Music Monday | The Grammys 2012

I watched The Grammys last night. Yeah, the entire thing. Didn't plan to or expect to. Honestly, I didn't want to. But somehow I did. I think it was the opening set with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and a fantastic number from Bruno Mars that kinda hooked me. Plus my wife was begging to see Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney, and that was way into the night.

I enjoyed it, generally. Foo Fighters sounded annoyingly pitchy (& I like them), Chris Brown was mostly a bore, Nicki Minaj was trying to be creative and provocative, but ended up trying too hard & failing. Otherwise, I enjoyed the Best New Artist win by Bon Iver and the awkward "acceptance" speech (also winning Best Alt Music Album). The brief version of "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars was some of the best music played all night and they pulled in a couple of Grammys.

Adele was wonderful, and post-surgery victorious with a powerful performance and arms loaded with awards. Colplay + Rihanna was a match made in purgatory (as was Tony Bennett & Carrie Underwood), but Coldplay's anthemic "Paradise" was excellent and my kids loved it (buy the song for $0.59 if you don't want the entire Mylo Xyloto). Mumford & Sons went home empty-handed, but you don't have to: Sigh No More is only $3.99 today. The Beach Boys big tribute thingy with Levine & Foster the People? Meh. 

There was a bunch of other stuff too, but I'm not doing a big recap. Just wanted to share a few thoughts on what they want us to believe is "music's biggest night." It was bigger and better than usual, but still, most the best stuff out there isn't on pop radio or at The Grammys. But it's still worth talking about.

Comments

[Rick Bennett]

You wife was begging? I guess you control the remote with an iron fist.

[Steve McCoy]

Anything for my beauty.

[Rick Bennett]

I am not sure if Driscoll would be happy you own the remote, or sad you let your wife make you watch he Whitney tribute;)

[Bill Kinnon]

Umm. That'd be "Sigh No More", oh great teacher of all things musical. (As you turned me on to M&S in the 1st place, along with my now all time fave, Elbow.)

The Civil Wars and Abe Laboriel's drumming on the McCartney End were the highlights of the night for me.

Nicki Minaj was sad and pathetic - along with the old white guys who produced this Grammy show.

I loved Deadmau5 head gear. I think that might preach - especially in the open air. :-)

[Steve McCoy]

Bill, I've always caught that spelling mistake...until now. Thanks for calling me out on it. ;) I meant to mention the Deadmau5 headgear. Was pretty cool. Most people were like, Wha?

[Bill Kinnon]

Being the quiet Canadian type he is, Deadmau5 has to do something for attention. I wonder if it would work for me??????

I do wish that Mumford & Sons had one something. Love those guys. And I typed Sign No More when I went to correct you. Good thing I double checked.

Now am off to listen to the Civil Wars free NoiseTrade download.

[Steve McCoy]

Bill, you said you wish Mumford had "one" something. BOOM! :)

[Steve McCoy]

Rick, I asked Driscoll what he thought and then I realized I was at a video venue and he couldn't actually interact with me. :)

[Jenn Hagerman]

I really liked Coldplay's performance last night. This new album is the only one we don't have. Do you think it's worth buying the whole album or just that song?

[Steve McCoy]

Jenn, good question. I don't own Mylo Xyloto & haven't been all that thrilled with their last couple of albums. But that performance alone has me interested again. That said, still not sure if I'm getting the whole album.

[Rick Bennett]

:)

[Bill Kinnon]

I could pretend it was intentional... so I will. :-)

[Steve McCoy]

I can accept that. :)

[John Hocking]

First of all, thanks for posting all the video posts about Bon Iver. Since I didn't get to see the awards last night, it was nice to see Justin accept the award.
I tried to watch a couple videos from the show online tonight but all that I was able to conclude is that Lady Gaga really likes the night and is a freak show.

On the subject of Coldplay's newest album Mylo Xyloto, I have all their albums and am surprised at how poorly this album has been received compared to their previous offerings, it really is an excellent album comparable to Viva La Vida or X & Y at the very least.

[Steve McCoy]

Hey John. Miss you guys. I miss you guys about as much as I miss Coldplay's older albums. :)

[John Hocking]

I thought of a cheesy line about you being yellow but I will relent.