observations: 

1) Nominations for Rock Song of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for Muse would seem to indicate that in America, cheese consumption was indeed up over the past year...and

2) If Frank Ocean beats Chris Brown for Best Urban Contemporary Album, Brown could be leaving in a police car tonight. Heads up, Rhianna !

D.D.

 

Actually, I think K'naan should win, what a groundbreaking album.  But then again, I haven't watched the Grammys or paid attention to who wins for a couple of decades now, so maybe he won last year.   

[Diamond Dog]

Actually, I think K'naan should win, what a groundbreaking album.  But then again, I haven't watched the Grammys or paid attention to who wins for a couple of decades now, so maybe he won last year.   

Big K'naan fan here, too. I thought his first album was terrific, the second was the suits trying to turn him into something he's not with sketchy results, while the third struck a better balance. He's a force live, too.
That Frank Ocean album Channel Orange  deserves all the hype - it's really good. Check into it if you haven't yet.

They should announce the Best Urban Contemporary Album winner last...Imagine the last five minutes of the Grammys looking like the last five minutes of Blazing Saddles. Ratings bonanza.

D.D.

[mix4fix]

And the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees Are...

No wonder why I listen to older music.

[Letitroll98]

Yeah, it's a pretty horrible list of pop junk.  Another reason why I don't pay much attention.

[lonewolfny42]

I "pay attention" to the Jazz and Classical picks ....good selections there..

[terry parr]

LIVE UPDATE:  THE 55TH GRAMMYS:  LOS ANGELES,CA  11:40AM PST  02/10/13

in an effort to add more "visual interest" to the awards show this evening, we're thrilled to have secured the services of gene bowling, who as
most of you probably know, is part of the team that creates those inspiring and magical water fountain displays at the bellagio fountains at the bellagio hotel in las vegas.  we're confident that mr. bowling will create a bit of magic for us this evening.  (just don't call him "the
fountain guy".  he hates that).  he has a degree in hydrology.  and he's usually quick to point this out. (i should have introduced him as "hydrologist
gene bowling".)   sorry, gene.   we'll have an indoor water fountain tonight, guys!  

as far as someone to oversee costume design, it's regrettable that we have to report that wayne newton has cancelled at the last minute.  so, it
appears that everyone attending will be "on their own" as far as what to wear.  we're scrambling at the present time, continuing our conversations
with representatives of the local costume designers guild in order to avert possible disaster this evening. 

stay tuned for further updates. 

[jhm731]

For those interested in watching the Pre-Telecast GRAMMY Awards show tomorrow, and see the announcement of the three categories that CENTENNIAL is nominated for (Best Instrumental Arrangement, Best Instrumental Arrangement Featuring a Vocalist, and Best Large Jazz Ensemble), you can watch it LIVE online:

http://www.grammy.com/live

It starts SUNDAY, Feb. 10th at 1:00pm (west coast)/4:00pm (east coast).