The Grammys
Oh hum.
I’ve never been much of a fan of award shows. In my position of Creative Director of Watchfire Music, I know I’m supposed to write about Inspirational Music, but…
If last night’s Grammys were at the top of your list then you’ll probably not be thrilled with this post. On the other hand, perhaps you ought to read on to find out a few further truths about the whole parade of stars.
Award shows in general are all a bit much for me. Rather than being a chance for performers to show their considerable talents, they all too often turn out to be displays of their giant egos.
Before I get grumpy, let me say that my favorite moment was definitely the Dave Matthews Band. Real music without all the hoopla. Of course it had a touch of the dramatic, bringing in all those moving stages of choirs and brass sections, etc., but that’s just rock n’ roll.
Here’s my problem with the Grammys: I think they’re kind of bogus. They aren’t awards for musical integrity or creative brilliance; they’re popularity shows. Who’s most popular or rather, who has the most effective PR team. Who has the most votes never was much of a decider for abilities. Just look at out presidential elections.
If the awards were decided by a jury of my peers – say, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, etc., then they would mean something, but when Taylor Swift (who is talented, beautiful, very real and certainly refreshing, but still, when all is said and done, just a teeny bopper) walks away with Album of the Year over giants like Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas and the Dave Matthews Band, then I find myself grumpily off to bed grumbling about the ludicrousness of award shows once again.
Oh hum, another year at the Grammys.
Jenny, as usual is right on — a voice crying in the wilderness.
Here, here, Jenny! To the point , as usual.
I have to concur with this blog. I give due respect to Taylor Swift as an artist in her own right, but I can’t help but wonder if Kanye West’s actions at last years VMA awards, grabbing the mic out of Taylor hands as she was to accept her first award, blurting out that the award should have gone to Beyonce has something to do with Taylor receiving awards ever since. Rude and inexcusable I know, but these are the things that makes a
person, especially us artists, go “Hum…”.
As I watched “Pink” dangle from the ceiling at the Grammys this year, singing perfectly, up, down the sideways, I still wondered, does it take this much to just sing a song! What she did was flawless and I applaud her accomplishment, but what’s left to do?
Yes, I’m old fashion and not from this generation, but I still think being able to stand flat footed and singing your butt off still works.
Taylor Swift seems like a nice enough young girl, but not album of the year. Whether one likes her or not, Lady Gaga should have gotten this award. With her, creative brilliance has a whole new meaning. I love all types of music, concerts, and stage shows and she was one of the best shows I have seen in quite some time. My age takes me back to the heights of Motown, but I love this woman’s music – daring, risk taking, and yes, provocative She’s a breath of fresh air in an industry of no-talent, lip-synching, self-absorbed individuals.